A bid could get you a flight upgrade

American Airlines is using the Ebay model for you to get upgraded on your flights. 

The company announced on its website that if you want to get upgraded on your next flight you can place a bid saying how much you want to pay.

It could be an easy way to get a cheap upgrade, but there’s certainly no guarantee you will get one.

The system works this way — At least six days prior to your flight, you can place at bid here tinyurl.com/lfljkf5 . 

In submitting your offer, you can choose the flight segment you would like to upgrade (if you are doing multiple legs) with your contact and credit card details. American will then send you a confirmation that you placed a bid. You will be allowed to modify the price you are willing to pay. 

No later than 24 hours prior to your flight, you will receive an e-mail saying whether or not you were successful.

If successful you’ll get the normal premium class amenities of priority check-in, baggage and boarding. However, your AAdvantage air miles will be based on your original ticket and not the upgraded one.

If you have any questions about the process, you may contact American at [email protected]. 

No to phone calls

The Association of Flight Attendants have come out against allowing phone calls to be made while the plane is in the air. Recently the US Federal Aviation Administration said it would allow passengers to use their phones while in flight as it did not pose a safety hazard.

However, the flight attendant union said allowing people to make phone calls poses a hazard as it disrupts “the importance of maintaining a calm cabin environment. Any situation that is loud, divisive, and possibly disruptive is not only unwelcome but also unsafe.”

The association added: “Besides potential passenger conflicts, Flight Attendants also are concerned that in emergencies, cell phone use would drown out announcements and distract from life-saving instructions from the crew.”

At first I was in favour of the relaxation of the rules on phones, but now, thinking about it, do I really want the people around me yammering on their devices?

What do you think? Are you in favour of passengers being able to use their phones in flight or not? E-mail me [email protected] or call 278-1861.

Cruise sales

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching a limited time offer to celebrate Black Friday. Power shoppers who book a new cruise reservation to any of Norwegian’s destinations including the Caribbean, Bahamas & Florida; or Hawai’i from Wednesday, November 27 through Tuesday, December 3, 2013, will receive up to $250 per stateroom to spend on board (based on cruise length and stateroom category). Princess Cruises passengers can enjoy special savings on the perfect post-holiday escape with cruise deals during the line’s Thanksgiving sale. From November 27 through December 4, the sale offers savings of up to $600 per stateroom, plus a free stateroom location upgrade, a free bottle of wine, and an onboard credit of $25 per stateroom to spend on the ship. n

See your travel agent or contact the cruise lines.