HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines today announced the launch of Bid Up by Hawaiian Airlines, a new auction upgrade service allowing guests to elevate their in-flight experience by bidding on available First Class seats when travelling between Hawai’i and North America.

“We’re extremely excited to introduce Bid Up to our guests,” said Miranda Scott, managing director – travel products for Hawaiian Airlines. “We understand travellers have different options when planning trips to Hawaiʻi, which is why we’re committed to providing each guest with unique offerings and exceptional benefits.”

Bid Up, managed by Plusgrade, is a simple and easy-to-use service available to all ticketed main cabin guests whose itinerary contains at least one segment between Hawai’i and North America operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Eligible guests will receive a Bid Up email approximately 10 days prior to departure inviting them to bid for available First Class seats. Successful bidders will be notified 48 hours prior to departure.

Guests taking advantage of Bid Up will enjoy the many benefits of Hawaiian’s First Class cabin, including: Two complimentary checked bags with Priority Baggage handling; expedited check-in lines; access to Hawaiian Airlines Premier Clubs; priority pre-boarding; award-winning regional cuisine from acclaimed Chef Chai Chaowasaree; unlimited in-flight beverage service; free access to the latest movies, hours of TV and music programming; and much more.

Hawaiian also recently announced the arrival of the airline’s first A330 Premium Cabin with fully lie-flat seating. Today, Hawaiian’s wide-body, twin-aisle A330-200 aircraft seat 294 passengers, with 18 in Business/First Class, 40 in Extra Comfort and 236 in the Main Cabin. In the new configuration, the aircraft will seat 278 passengers, with 18 in the Premium Cabin, 68 in Extra Comfort and 192 in the Main Cabin. Seat pitch in the Main Cabin will remain a roomy 31 inches.

Hawaiian’s first A330 aircraft equipped with the new Premium Cabin entered the carrier’s U.S. West Coast network this month as an exciting surprise-and-delight feature for guests. Sales for the Premium Cabin are expected to commence in the fall, when the first dedicated routes will be revealed along with new signature service elements and a host of new amenities.