Ethiopian - new online upgrade auction
Apr 9, 16, 1:59 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,467
Ethiopian - new online upgrade auction
I got an email from Ethiopian offering me a chance to bid for an upgrade on my upcoming Addis - Dubai flight later this week.
Looks like this is a new feature (it wasn't available on the same route last week) in partnership with "PlusGrade". Minimum upgrade bid is $375 for this sector so I gave it a shot. They will get back to me 48 hours prior to departure to let me know if it is successful.
According to the FAQ, it is currently only available on selected routes and for departures from Addis only. Routes are mainly the longhauls, but some key routes like Washington, Beijing and Delhi are excluded. Intra-Africa is only Cape Town, Cairo and Nairobi for now.
https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/bo...plus-grade-FAQ
Looks like this is a new feature (it wasn't available on the same route last week) in partnership with "PlusGrade". Minimum upgrade bid is $375 for this sector so I gave it a shot. They will get back to me 48 hours prior to departure to let me know if it is successful.
According to the FAQ, it is currently only available on selected routes and for departures from Addis only. Routes are mainly the longhauls, but some key routes like Washington, Beijing and Delhi are excluded. Intra-Africa is only Cape Town, Cairo and Nairobi for now.
https://www.ethiopianairlines.com/bo...plus-grade-FAQ
Apr 10, 16, 1:08 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: NRT / HND
Programs: AA EXP, NH Plat, Former UA 1K
Posts: 5,197
I saw this as well. It offered it to me to Cairo but the minimum bid was way too much for me to justify on a fairly short overnight route. I don't anticipate much service on that flight and it's a 738. Want to say it was about $300 per passenger.
Unfortunately the Narita flight where I could actually see value wasn't offered. Rather bizarre, Hong Kong is eligible but Seoul and Narita are not, both are extensions of the Hong Kong flight.
Unfortunately the Narita flight where I could actually see value wasn't offered. Rather bizarre, Hong Kong is eligible but Seoul and Narita are not, both are extensions of the Hong Kong flight.
Last edited by dvs7310; Apr 10, 16 at 1:15 am
Apr 12, 16, 1:09 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: MAN
Posts: 96
I was quite excited when I recieved the email today but my hopes were soon dashed when I clicked through and the lowest amount the system allowed was £430 to LHR. SAA also have an upgrade auction so I assume it is a star alliance feature.
Apr 12, 16, 1:16 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,467
Unfortunately, we were not able to accept your offer to upgrade to Business for your flight below.
Date Flight Origin Destination Offer per passenger
13 Apr 2016 ET 600 Addis Ababa (ADD) Dubai (DXB) $375 USD per passenger (1) (Note: Prices shown are in United States Dollars.)
What happens now?
Your original flight is unchanged and you need do nothing.
Your credit card has not been charged.
Although you weren’t successful this time we are sure that you will enjoy your trip with us.
Happy Travels,
Ethiopian Airlines
Date Flight Origin Destination Offer per passenger
13 Apr 2016 ET 600 Addis Ababa (ADD) Dubai (DXB) $375 USD per passenger (1) (Note: Prices shown are in United States Dollars.)
What happens now?
Your original flight is unchanged and you need do nothing.
Your credit card has not been charged.
Although you weren’t successful this time we are sure that you will enjoy your trip with us.
Happy Travels,
Ethiopian Airlines
Apr 12, 16, 10:43 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,467
Apr 16, 16, 8:24 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,772
No, plusgrade is a separate company, they have a very motley list of currents. Check out their website.
Apr 27, 16, 11:45 am
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,467
Just saw a similar option for my KQ flight next week. But the system keeps giving an error when actually submitting the bid.
Also have another couple of eligible ET flights in the next few weeks so lets see if any of those work out.
Also have another couple of eligible ET flights in the next few weeks so lets see if any of those work out.
May 8, 16, 6:00 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Exile
Posts: 15,467
So my bid for the upgrade on ADD-DXB this week was successful at $375 (minimum amount). Upgrade was processed at exactly 48 hours prior to departure and credit card charged by Ethiopian at the same time. PNR was updated online and automatic seat assignment of 1A was also made.
Unfortunately, when I checked in at the origin airport, the airport staff found it strange that I had been upgraded and after spending close to an hour making phonecalls while I stood at the desk, decided to unilaterally downgrade me back to a middle seat in Economy.
When I reached Addis, no help was forthcoming from either the Transfer Desk, Lounge Desk or Customer Service desk - none of whom had heard of the program. Fortunately, someone suggested that I see the Duty Manager who quickly understood the issue, checked the PNR history and immediately reinstated the upgrade.
So just a bit of warning to anyone who tries this going forward - there is a learning curve for ET staff but the program does actually work. Now lets see how my miles post...
Congratulations, Ethiopian Airlines has accepted your upgrade offer!
What to do now:
Your flight has been upgraded to Business. At the time of your check-in, you will receive a Business boarding pass.
You will also shortly receive a new e-ticket via email reflecting this upgrade!
Summary of your upgrade
Date Flight Origin Destination Offer Number of passengers Amount paid
08 May 2016 ET 600 Addis Ababa (ADD) Dubai (DXB) $375 USD per passenger (1) 1 $375 USD (Note: Prices shown are in United States Dollars.)
Welcome onboard!
Happy Travels,
Ethiopian Airlines
What to do now:
Your flight has been upgraded to Business. At the time of your check-in, you will receive a Business boarding pass.
You will also shortly receive a new e-ticket via email reflecting this upgrade!
Summary of your upgrade
Date Flight Origin Destination Offer Number of passengers Amount paid
08 May 2016 ET 600 Addis Ababa (ADD) Dubai (DXB) $375 USD per passenger (1) 1 $375 USD (Note: Prices shown are in United States Dollars.)
Welcome onboard!
Happy Travels,
Ethiopian Airlines
When I reached Addis, no help was forthcoming from either the Transfer Desk, Lounge Desk or Customer Service desk - none of whom had heard of the program. Fortunately, someone suggested that I see the Duty Manager who quickly understood the issue, checked the PNR history and immediately reinstated the upgrade.
So just a bit of warning to anyone who tries this going forward - there is a learning curve for ET staff but the program does actually work. Now lets see how my miles post...
May 20, 16, 9:13 am
#11
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 13
So my bid for the upgrade on ADD-DXB this week was successful at $375 (minimum amount). Upgrade was processed at exactly 48 hours prior to departure and credit card charged by Ethiopian at the same time. PNR was updated online and automatic seat assignment of 1A was also made.
