Agents lose out as consumers receive a ‘OneUp’ from Air New Zealand with the airline extending a trial that offers upgrades to passengers booking long haul trips via the carrier’s online site, contact centre or Air New Zealand Holiday store.

Announced earlier today, the carrier said the upgrades would apply to last minute long haul seat availabilities with passengers selected to receive the offer based on their Airports membership status.

Chosen passengers will then receive an OneUp notification offer via email seven days prior to travel and will present economy and premium economy ticket holders who booked directly through Air New Zealand the opportunity to upgrade to the next cabin class.

Having previously tested out the system on tickets purchased in North America, United Kingdom and Australia, the airline said it is moving the test onto passengers ticketed ex New Zealand to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Shanghai or Beijing as well travellers flying between Los Angeles and London and Hong Kong and London.

“The OneUp trial is a unique way for passengers to have the chance at an upgrade when they might not otherwise be able to afford it,” Air New Zealand Group general manager international airline Christopher Luxon explained. 

“It’s also a win for the airline, enabling us to earn additional revenue from seats that would previously travel empty.”