Monarch launches online auctions for seat upgrades

Passengers with low-cost airline Monarch can now bid for unsold upgrade options on flights.

The UK airline has two new products, called ‘Extra Comfort Seat’ and ‘Bid for Extra Legroom’.

‘Extra Comfort Seat’ means that selected passengers can get the chance to enjoy extra comfort by buying one or two extra spaces next to their original seat (maximum of two customers per booking).

‘Bid for Extra Legroom’ allows passengers to bid for any unsold upgrade seats that are still available four days before their flight. Passengers can request he service up to 26 hours before departure (maximum of six customers per booking).

Passengers who have already booked a standard seat will be given the opportunity to either ‘Bid for Extra Legroom’ or buy ‘Extra Comfort Seats’. They will be informed if they have been successful or not with their bid for the extra legroom seats within 24 hours of departure.

Only passengers who make a flight only booking directly with Monarch can use the new products.

Monarch contacts eligible passengers via email four days before their flight departure with details of the service they can bid for.

Monarch says the products allows them to ‘repackage unsold upgrade options on flights’ i.e make more money. In this case it should work for airline and passengers. The airline makes more ancillary revenue and passengers who are happy to bid get a better seat for a price they are comfortable with.

About Monarch Airlines (ZB)

Monarch is a UK low-cost airline headquartered at London Luton. It operates to over 40 destinations from five UK airports: Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, London Luton, London Gatwick and Manchester.

Routes: Monarch flies to over 40 destinations across Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Fleet: Monarch currently has 36 aircraft.