Get super cheap flights with a new app that lets you bid on empty plane seats
Airlines make a loss when seats go unsold - but they're now tackling the problem by letting people bid on empty seats at the last minute with an eBay-style app called Air Ticket Arena
THERE'S a new way to get super cheap flights - but you'll have to have nerves of steel.
An app called Air Ticket Arena has been launched that lets people bid on unsold seats – for a fraction of the price.
But you’ll need to be a spontaneous type, as the seats are on last-minute flights.
Wannabe travellers can choose where they want to fly to up to two weeks in advance.
The app the customer select the destination, departure and return dates, plus how many tickets you need.
It also gives a preference of airline – providing the company is participating with the app.
Then, much like eBay, you are able to select how much you want to bid on the flight.
Between 24-48 hours before the chosen flight, the airline decides how many of their empty seats will be allocated o the app's users and the bottom price they are willing to give them away for.
The bidder will be informed if they’ve won the flight 24-48 hours before the flight, at which point the app will automatically buy the seat for you.
The mobile app is free - so it's certainly worth a go if you're more of a spontaneous type.
The programme is similar to the website PlusGrade, which lets airlines auction off their fancier seats to customers who already have an Economy ticket on the same flight.
Similarly, passengers flying Economy on Etihad Airways can also now pay extra to sit next to an empty seat.
The new Neighbour-Free Seat’ option allows people to bid for up to three empty seats next to their original seat, subject to availability.
Services are increasingly popping up to help customers feel more secure and speed up the travelling process.
One company is offering customers a bag "teleporting" service - which sees your bag being taken off your hands at the airport and reunited with you when you get to your hotel.
Another app will let you check on what the queues are like at security before you've got to the airport - and when you get there, it will even tell you which line is going to move quickest.
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Services are increasingly popping up to help customers feel more secure and speed up the travelling process.
One company is offering customers a bag "teleporting" service - which sees your bag being taken off your hands at the airport and reunited with you when you get to your hotel.
Another app will let you check on what the queues are like at security before you've got to the airport - and when you get there, it will even tell you which line is going to move quickest.