Singapore Airlines launches upgrade bidding to premium economy
By Chris C., July 5 2016
Travellers stuck in economy class with Singapore Airlines can now bid for an upgrade to Singapore Airlines premium economy, thanks to the airline’s new ‘mySQupgrade’ system.
It works like this: Singapore Airlines decides who’ll be given the opportunity to bid on each flight based on a number of confidential factors – that means you can’t simply submit a bid, but need to receive an email invitation to do so.
Those emails go out around seven days before departure, with the deadline for filing your bid 50 hours before wheels-up.
You’ll find out if you were successful around 48 hours before your flight, and if so, the amount you offered will then be charged to the credit card you supplied during the bidding process: perfect for business travellers stuck in economy but who are happy to pay for their own bump-up.
Work only pays for economy? Submit a bid and move up to premium economy...
AusBT review: Singapore Airlines Airbus A380 premium economy
Should there be a change to the taxes and government charges payable on your booking, this amount will be covered by Singapore Airlines from the amount of your bid.
Once upgraded, you’ll receive all of the usual entitlements afforded to premium economy travellers including priority check-in and a boosted baggage allowance, although KrisFlyer miles and those of other frequent flyer programs will still be accrued as per your original economy ticket.
Singapore Airlines is also quick to assure its loyal KrisFlyer members that any points-based upgrade requests – including those that are waitlisted – will be given priority and processed ahead of any cash-based bids received via mySQupgrade.
While upgrade bids to business class, first class and Suites Class aren’t part of the deal, the airline tips at future expansion to the program, highlighting that “this functionality will be gradually introduced across the network.”
For more information, head to the Singapore Airlines website.
Also read: SQ unlocks premium economy frequent flyer bookings
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
13 Jul 2015
Total posts 269
Yea, it's a good start but I'm looking forward more to the Premium Economy to Business bids - curious to see how they set that up whenever they launch it!
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3021
While upgrade bids to business class, first class and Suites Class aren’t part of the deal, the airline tips at future expansion to the program, highlighting that “this functionality will be gradually introduced across the network.”
Classic SQ move. They are such a conservative carrier! Right out of the playbook of the PAP government!
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Nov 2015
Total posts 738
Premium Economy, two very interesting words, always make me laugh.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Jul 2016
Total posts 3
I don't see SQ Premium Eco worth it. They are well behind Qantas & Cathay and need to do a lot to catch up. I'd not even bother.
06 Jul 2016
Total posts 1
Premuim econ sounds better than econ , but if your wanting to work on the flight , 10 hour flights in Bus class : i can get a lot done (no phone calls ) . I will not fly econ again . Ive not flown prem econ . Yes the comment made on bidding for bus class from premium does sounds better .
16 Sep 2011
Total posts 2
Any idea who will be managing this? SQ in-house or a third party like Plusgrade or Optiontown
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
13 Dec 2014
Total posts 80
Should be Plusgrade.
08 Jul 2016
Total posts 3
The implication is that SQ Premium Econ is being under-utilised and they are trying to fill it up without lowering advertised fares. The problem with SQ Premium Econ is their own economy cabin. If you have 31' seat pitch and 10 abreast 777's, then Premium Econ is significantly more comfortable, but SIngapore's 32' pitch and 18.5' width is actually among the best. With their decent econ meals, entertainment and service it's not hard to see how it's a tough sell for customers to figure it's worth paying double or more for 'Premium' Economy. I know I'm not bothered that the inflight screen is 2.7inches bigger! Ernest Rapeneau Champagne anyone? Not really.
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