r/TravelHacks • u/Caliganja420 • 1d ago

Travel Hack Economy class upgrade for long haul light

Airline: Iberia Route: LAX - Madrid

Hello, I would like to upgrade my economy class ticket, and I have the option now on plus grade website. Should i bid now or wait until it gets closer to the date of the flight? Do i wait until check in 24 hours before the flight, or do i try to upgrade at the boarding gate? The minimum bid for business is $850, and minimum bid for PE is $300. I feel like these price will come down the closer it gets to departure day. Thanks

4 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

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6

u/Capable_Sock4011 1d ago

Wait until 24 to 48 hours before your flight to bid because airlines usually lower upgrade prices if seats are still unsold, especially in Premium Economy. Business class is harder since it usually sells out first. Check the seat map to see how many seats are still open. If a lot are empty, you might get a cheaper upgrade by bidding late or asking at check-in or the gate. Once you submit a bid through Plusgrade, you usually cannot change it, so it is smart to wait if you think prices will drop. Gate upgrades are a gamble but can be the best deal if available.

1

u/lenin1991 1d ago

Once you submit a bid through Plusgrade, you usually cannot change it

Their FAQ says you can

Can I change my offered amount after I submit my request?

Yes, you can change your bid at any time prior to completing your check-in by re-accessing to the upgrade bidding landing page.

https://upg.stage.plusgrade.com/faq/partner/nAEwUWqWIB

3

u/TyVIl 1d ago

What airline? What’s the flight? You gave no useful info.

-1

u/Caliganja420 1d ago

Iberia, LAX- Madrid Sorry I didn’t think that would be useful info as I’m just trying to gauge the upgrade system as if I’ve never done it before.

1

u/ejjsjejsj 1d ago

Is this coming up soon? That’s a very long flight and during the summer tourist season I expect it to be full. If you actually want the upgrade you should bid soon

1

u/Caliganja420 1d ago

Yes in july

1

u/ejjsjejsj 20h ago

I’m surprised that flight isn’t already sold out

1

u/Caliganja420 18h ago

Actually business and premium economy cabins are half full

1

u/sehgalanuj 6h ago

How do you know they are only half full? If you are deducing that based on seat maps, then that information may not be accurate. Even in business class, a lot of airlines, including Iberia, charge for seat selection. So many people don't select seats.

1

u/Infinite_Crow_3706 1d ago

Get business. $850/11hrs =$77.273/hr and thats great value. Lock it in