SAA has introduced Step-Up, an online bidding system that gives customers the opportunity to upgrade their seat for an upcoming trip from economy to business class, where business class inventory is available. The programme has been launched on selected routes and will be extended to more routes in the near future.
How it works:
Customers will get an email seven days before their scheduled departure informing them of the possibility of available seats in business class. The email contains a link to the Step-Up tool, where the customer will be able to place their bid.
The minimum and maximum bid range is dependent on the original ticket purchased and where the passenger is flying.
All bids stop 72 hours before departure, and customers have the ability to view, modify and cancel their bid before this cut-off. Nothing is confirmed immediately, as the system creates a prioritised list of all the bids. Customers are then notified 24 hours before departure of the outcome of their bid.
Successful customers’ credit cards will be charged with the amount they have bid. Unsuccessful passengers retain their original itinerary and pay nothing.
If the email in the booking is that of the travel agent, the travel agent may follow the link and bid on behalf of the customer. Alternatively, the travel agent may pass the email on to their customer and the customer may bid for themselves.
Do you think this is an innovative way for SAA to increase its revenue? Will you be encouraging your clients to use this system? Share your thoughts by commenting below.
