Compare · Upgrade types
Upgrade types compared
There are four distinct upgrade products, and they work very differently. Here's how they compare — whether the upgrade is guaranteed, when you're charged, and which fits your situation. Points and miles aren't a separate product: they're a payment method you can often use for a bid or an instant upgrade.
| Product | How it works | Guaranteed? | You pay | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bid Upgrade | Offer an amount within a set range to upgrade to a higher cabin or cabin category. You're only charged if your bid is accepted — if it loses, there's no charge. | No — only if your bid is accepted | Only if you win | Flexibility and a shot at a lower price |
| Instant Upgrade | Upgrade to a higher cabin at a fixed, published price — confirmed immediately rather than bid on. Offered on select routes/sailings. | Yes — confirmed at purchase | At purchase | Certainty — you want the upgrade for sure |
| Seat Blocker (Empty Seat) | Pay to keep the seat(s) next to you empty for more personal space — branded by carriers as Empty Seat, Neighbour-Free Seat, Double Comfort, Bubble Seat, and similar. | Yes — the adjacent seat is held | At purchase | More personal space without changing cabin |
| Premium Seating | Pay to select a premium or extra-legroom seat within your existing cabin — more space or a better location without changing class. | Yes | At purchase | A better seat within your existing cabin |
Frequently asked
Bid upgrade vs. instant upgrade — which is better?
It depends on your priority. An instant upgrade is confirmed immediately at a fixed price — best when you want certainty. A bid upgrade is an offer within a range: you're only charged if it's accepted, so it's best when you're price-sensitive and flexible about whether you get it.
Do I pay if my upgrade bid loses?
No. With a bid upgrade you're only charged if your bid is accepted. If it loses, there's no charge and you travel in your original cabin.
Can I use points or miles instead?
Often, yes. Points/miles are a payment method rather than a separate product — depending on the airline, route, and offer, you can pay a bid or an instant upgrade with points, cash, or a mix. The options shown on your booking are definitive.
What's the difference between a seat blocker and premium seating?
A seat blocker keeps the seat(s) next to you empty for more space in your current seat; premium seating means selecting a better or extra-legroom seat within your existing cabin. Neither changes your cabin class.
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