sas bid for upgrade

Flying long haul in Economy doesnt have to be the final word on comfort. Thanks to the SAS bid for upgrade program, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) lets travelers experience?SAS?Plus or Business Class without paying the full published fare. This silent?auction system allows you to determine what a premium seat is worth to you, submit an offer, and, with some savvy strategy, arrive at your destination with more space, better food, and lounge access. Below is a comprehensive look at how the program works, who can participate, and the smart tactics that boost your chances of securing that coveted upgrade.

How the SAS Bid for Upgrade Program Works

After purchasing an eligible Economy ticket, most passengers receive an email invitationtypically 5??7?days before departureexplaining how to place a bid. You may also find a Bid for Upgrade link in the Manage Booking section of the SAS website or mobile app. Clicking the link opens a sliding scale that shows the minimum and maximum bid allowed for your itinerary. Simply drag the slider to your desired price, enter payment details, and submit. Your card is pre?authorized only; you are charged?only if the bid clears, usually 24??48?hours prior to departure.

SAS then ranks all offers for that flight, considering bid value first and EuroBonus status second. If enough premium seats remain after revenue sales close, the highest bidders in each cabin receive confirmations by email or SMS. Those unlucky in the auction keep their original seats, incur no charges, and travel as planned.

Eligibility: Are You Invited to Bid?

• Ticket Type: Published Economy Go and Go?Light fares are generally eligible; deeply discounted group fares or employee standby tickets are not.

• Flight Segments: Long?haul routes to North America?and?Asia offer the most opportunities. Intra?Europe segments seldom present upgrade inventory but are occasionally included.

• Special Requests: Passengers needing special meals, unaccompanied minors, or travelers with pets in cabin sometimes do not receive invitations due to operational constraints.

• Partner Flights: Codeshares operated by airlines other than SAS are excluded from SAS bid for upgrade auctions.

Setting a Competitive Bid

SAS doesnt publish winning thresholds, but historical data show successful bids averaging?20??45?percent of the cabins standard cash price. The bid meter displays a color?coded guidePoor, Fair, and Goodto help you gauge your chances. Positioning your offer in the upper half of Fair often yields success without overspending. Elite members (EuroBonus Gold, Diamond) occasionally succeed with slightly lower bids because status acts as a tie?breaker.

Key Benefits of Winning

• Spacious Seating: In SAS?Plus, you gain extra legroom and a blocked middle seat; in Business, you enjoy fully flat beds on A350 and A330 aircraft.

• Lounge Access: Relax pre?flight in SAS Lounges across Scandinavia and Star Alliance partner facilities worldwide.

• Priority Services: Skip the queues with fast?track security, priority boarding, and labeled baggage for quicker reclaim.

• Gourmet Dining: Savor modern Nordic menus paired with Scandinavian wines and craft beers.

• Enhanced Baggage: Carry an additional checked bag (SAS?Plus) or two extra (Business) at no extra charge.

• Bonus Points: Upgrades retain the original earning class, but EuroBonus elites still collect class?of?service bonuses on ancillary points?earning programs.

Strategy Tips to Improve Your Odds

1. Bid Earlybut Adjust Late: Place an initial bid soon after the invitation, then revisit 25?hours before departure when seat maps reveal updated premium availability.

2. Travel Off?Peak: Mid?week flights outside Scandinavian holiday periods see lighter loads, lowering winning thresholds.

3. Check Fare Differences: If Business Class cabins are nearly empty, published upgrade-at-check-in fees can compete with auction bids; compare both options.

4. Use On?Board Credit Cards Wisely: Some cards waive foreign?transaction fees or offer travel credits, cushioning your bid cost.

5. Monitor Seat Maps: Tools like ExpertFlyer can display real?time I (Business)?and?S (Plus) inventory, signaling how aggressively to bid.

Common Questions

Can I modify or cancel my bid?
Yes, up to the bidding deadline. After that, bids are locked.

Do I keep my pre?selected seat if I lose?
Absolutely. Your original seat assignment and ticket conditions remain unchanged.

What if only part of my itinerary gets upgraded?
You pay only for segments that clear. Unsuccessful legs stay in Economy without penalty.

Final Thoughts: A Smart Path to Affordable Luxury

The SAS bid for upgrade program democratizes premium travel, letting everyday passengers sample SAS?Plus or Business Class perks for a self?determined price. By understanding eligibility, analyzing seat availability, and bidding strategically, you turn a routine trip into a memorable journey featuring priority lanes, roomy seats, and elevated cuisine. Next time SAS invites you to bid, seize the opportunityyou may land in Copenhagen, Newark, or Tokyo more refreshed and content than you ever imagined, all without paying full fare.