Clever way to bid for first class flights – and it could be cheaper than you think | The Sun

FIRST class plane tickets can be very expensive, but one clever trick could see more passengers in the pricey seats for a lot less.

A travel expert has revealed the cheapest way for airline passengers to upgrade their economy seats.

To be in with a chance of securing a pocket-friendly upgrade, holidaymakers will need to be travelling with certain airlines like Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Cathay.

As reported by the New York Times, the above three airlines, as well as several others, auction off upgraded seats.

Passengers who are flying economy will be emailed about the auction about one week before their scheduled departure.

The email will outline a minimum bid that holidaymakers should place.

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Bids are applied to the total number of passengers on the reservation, so if you're successful the whole party will be upgraded.

You'll need to make sure you have enough cash to cover the upgrade as payment details are required to place a bid.

The majority of these auctions are blind with successful passengers notified within just days or even hours of their flight.

Auction upgrades can save up to 30 per cent off the price of a premium seat.

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Kevin Stamler, the founder and chief executive of SeatBoost said: "Airlines are trying to convert leisure customers to high-end leisure customers – it’s the cheapest way to upgrade."

While there is currently no formula behind placing a successful bid, many people have praised the travel hack on social media.

In a video on TikTok, user lifeofjazz said: "Bidding on an airline seat is the best and cheapest way to do luxury on a budget because you can go to business class from an economy seat for as little as £200.

"It's absolutely amazing, so make sure to always use this if you want a cheap upgrade."

TikToker itsatravelod put the hack to the test.

She said: "Check if your airline has an auction in which the higher bid gets the upgrade.

"I bid $145, which was an OK bid according to their calculator, and boom, I got it."

Another passenger has revealed how he gets to have a first class experience while sitting in economy on flights.

The man described his hack as "poor man's first class" and said it enabled him to stretch out while travelling on planes.

It involves initially paying for three seats, and picking a row all together on board the plane.

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Passengers are then supposed to cancel two of the tickets shortly before the flight, providing them with three seats to themself but many people weren't convinced.

Meanwhile, here are six ways to make sure you get a free flight upgrade this year.

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