Cabin & seats
How to bid for a flight upgrade in 2026: tips, strategies, and which airlines offer it
By the TSA Wait Times team · Updated · Published June 2026
Several major airlines offer a cash bidding system where passengers can offer extra money for an upgrade to business or premium economy. Bids start as low as $75and occasionally win — but the system is opaque. Here is how each airline's system works and how to bid smart.
How airline upgrade bidding works
The basic process is consistent across all airlines that offer it:
- 1You receive an email 3–30 days before departure inviting you to bid — not all routes or passengers receive offers.
- 2You submit a cash bid above the minimum (set per route by the airline) using a slider or input field.
- 3The airline fills empty premium seats a few days before departure — successful bidders are notified by email.
- 4Your card is charged only if the bid is accepted — unsuccessful bids cost nothing.
Why airlines love it: They fill premium seats with cash instead of flying them empty or giving upgrades free to elite members.
Why passengers love it (when it works): Business class for $150–400 extra vs $1,500–3,000 for a full business class ticket.
Delta Upgrade Offer
Delta runs bid upgrades primarily to Delta Comfort+, Delta One (business), and First Class on select routes.
- When it is offered: Emails go out 3–7 days before departure. Not all routes or passengers receive offers.
- Minimum bids: Typically $75–$150 per person per direction for domestic Comfort+; $200–$500 for First/Delta One upgrades.
- Bid strategy:Delta's system tends to accept bids in the 70th percentile of the range shown. If the slider shows $75–$300, bidding $180–$200 usually beats the minimum bidders while not overpaying. Avoid the maximum bid — overpaying is common.
- Notification: Typically 24–48 hours before departure.
- Where to find it: delta.com → My Trips → your booking, or check the email invitation. Delta uses dynamic pricing in 2026 — minimum bids fluctuate by demand.
United Upgrade Plus Program
United offers bid upgrades to Economy Plus and Polaris Business Class on longer routes via the United app and invitation emails.
- When offered: Invitation emails go out 21–30 days before departure for international routes, 7–14 days for domestic.
- Minimum bids: $75–$150 per person for Economy Plus; $300–$600+ for Polaris Business on international routes.
- Bid strategy: United shows a posted price range — bid in the middle third of the range. For international routes where business class was $3,000+ cash, a $500–$700 bid is reasonable if you genuinely want the upgrade.
- Elite member priority: Elite members with complimentary PlusPoints upgrade certificates take priority over bid winners in the queue, except on routes where the bid is the only upgrade path. In 2026, PlusPoints now apply to award tickets, making the bid queue more competitive.
American Airlines upgrade auctions
American runs upgrade bids via AAdvantage — sometimes for miles, sometimes for cash — powered by the Plusgrade platform.
- When offered: Varies — some passengers get email offers, others see it on the check-in screen at T-24 hours.
- Cash bid: Via the Plusgrade system — minimum bids typically $75–$200 for domestic First Class.
- Miles bid: American sometimes offers upgrades via miles at less than the standard redemption rate — worth comparing against the cash bid if you have AAdvantage miles to spend.
- Bid strategy:American's auction is competitive on high-demand routes (LAX–JFK, BOS–MIA). On thinner routes, even minimum bids often win — check the seat map first.
JetBlue Mint upgrade bidding
JetBlue offers bid upgrades to Mint — their lie-flat business class product on transcontinental routes — via Paisly, their travel services platform.
- When offered: Emails 7–30 days before departure on eligible Mint routes (JFK–LAX, JFK–SFO, BOS–LAX, JFK–MCO, and select others).
- Minimum bids: $150–$300 per person per direction for Mint.
- Mint value: JetBlue Mint is a genuine lie-flat product on A321 aircraft — a successful bid for $200–$400 is genuinely excellent value for a 5–6 hour transcontinental flight.
- Bid strategy:JetBlue's system fills seats aggressively to avoid empty Mint suites. Moderate bids (mid-range) win more frequently here than at legacy carriers — worth bidding on even if you have no status.
Alaska Airlines upgrade bidding
Alaska offers bid upgrades to First Class on select routes — and tends to have the lowest minimum bids in the industry.
- When offered: 3–21 days before departure via email invitation.
- Minimum bids: $50–$125 per person per direction — among the most accessible in the industry.
- Bid strategy: Alaska tends to have more first class seats available for bids than legacy carriers. Even minimum or just-above-minimum bids win regularly on thinner routes — do not overbid.
Tips for winning without overbidding
Bid the middle range, not the minimum. Minimum bidders rarely win — the airline accepts bids that clear a price threshold. Bidding 50–70% of the offered range usually represents the sweet spot between winning and not overpaying.
Look at the load factor. If the premium cabin on your flight shows many open seats on the seat map 3 days before departure, your bid has a much better chance of winning.
Bid on off-peak flights. Monday morning business class and Friday evening first class fill with elites using certificates. Tuesday midday flights have more bid availability because leisure demand is lower and elite waitlists are shorter.
Do not bid more than you would pay for a direct upgrade. If upgrading the fare class outright would cost $150 and you bid $200, you have lost before you started. Always compare your bid against the current upgrade fare in the airline app before submitting.
Do not rely on a bid winning. You will not hear until 24–48 hours before departure. Make peace with your economy seat before you get to the airport — a bid win is a bonus, not a plan.
Upgrade bidding frequently asked questions
How do I know if I was selected for an upgrade bid?
Airlines notify via email 24-72 hours before departure. You can also check the app — your seat assignment will show the upgraded class if the bid was accepted.
Is upgrade bidding worth it?
It can be excellent value — especially on JetBlue Mint (lie-flat for $150-300 extra) or on international routes where business class cash fares are $3,000+. Less compelling on domestic routes where the upgrade is only to a bigger seat with a free drink.
What bid should I submit for a Delta upgrade?
Bid in the 60-70th percentile of the range shown — above the minimum but not at maximum. If the range is $75-$300, try $160-$200. This wins more frequently than minimum bids without overpaying.
Can I cancel a bid after submitting?
Usually yes — most systems allow bid cancellation until the bid window closes (typically 48-72 hours before departure). Check the specific airline's terms.
If you want the full picture of every upgrade method available — elite status, miles + copay, credit card certificates — see the complete flight upgrade guide. Wondering whether premium economy is worth paying for over economy? Premium economy: is it worth it? walks through the difference by airline. If your airline offers status matching, the airline status match guide covers which programs accept challenges in 2026 and what documentation you need.
Data verified . Upgrade bid programs, minimum bid amounts, and eligible routes change frequently — always confirm current details on your airline's website before travel. Spirit Airlines defunct May 2026.
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