If you’re flying with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and looking to elevate your experience without paying full business class fare, bidding for an upgrade is a solid strategy. We’ve done this ourselves multiple times and have figured out how to navigate the process with minimal hassle and maximum value. Here’s everything you need to know about how to bid on SAS business class seats, including what works, what to avoid, and a few tricks we’ve learned firsthand.
Why Bid on an Upgrade with SAS?
SAS business class isn’t Emirates or Qatar but it’s way bougier than we expected from an airline that tends to be lower frills. If you get in at the right price, it can offer fantastic value with lie-flat seats, lounge access, two checked bags, priority everything, better meals, and a quieter cabin.
We’ve been upgraded for just $355 each on a long-haul from Copenhagen to Washington Dulles and another time in the other direction for $385. Both times, it was a huge improvement over economy and premium economy, especially on long-haul flights.
But there’s a catch. Most SAS upgrades don’t come from direct cash upgrades, status perks, or points alone. You’ll have to place a bid and ponder on the unknown, sometimes until just a few hours before your flight.
Pro tip: Always book a fare that you’ll be happy with if you don’t get your upgrade. For us, that’s Premium Economy, which is also very affordable on SAS compared to other carriers on similar transatlantic routes.
Step-by-Step: How the Bidding Process Works
1. Book Your Ticket
You’ll need a paid SAS ticket to start. Economy and premium economy tickets are both eligible for upgrade bids. Booking directly with SAS (via their website or app) makes the process much smoother. Sometimes airlines won’t let you upgrade if you didn’t book direct, but this didn’t apply to us.
2. Look for the Upgrade Link
After booking, keep an eye on your email or check the SAS app. You may see an invitation to upgrade or a “Manage Booking” section with a “Bid for Upgrade” option. If you have a EuroBonus account, log in to see it there, too. Not all flights are eligible, but many long-haul ones are.
3. Place a Bid (Cash or Points)
You can bid using money or EuroBonus points. The minimum bid varies depending on your route and how full the cabin is. We’ve seen minimums as low as $300 and as high as $800. Don’t panic if your bid is labeled as “weak” or if it drops below the minimum later on. That doesn’t mean it’s out. The system fluctuates.
Our approach:
- We usually place a few dollars above the lowest acceptable bid early on, when the price feels right.
- We then monitor the bidding in the final 24 hours before departure.
- You can change your bid anytime before the bidding window closes.
4. Monitor Your Bid Status
This is where the SAS app shines. It’s easy to see your bid status and whether you’ve been outbid. SAS will notify you if someone outbids you, and you may have the chance to increase your offer or engage in a live bid.
One tip from experience: don’t rely too heavily on the strength meter (“weak” or “strong” bid). What matters more is whether your bid stays active and hasn’t been surpassed.
5. Wait for Confirmation
Upgrades can clear at any point, but in our experience:
- One bid cleared 25 hours before the flight.
- Another cleared just 6 hours before takeoff.
In that last-minute case, the official confirmation came 30-60 minutes after the bidding closed. But we noticed our credit card was charged first, which tipped us off that it was successful.
Once the bid is accepted, you’ll get an email and app notification with your new seat assignment. You won’t be charged unless and until your bid is accepted – which is nice, because some airlines charge and refund if unsuccessful.
Real-World Examples: What We Paid and How It Worked
On one of our transatlantic flights, we bid $355 and were upgraded from premium economy to business. On another leg, we bid $385 and got business again. On a different trip, the minimum bid was $700+ per person each leg, so we passed.
We were automatically assigned a seat, and only had an option to move if there was still space available in business class. On one flight we were separated from each other, but each had a seat by ourselves in a 1-2-1 configured cabin. On another, we got the 2 seats together in the bulkhead (with spacious footwells). These are our favorite seats on the plane!
The lie-flat seat, lounge access, and calmer onboard atmosphere made it 100% worth it.
If you’re flexible and don’t need to sit next to your travel companion, bidding can be a game-changer.
Key Tips for SAS Upgrade Bidding
- Bid early if the price is right. The system fluctuates, so locking in a bid when it’s low gives you a shot.
- Watch your bid in the final 25 hours. That’s when most decisions happen. Keep an eye on outbid notifications.
- Don’t stress over the bid strength meter. It’s not a precise predictor.
- Know the close time. Bidding usually closes 6 to 25 hours before your flight. It varies.
- Use the SAS app. It’s the easiest way to manage and monitor your bid.
- You won’t be charged unless your bid is accepted. That helps reduce risk.
- Be ready for a last-minute confirmation. One of our successful upgrades was charged and finalized less than 6 hours before departure.
When Is It Worth It?
If your goal is to arrive well-rested, or you want access to the lounges, priority lines, and a better meal, bidding is often worth it, as long as the price is right for you. For us, the $355-$385 range hit that sweet spot.
But if the bid is $700+, it might not be worth it. In that case, we’ll stick to Premium Economy, which you can find sometimes for as low as $900, but generally at about $1100 to $1500 roundtrip. Getting lie-flat business-class round-trip tickets from the US to Europe for $1800 is almost unheard of these days, but it’s possible with SAS – and it’s so much more enjoyable.
TL;DR: Here’s the Bottom Line
Bidding for an SAS business class upgrade offers a unique opportunity to score a better travel experience without spending a fortune. It’s easy to manage through the SAS app, you’re not charged unless your bid is accepted, and you can monitor the process right up to departure.
Just be strategic:
- Set your bid early at close to the minimum.
- Watch for changes from 25 to 6 hours before departure.
- Don’t worry if your bid is “weak” as long as you’re not outbid.
- Be flexible and have fun!
If you’re okay with the possibility of not sitting next to your travel partner, this can be a great value. We’d absolutely do it again, especially for a long-haul daytime flight where you can really make use of the extra space and comfort.
Read Our Related Travel Guides
- SAS Business Class Review: Your Complete Guide
- Is SAS Business Class Worth It? An Honest Review
- How to See Copenhagen in a Day Without Breaking the Bank
- Copenhagen Food Tour: 10 Must-Try Tastings
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