Virgin Atlantic announces the trial of an upgrade system

Just received this email, apologies if posted elsewhere;

thanks

Neil


Stop Press 661 - Virgin Atlantic announces the trial of a upgrade system
Virgin Atlantic is launching a proof of concept trial of a bid priced upgrade platform, which allows passengers that booked direct with Virgin Atlantic the opportunity to bid for an upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy. The trial will be for a limited time and will utilise limited cabin availability.
This trial commences on 21 December (for departures after 06 January), and will only be available to passengers flying on VS15/16 to and from Orlando and VS45/46 to and from New York JFK.
Direct sell passengers will be able to access this service through ‘Manage my booking’ at http://www.virginatlantic.com.
Should the technology prove to be successful during the trial, Virgin Atlantic will look to fully launch this innovation through all channels. However, prior to taking such step we will consult with our trade partners how best to extend the functionality.

Thanks for posting Neil.

This is an interesting concept, it will be great to hear from anyone who experiences any success! I suppose some revenue for a seat is better than none! (Priceline approach!)

Mmmmmmm something else for the legendary VS IT gremlins to mess with

I am keen to know more - I wonder for example whether the upgrades will come from the same bucket as redemptions, in which case the frequent flier with miles to use could be squeezed out by a cheap upgrade. That would not be a good thing, but it sounds interesting nonetheless and be keen to learn more.

I have some Y reward seats booked on VS15/16 and this has appeared in MMB. Will give it a go and see what happens but not expecting success...!

You select the price that you are willing to pay, and then enter payment card details (doesn't take Amex..!) - if you're successful it charges you, if you're not then it doesn't.

typical, I have a VS27 booking !!!!!!!!

I have some Y reward seats booked on VS15/16 and this has appeared in MMB. Will give it a go and see what happens but not expecting success...!

You select the price that you are willing to pay, and then enter payment card details (doesn't take Amex..!) - if you're successful it charges you, if you're not then it doesn't.

At what point are you made aware whether or not you've been successful? Does it tell you straight away or do you just have to wait for the payment to appear on your cc statement at some point in the future?

Ditto slinky's question about the buckets into which the upgrades book. Surely it can't be reward inventory, can it? That would not be good.

Do you just get one shot to bid? Or can you try again at a different point?

I read this "limited cabin availability" and worry for my ability to use miles in the future..suggest VS need to clarify this fare code issue asap, else their fc benefit is going to the dogs..

mention of it in this thread

and this link on VS website

Says you are told 72 hours before the flight if you are successful (or not) so shouldn't affect reward bookings.

Mmmmmmm something else for the legendary VS IT gremlins to mess with

EXACTLY !

So if you have selected a preferred seat in Y and are successful in your bid to PE and only know 72 hours before flying, you just have to hope there is a good seat in PE for you to select when you do OLCI Not sure this is going to be a great idea - usually when they say things are 'New and Improved' it means for them not the buying public ! Must also remember if you pay by credit card to add whatever it is they charge for doing so into the equation

Just been onto My Bookings and there is the BID box for my return flight from JFK in April, so have made a low bid just to see what happens - will report back if successful (don't hold your breath!)
Merry Christmas All

And again, if VS started to refocus on the basics rather than gimics.
This I the second is quick succession after using mobiles in flight.
Again. Do they not listen. They must think people are stupid and will be swayed by gimics rather than sorting he basics.

I think the move is well intentioned. VS are trying to be innovative again.

Problem is, some of the basics need to be put right first. The website being the main one, i'd rather see a stable, reliable website/price engine first before all the extras!

From my experience - at least on the routes I use - PE is usually full up anyway so not sure whether there is any real benefit.
I can see the advantage on a more leisure focused route though.
Is it an ebay style bid system where you can increase the bid depending on other bids ?
At what point will you win the bid ? airport check-in, boarding gate ??
Interesting concept but I can believe the US airlines have not already been through all this and the fact that none of them offer it probably means it is a great idea but not very practical to operate.

At what point will you win the bid ? airport check-in, boarding gate ??

You are told 72 hours before scheduled take off if successful or not.

I put in a bid for our flight to JFK in April and if I go back into MY Bookings it gives me the opportunity to UP MY BID - bit of fun I suppose!