TORONTO — Air Canada is going to auction, with a new program that allows passengers to bid ‘auction-style’ on upgrades to premium economy and business class.

The new program – which will be fully implemented by the summer – is available for select destinations and scheduled flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge.

To see if they are eligible for an upgrade, travellers can visit the AC bid upgrade website and enter their booking reference and last name in the fields provided. Alternatively, Air Canada will email eligible passengers who’ve booked directly on the Air Canada website, on the Air Canada mobile website or via Air Canada Reservations 10 days prior to departure to invite them to make an upgrade offer.

A sliding scale is used to enter a bid, with a set minimum and maximum amount in place. A corresponding chart allows passengers to see the strength of their offer.

Offers can be revised or cancelled at any time up to four days prior to departure time. Approximately 48 hours before departure, they’ll be notified by email as to whether or not their bid has been accepted. If accepted, their credit card will be charged and their flight rebooked to the applicable higher class of service.

Bids include all taxes, fees and surcharges. The acceptance of an upgrade offer depends on several factors, including availability, the number of offers received and the amount each passenger is offering to be upgraded.

Upgrades are not available for tickets that have not yet been issued, group bookings, bookings that include an infant (under age two), tickets issued by an airline other than Air Canada, and flights operated by Air Canada Vacations.

If passengers wish to upgrade a journey featuring multiple segments, they must make an offer to upgrade each segment individually with a separate, single offer.

Passengers who upgrade to Premium Economy will receive a larger seat, extra legroom, priority airport services and more, while those in International Business Class will enjoy a fully-flat bed, a selection of fine wines and gourmet cuisine, complimentary amenity kit, skin-care products and priority check-in and boarding.

Visit the AC bid upgrade website for more information: upgrade.plusgrade.com/offer/AirCanada