Airlines are always on the search for new ways to generate revenue, and one of the newer trends in incremental revenue generation is bidding for unsold first class seats. Throwing their hat into the ring, Hawaiian Airlines recently introduced their new Bid Up by Hawaiian Airlines program.
Hawaiian’s bidding system is similar to many other airlines already offering this type of program. Eligible passengers may submit bids up to 48 hours prior to their scheduled departure time. Submitted bids may be cancelled or modified up to 48 hours prior to departure. Further, bids are applied to all passengers on your itinerary; you may not bid for select passengers only.
Once the 48 hour mark has passed, winning bidders will be notified by e-mail and their credit card will be automatically charged their bid amount. Unsuccessful bidders will be notified by e-mail 26 hours prior to departure.
Bid Up by Hawaiian Airlines is valid only on flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S. Flights operated by partner carriers are not eligible. Bids are awarded per segment, and winning one will not guarantee upgrades on the remaining segments on your itinerary. Winners will not be allowed to select their seat at the time of award. If seats are available, however, winners may select a new seat at check-in. Completed bids are non-transferable and non-refundable.
The biggest questions about Bid up By Hawaiian Airlines, however, has to be what are the benefits. Unfortunately, Hawaiian will only award miles based on the fare the winning bidder had originally paid for. So those that participate in, and win first class upgrade bids will not earn miles at the first class rate. Bid winners, however, will be receive all other benefits of first class passengers, which includes: dedicated check-in line, 2 complimentary check bags, Premier Club access, priority boarding, etc.
As a reminder, Hawaiian Airlines is transitioning its first class product on its A330s to lie-flat seats. At this time, Hawaiian has not excluded these seats from Bid Up. Hawaiian hasn’t announced with routes will receive this service either, though.
Whether Bid Up by Hawaiian Airlines is worth it to you will greatly depends on variables like how much you paid for your original fare. Buy Ups to first class will continue to be available, as will Pualani Platinum upgrade certificates. Keep in mind that you can also redeem as little as 120,000 Korean Air SkyPass miles for a first class roundtrip ticket on Hawaiian. And don’t forget! You can easily earn 59,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points by applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred, meeting the minimum spend requirement, and adding an authorized user. Ultimate Rewards points transfer 1:1 to Korean Air SkyPass, by opening a new card, meeting the minimum spend, and adding an authorized user, you’d have almost enough for a one-way first class ticket on Hawaiian Air.