Apr 2, 2017, 9:28 pm
Last edit by: Bohemian1
Moderator note: Any questions regarding availability/fare buckets on a specific flight or flights should be posted in the fare bucket check request thread. Any such posts in this thread will be deleted.
Q: When should I use eUpgrades, and when should I use AC Bid?
A: For starters, you can use both of them on a single booking. If one upgrade is accepted, the other is cancelled at no cost to you. One thing to consider is that eUpgrade priority is highly influenced by your Aeroplan Elite status and the fare class of the original ticket, but AC Bid is influenced by your bid as compared to other people. If you don't have a high Aeroplan Elite status, AC Bid may be the better choice for you.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade do I get additional SQM / SQD now for my flights?
A: No.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
A: No.
Q: When will I find out if my bid was successful?
A: You will be sent an email within 36 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Q: If I am successfully upgraded, which baggage limit applies?
A: The baggage rules of the upgraded ticket apply. Note that this is different than eUpgrades, where the original tickets baggage rules still apply.
Q: When do I pay for a bid?
A: Your credit card is only charged when the bid is accepted, which will happen no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Note that if your card is declined, even temporarily for a fraud check, you will lose the bid and will not get another opportunity.
Q: Can I cancel an AC Bid?
A: Yes, but only until 48 hours before departure.
Q: If I cancel the booking after successfully bidding for an upgrade, or if I miss the flight, will I get a refund?
A: No.
Q: If Air Canada rebooks me on another flight, what happens to my AC Bid upgrade?
A: You keep it and Air Canada will put you in the upgraded cabin on the new flight. If the new flight does not have Premium Economy, or if there are not enough Business class seats, then your AC Bid will be refunded.
Q: I have a flight going from XXX to YYY on DD-MM-YY and the minimum bid is $ZZZ - what are my chances / what should I bid?
A: No one here really knows how Plusgrade as implemented by AC really 'decides' which bids to accept.
There are so many potential variables that it's best just to bid what you feel the upgrade is worth to you.
AC Bid Upgrade - FAQs
If your upgrade request is accepted, the fare conditions for the original ticket you purchased shall remain in effect and will be applicable with respect to cancellation policies, change fees, conditions for minimum and maximum stay, and rules relating to the accrual of frequent flyer miles. All other conditions will be per the upgraded fare class.
On the AC website:
"AC Bid Upgrade - Your opportunity to travel in a higher cabin class"
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Q: When should I use eUpgrades, and when should I use AC Bid?
A: For starters, you can use both of them on a single booking. If one upgrade is accepted, the other is cancelled at no cost to you. One thing to consider is that eUpgrade priority is highly influenced by your Aeroplan Elite status and the fare class of the original ticket, but AC Bid is influenced by your bid as compared to other people. If you don't have a high Aeroplan Elite status, AC Bid may be the better choice for you.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade do I get additional SQM / SQD now for my flights?
A: No.
Q: If I use a Bid Upgrade on an International Flight leaving YYZ/YVR do I get access to the Signature Lounge?
A: No.
Q: When will I find out if my bid was successful?
A: You will be sent an email within 36 to 48 hours prior to your departure.
Q: If I am successfully upgraded, which baggage limit applies?
A: The baggage rules of the upgraded ticket apply. Note that this is different than eUpgrades, where the original tickets baggage rules still apply.
Q: When do I pay for a bid?
A: Your credit card is only charged when the bid is accepted, which will happen no earlier than 48 hours before departure. Note that if your card is declined, even temporarily for a fraud check, you will lose the bid and will not get another opportunity.
Q: Can I cancel an AC Bid?
A: Yes, but only until 48 hours before departure.
Q: If I cancel the booking after successfully bidding for an upgrade, or if I miss the flight, will I get a refund?
A: No.
Q: If Air Canada rebooks me on another flight, what happens to my AC Bid upgrade?
A: You keep it and Air Canada will put you in the upgraded cabin on the new flight. If the new flight does not have Premium Economy, or if there are not enough Business class seats, then your AC Bid will be refunded.
Q: I have a flight going from XXX to YYY on DD-MM-YY and the minimum bid is $ZZZ - what are my chances / what should I bid?
A: No one here really knows how Plusgrade as implemented by AC really 'decides' which bids to accept.
There are so many potential variables that it's best just to bid what you feel the upgrade is worth to you.
AC Bid Upgrade - FAQs
If your upgrade request is accepted, the fare conditions for the original ticket you purchased shall remain in effect and will be applicable with respect to cancellation policies, change fees, conditions for minimum and maximum stay, and rules relating to the accrual of frequent flyer miles. All other conditions will be per the upgraded fare class.
On the AC website:
"AC Bid Upgrade - Your opportunity to travel in a higher cabin class"
https://upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada
Air Canada Bid Upgrade Program
Nov 21, 2017, 2:36 pm
#482
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,428
Nov 24, 2017, 6:38 am
#484
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Moncton, NB, Canada
Programs: AC MM+
Posts: 197
I'm waitlisted for upgrades with eUps for AC 90 and 91, O fare waiting for positive P space. I then put in bids for upgrades. Now, both the eUps site and bid to upgrade sites are giving me errors. Is this normal, did I 'break' the fragile AC IT system by making a request under both systems?
Nov 25, 2017, 1:26 pm
#485
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: somewhere north of stateside...
Posts: 4,153
I'm surprised they are requiring a P9 to drop the minimum bid, as they are under no obligation to accept a bid if the cabin books up.
My Europe-Canada flight is showing J9 C9 D9 Z9 P8 R0 O3 E0 N0 Y5 B5 M5 U5 H2 Q0... just before Christmas. I'm booked in PE and the lowest offer has been steady at CAD810. We're still a few weeks out, but this would seem to be the sort of flight at risk of requiring op-ups - so I'd think they'd be looking to monetize upgrades where possible.
My Europe-Canada flight is showing J9 C9 D9 Z9 P8 R0 O3 E0 N0 Y5 B5 M5 U5 H2 Q0... just before Christmas. I'm booked in PE and the lowest offer has been steady at CAD810. We're still a few weeks out, but this would seem to be the sort of flight at risk of requiring op-ups - so I'd think they'd be looking to monetize upgrades where possible.
Nov 25, 2017, 2:39 pm
#486
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
I'm surprised they are requiring a P9 to drop the minimum bid, as they are under no obligation to accept a bid if the cabin books up.
My Europe-Canada flight is showing J9 C9 D9 Z9 P8 R0 O3 E0 N0 Y5 B5 M5 U5 H2 Q0... just before Christmas. I'm booked in PE and the lowest offer has been steady at CAD810. We're still a few weeks out, but this would seem to be the sort of flight at risk of requiring op-ups - so I'd think they'd be looking to monetize upgrades where possible.
My Europe-Canada flight is showing J9 C9 D9 Z9 P8 R0 O3 E0 N0 Y5 B5 M5 U5 H2 Q0... just before Christmas. I'm booked in PE and the lowest offer has been steady at CAD810. We're still a few weeks out, but this would seem to be the sort of flight at risk of requiring op-ups - so I'd think they'd be looking to monetize upgrades where possible.
Nov 25, 2017, 4:00 pm
#488
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,428
Looking for suggestions on bidding for J or trying for a LMU and/or eupg. I have enough eupg for one way and SE status.
I am in low PE. Both flights are Y9 so pretty sure no op-ups. All flights are within the 14 day SE upg window.
YYZ-ICN. J9, C9, P9, R9. USD $925 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
TPE-YVR J9, C9, Z8, P0, R1. USD $505 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
So seems like the bid price is lower on TPE-YVR even though the YYZ-ICN has P9, R9 while TPE-YVR has P0, R1.
1) Should I eup the YYZ-ICN and bid for the TPE-YVR.
2) Would LMU be lower than bid ?
I have other TPAC coming up early next year so if I can not use eupg that would also work but would like to stay at USD $500 for any TPAC if possible.
EDIT : have to wait for 7 days out to upg since the 14day window is for flex fares only and not PE. Another bizzarre promo.
I am in low PE. Both flights are Y9 so pretty sure no op-ups. All flights are within the 14 day SE upg window.
YYZ-ICN. J9, C9, P9, R9. USD $925 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
TPE-YVR J9, C9, Z8, P0, R1. USD $505 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
So seems like the bid price is lower on TPE-YVR even though the YYZ-ICN has P9, R9 while TPE-YVR has P0, R1.
1) Should I eup the YYZ-ICN and bid for the TPE-YVR.
2) Would LMU be lower than bid ?
I have other TPAC coming up early next year so if I can not use eupg that would also work but would like to stay at USD $500 for any TPAC if possible.
EDIT : have to wait for 7 days out to upg since the 14day window is for flex fares only and not PE. Another bizzarre promo.
Last edited by vernonc; Nov 25, 2017 at 8:29 pm
Nov 26, 2017, 9:08 pm
#489
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,428
Looking for suggestions on bidding for J or trying for a LMU and/or eupg. I have enough eupg for one way and SE status.
I am in low PE. Both flights are Y9 so pretty sure no op-ups. All flights are within the 14 day SE upg window.
YYZ-ICN. J9, C9, P9, R9. USD $925 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
TPE-YVR J9, C9, Z8, P0, R1. USD $505 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
So seems like the bid price is lower on TPE-YVR even though the YYZ-ICN has P9, R9 while TPE-YVR has P0, R1.
1) Should I eup the YYZ-ICN and bid for the TPE-YVR.
2) Would LMU be lower than bid ?
I have other TPAC coming up early next year so if I can not use eupg that would also work but would like to stay at USD $500 for any TPAC if possible.
EDIT : have to wait for 7 days out to upg since the 14day window is for flex fares only and not PE. Another bizzarre promo.
I am in low PE. Both flights are Y9 so pretty sure no op-ups. All flights are within the 14 day SE upg window.
YYZ-ICN. J9, C9, P9, R9. USD $925 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
TPE-YVR J9, C9, Z8, P0, R1. USD $505 is pretty good according to the bid page meter.
So seems like the bid price is lower on TPE-YVR even though the YYZ-ICN has P9, R9 while TPE-YVR has P0, R1.
1) Should I eup the YYZ-ICN and bid for the TPE-YVR.
2) Would LMU be lower than bid ?
I have other TPAC coming up early next year so if I can not use eupg that would also work but would like to stay at USD $500 for any TPAC if possible.
EDIT : have to wait for 7 days out to upg since the 14day window is for flex fares only and not PE. Another bizzarre promo.
Nov 26, 2017, 9:54 pm
#490
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SEMM, NEXUS
Posts: 858
I've been eUpping the longest segment (i.e. typically the outbound) on all my TPACs this year, as I am also a PE-lowest flyer and have to manage my eUp balance carefully. If YYZ-ICN is R9 now, then it's likely to stay R-positive until T-7 and that's the segment I would upgrade.
I have never seen a TPAC LMU lower than 500$USD, so I would say not in my experience.
Also, TPE-YVR is relatively short (my last one was just under 9.5 hrs) so very survivable in PE. YMMV of course...
2) Would LMU be lower than bid ?
Also, TPE-YVR is relatively short (my last one was just under 9.5 hrs) so very survivable in PE. YMMV of course...
Nov 27, 2017, 10:15 am
#491
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,428
I've been eUpping the longest segment (i.e. typically the outbound) on all my TPACs this year, as I am also a PE-lowest flyer and have to manage my eUp balance carefully. If YYZ-ICN is R9 now, then it's likely to stay R-positive until T-7 and that's the segment I would upgrade.
I have never seen a TPAC LMU lower than 500$USD, so I would say not in my experience.
Also, TPE-YVR is relatively short (my last one was just under 9.5 hrs) so very survivable in PE. YMMV of course...
I have never seen a TPAC LMU lower than 500$USD, so I would say not in my experience.
Also, TPE-YVR is relatively short (my last one was just under 9.5 hrs) so very survivable in PE. YMMV of course...
Nov 29, 2017, 1:00 pm
#492
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Programs: United MileagePlus Silver, Nexus, Global Entry
Posts: 8,798
1) "No reserve" bidding. People would expect to be able to bid $20 for an upgrade on a late-evening Saturday night YVR-YYC flight, and if they're the high bidder, get the seat, no questions asked.
2) Full transparency. Like with eBay (or any other auction), losing bidders would expect to be able to see what the final product sold for. So if they bid $50 and the upgrade sold for $250 they expect to be able to see that.
Dec 11, 2017, 10:35 am
#493
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,959
TLV-YYZ AC 85 (12 hr flight)
Original Booking Class- PY 'N'
Bid: C$545
Status: Accepted
Difference between PY (Lowest) and J-cabin (Lowest) when purchased was $1800 for this flight.
Original Booking Class- PY 'N'
Bid: C$545
Status: Accepted
Difference between PY (Lowest) and J-cabin (Lowest) when purchased was $1800 for this flight.
Dec 11, 2017, 10:43 am
#494
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & MM/*Wood Gold/HHonors Diamond/Marriott Silver/AirMiles Gold
Posts: 4,567
Dec 11, 2017, 10:46 am
#495
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255