airberlin Gets Creative with Unused Business Class Inventory

airberlin has decided to get creative with its unused Business Class inventory, by auctioning off Business Class upgrades on its long-haul flights.

Passengers have the option of bidding for an upgrade to Business Class up until 72 hours before departure.

Any passenger can check on the airline's website to see whether an auction is available for their flight and can then submit a bid. The traveller will then find out at least 12 hours prior to departure whether their bid was successful.

“With this new service, we are offering guests the opportunity to treat themselves to an exclusive flight experience in Business Class on the spur of the moment. Guests can decide how much they are prepared to pay. Then a decision is made among the bids submitted as to who will go onboard in Business Class,” said Jacob Fischer, Vice President Distribution at airberlin.

An upgrade gives passengers all the luxury of the new airberlin Business Class, along with benefits such as priority check-in, Fast Lane boarding and lounge access.

In spring 2014, airberlin finished fitting out all its Business Class cabins with the new FullFlat seats, so it can now offer those on board entirely horizontal beds.

The configuration, with thirteen single and six double seats, allows for more privacy and ensures that every seat has aisle access.

A first-class entertainment system and gourmet meals from the Sansibar restaurant round off the exclusive flight experience.