I upgraded to business class for $25 and did it cheap three times. Here’s how to do it
I upgraded to business class for $25 and did it cheap three times. Here’s how to do it
- Steph was upgraded to business for a flight to the Gold Coast
- It cost $25, but admits she got lucky when she bid on the ticket at the last minute
A traveler has revealed her “lifehack” for scoring an upgrade to business class for just $25.
Steph flew from Melbourne to the Gold Coast on Rex Airlines and secured the affordable upgrade with business lounge access.
She got the business ticket by simply bidding for it on the same day as the flight – and she’s been lucky enough to win the bid three times.
“I did it again — I got an upgrade to business class for $25,” Steph said in an email video.
Previously, she also upgraded her seat with Virgin on a flight from the Gold Coast to Bali – however, this was much more expensive, costing $420 as it was an international flight.
Steph flew Rex Airlines from Melbourne to the Gold Coast and secured an upgrade to business class for $25. She scored the seat by bidding hours before boarding the domestic flight
In the viral TikTok video, Steph documents her day before boarding and encouraged all passengers to bid for an upgrade at least once.
“I’m going to the lounge now, so let’s talk about what it’s like,” she said.
“I’m not going to lie, it was a glorified teachers’ lounge with Nutri-Grain and other breakfast cereals. The coffee machine was impressive so I had my double espresso with a banana.
“Once I got on my flight, there was no one next to me, which means you could have bid on this flight. We could have been friends for $25.”
She ordered a “health plate” – a salad with avocado, poached egg, hazelnuts and chickpeas – alongside a bowl of fruit. Steph also got a warm muffin.
“Remember – bid last minute on your business class flight and post the lowest amount. It will work!’ she said.
In a follow-up video, she explained in detail how to bid on business seats.
“Most airlines send you an email saying ‘upgrade to business class by making an offer’,” she said.
“My theory is that if you bid on the day of your flight or late in the minute, all the people who were either outbid or who don’t have business class have given up.
“So if you do it at the last minute, they’re going to be like ‘well the flight is in an hour or two, what’s $25.’ I’ve done this domestic flights twice with Rex and I did it with Virgin Flying Economy.’
Typically, the airline will send emails to remind customers to make a bid – however, travelers can simply log into their account and bid through the airline’s website
Passengers traveling on Virgin Australia, Qantas or Rex have the option to bid on a business class seat.
Typically, the airline will send emails to remind customers to place a bid, but travelers can also simply log into their account and bid through the airline’s website.
Customers can offer a price that is easy for them to spend, but there is a minimum amount depending on the distance and whether the flight is international or domestic.
Both videos have since gone viral with over 213,000 views.