Hawaii-based carrier Hawaiian Airlines Inc. will offer business class auction upgrade program dubbed Bid Up to its Far East destinations of South Korea and Japan.

The Bid Up program is the airliner’s popular service, offering economy customers upgrade their seats to business cabin equipped with 180-degree lie-flat seats. Since the launch in 2016, over 55,000 customers have received upgrades through the auction program.

Customers traveling on flights to Hawaii have to check their eligibility before bidding, and eligible guests will receive an e-mail inviting them to vie for available business class seats about 10 days before the departure date. Winners will be notified 48 hours prior to departure.

Successful bidders can enjoy all the benefits offered to premium class guests - two complimentary checked bags with priority baggage handling, expedited check-in lines, access to Hawaiian Airlines Premier Clubs or Plumeria Lounge (international Business Class only), priority boarding, award-winning regional cuisine, unlimited in-flight beverage service, free access to the latest movies and over 150 hours of TV and music programming.

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates the Incheon-Honolulu route five times a week on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the peak season from Jan. 14 to Feb. 6, 2019, it will launch a daily flight.

By Hwang Soon-min and Lee Ha-yeon

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