CX considering upgrade auctions

[markis10]

The Hong Kong-based carrier is considering hosting internet auctions – in a similar way to eBay – in a bid to boost revenue and fill seats, theSouth China Morning Post reports.

“Customers would be invited to place an offer for their booked flights via a website prior to their departure date,” said a spokesman. “If their offer was successful they would be advised around four days prior to departure and the offer payment collected."

Cathay Pacific considers upgrade auctions - Telegraph

 

[dmitri]

What a great way to fill pointy end seats and annoy te hell out of frequent flyers looking for an upgrade at the same time.

 

[markis10]

What a great way to fill pointy end seats and annoy te hell out of frequent flyers looking for an upgrade at the same time.

How so, while Op Ups will drop, normal upgrades are unlikely to be an issue.

 

[vitagen]

Upgrade auctions are the way to go. An op up should not be expected. They might as well unlock some revenue.

 

[dmitri]

It would reduce the number of seats available to priority frequent flyers looking to upgrade with points I would think. It is a smart move by CX to offer the auction as it gives others the chance for a better flight experience and may even gain them more business, but what will be the ratio of auction seats to available points upgrade seats?

 

[markis10]

It would reduce the number of seats available to priority frequent flyers looking to upgrade with points I would think. It is a smart move by CX to offer the auction as it gives others the chance for a better flight experience and may even gain them more business, but what will be the ratio of auction seats to available points upgrade seats?

The auction seats would be whats left after upgrades I would imagine, keeping in mind CX does not do an upgrade lottery, but instantly confirms.

 

[dmitri]

Instant confirmation is a good perk, I didn't know that

 

[knasty]

CX often release award seats at T-3 days based on unsold revenue seats. On one flight last year ex LHR all 9 F seats were still open at T-4 and they opened up 6 Z class on T-3. I fully expect this will affect last minute award availability, and choosing T-4 as the auction date is to reduce the number they have to.sell via award redemptions.