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
Dec 11, 2017, 10:49 am
#496
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: YOW
Programs: AC-SE100K, AC-3MM, Marriott- LT Titanium, SPG RIP
Posts: 2,959
Dec 11, 2017, 11:02 am
#497
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
I wish my upcoming flight YVR- LHR had a minimum that low - for me it's $920 from N to J/P. And that's with J9/C9/D9/Z9/P0/R7.
No 'lower bid' for me.
Dec 11, 2017, 1:15 pm
#498
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 1
Dec 14, 2017, 12:25 pm
#499
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
I've been monitoring an upcoming YVR-LHR flight which was offering a minimum bid from PY N to Business Class for $920. But today, 5 days before the flight, I now see the message that there is "no space available" on the bid site for the first time, at least for this flight.
Coincidentally (or not), this is the day that both Z and P availability went to zero on EF. The flight is still J9/C9/D9 and even R3, so I'm wondering if bid-up seats come from Z/P inventory.
Or maybe there's no rhyme or reason and it's just a coincidence after all.
Coincidentally (or not), this is the day that both Z and P availability went to zero on EF. The flight is still J9/C9/D9 and even R3, so I'm wondering if bid-up seats come from Z/P inventory.
Or maybe there's no rhyme or reason and it's just a coincidence after all.
Last edited by Bohemian1; Dec 14, 2017 at 12:26 pm Reason: Fix punctuation.
Dec 14, 2017, 2:15 pm
#500
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,426
I've been monitoring an upcoming YVR-LHR flight which was offering a minimum bid from PY N to Business Class for $920. But today, 5 days before the flight, I now see the message that there is "no space available" on the bid site for the first time, at least for this flight.
Coincidentally (or not), this is the day that both Z and P availability went to zero on EF. The flight is still J9/C9/D9 and even R3, so I'm wondering if bid-up seats come from Z/P inventory.
Or maybe there's no rhyme or reason and it's just a coincidence after all.
Coincidentally (or not), this is the day that both Z and P availability went to zero on EF. The flight is still J9/C9/D9 and even R3, so I'm wondering if bid-up seats come from Z/P inventory.
Or maybe there's no rhyme or reason and it's just a coincidence after all.
Dec 15, 2017, 12:19 pm
#501
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,232
And , as of today with exactly the same availability, the bid offer is once again available. I'm guessing it's AC IT rubbing off on whomever provides the upgrade bid backend service.
Dec 23, 2017, 9:07 am
#502
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 8
Is Prem Econ (class N) eligible for bid upgrade to business class?
hi,
booking a trip using aeroplan miles and wondering if anyone has had experience getting the upgrade email for a bid upgrade after booking a class N Prem second ticket on AC?
thanks
booking a trip using aeroplan miles and wondering if anyone has had experience getting the upgrade email for a bid upgrade after booking a class N Prem second ticket on AC?
thanks
Dec 23, 2017, 9:38 am
#503
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,331
Dec 28, 2017, 6:04 pm
#504
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
Bid upgrades :
All A320:
YEG-YYZ $370-$920 Pass
YYZ-YEG $370-$920 Pass
YYC-YYZ $400-$950 Pass
YYZ-YYC $400-$950 Pass
E90 :
YYZ-GCM x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
GCM-YYZ x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
The YYZ-GCM at booking wanted $2500 one way for J, $5000 round trip extra. Would probably play up to $300 but $220 seems pretty good right now based on our loads.
All A320:
YEG-YYZ $370-$920 Pass
YYZ-YEG $370-$920 Pass
YYC-YYZ $400-$950 Pass
YYZ-YYC $400-$950 Pass
E90 :
YYZ-GCM x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
GCM-YYZ x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
The YYZ-GCM at booking wanted $2500 one way for J, $5000 round trip extra. Would probably play up to $300 but $220 seems pretty good right now based on our loads.
Dec 28, 2017, 6:21 pm
#505
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
Bid upgrades :
All A320:
YEG-YYZ $370-$920 Pass
YYZ-YEG $370-$920 Pass
YYC-YYZ $400-$950 Pass
YYZ-YYC $400-$950 Pass
E90 :
YYZ-GCM x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
GCM-YYZ x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
The YYZ-GCM at booking wanted $2500 one way for J, $5000 round trip extra. Would probably play up to $300 but $220 seems pretty good right now based on our loads.
All A320:
YEG-YYZ $370-$920 Pass
YYZ-YEG $370-$920 Pass
YYC-YYZ $400-$950 Pass
YYZ-YYC $400-$950 Pass
E90 :
YYZ-GCM x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
GCM-YYZ x 2 $220-$600 Put in at $220(4 of us in J already, no one else) , will use E Upgrade companion if not accepted
The YYZ-GCM at booking wanted $2500 one way for J, $5000 round trip extra. Would probably play up to $300 but $220 seems pretty good right now based on our loads.
Dec 30, 2017, 12:31 pm
#507
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
Flight just went from J6 to J2 T-5... Assuming people E-Upgraded as R is still 1 and there was only full J fares left ($5000 now $7000 r/t LOL). UGH! It sucks that two of us have almost all our e eups but can't apply until day of departure for her.
2 more days until they start confirming bid upgrades. Hoping it works!
2 more days until they start confirming bid upgrades. Hoping it works!
Jan 3, 2018, 2:15 pm
#508
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
Programs: IHG Gold
Posts: 4,820
Adding some further data to YYZ-HKG. I booked YYZ-HKG in November 2017 to fly in February 2018. Minimum bid for business is $1,100 and premium economy is $680.
There was a post from lynchpin_yyz back in June 2017 where he said the minimum bid was $750. The minimum bid for YYZ-HKG seems to continue going up.
There was a post from lynchpin_yyz back in June 2017 where he said the minimum bid was $750. The minimum bid for YYZ-HKG seems to continue going up.
Minimum Bid to J is $810,
Using E-upgrade would be $750 plus 26 credits. and I have 75 credits expiring 2/28/2018 and 2 round trip Trans-Pacific flights booked in the next 2 months. First YYZ-HKG, 2nd YYZ-HND both departing YYZ on a Saturday and flying back on a Monday.
Thoughts?
Jan 3, 2018, 2:31 pm
#509
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: SFO, BRU, ADB
Programs: UA Gold, BA Silver, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 706
Have YYZ-HKG booked 10 days from now in PE, N fare
Minimum Bid to J is $810,
Using E-upgrade would be $750 plus 26 credits. and I have 75 credits expiring 2/28/2018 and 2 round trip Trans-Pacific flights booked in the next 2 months. First YYZ-HKG, 2nd YYZ-HND both departing YYZ on a Saturday and flying back on a Monday.
Thoughts?
Minimum Bid to J is $810,
Using E-upgrade would be $750 plus 26 credits. and I have 75 credits expiring 2/28/2018 and 2 round trip Trans-Pacific flights booked in the next 2 months. First YYZ-HKG, 2nd YYZ-HND both departing YYZ on a Saturday and flying back on a Monday.
Thoughts?