flydubai has launched a new feature allowing passengers booked in Economy to bid to upgrade to Business Class.
This is not a totally new offering in the UAE. Etihad has offered flyers the chance to bid for upgrades using both cash and Etihad Guest Miles for a couple of years.
How do you bid for an upgrade on flydubai?
You can bid for an upgrade for both cash and Skywards Miles bookings.
flydubai will email you once the bidding opens. You can also check whether bidding has opened via the bid widget.
All you need to do is decide how much you’re willing to pay to sit up front and enter your card details. The card will only be charged if your bid is successful.
Upgrade bids can be made up to ten hours before departure on flights from Dubai and up to 18 hours from all other destinations. While bidding is open you’re free to change or cancel your bidding.
If your bid is successful, flydubai will automatically charge your credit card and send you a confirmation of your new travel details.
What are the benefits of business class on flydubai?
Successful bidders will have access to all of the benefits of flying Business Class on the ground and in the air.
At the airport, this includes dedicated check-in desks and some airports priority during security and baggage collection. Passengers departing Dubai will have to access the flydubai Business Class lounge at Terminal 2 or Emirates Business Class Lounge at Terminal 3.
Onboard the flydubai’s Business Class offers the following benefits:
- Comfortable Italian leather seats with wider chairs and more legroom.
- Fold-out desk to create your very own workspace and onboard WiFi packages to keep you connected.
- A personal 12.1-inch touchscreen packed with box sets of the latest hit TV shows, blockbuster movies and games.
- Internationally-inspired menu with a selection of meals, snacks, and complimentary hot and cold beverages.
Business Class on the flydubai 737 MAX
flydubai’s fleet of MAX 8 aircraft has been grounded since March 2019 following two fatal crashes. The FAA has now cleared the aircraft to fly again following changes made by Boeing.
The 737 MAX is flydubai newest aircraft and features ten fully flat bed seats in Business Class. I would not be surprised to see the MAX scheduled on premium destinations such as flydubai’s historic new route to Tel Aviv. I would definitely bid to upgrade on a flight with the flydubai flatbed in Business Class.
Do you earn more Skywards benefits?
A big question mark I have is whether successful bidders will earn business class Skywards Miles and Tier Miles. There is no mention of Skywards earning rates on successful bids in the full terms and conditions.
I have been in contact with flydubai to ask that question and will update this post once I have an answer.