I bid to fly business class and won. It had great food and felt luxurious, but I wouldn't pay full price.

Anttoni James NumminenJul 19, 2023, 16:06 IST

The author during his journey.Anttoni James Numminen

I flew from London to Helsinki and snagged a bargain upgrade to business class for £75.
I got priority boarding, a meal, and access to the business lounge (though I didn't end up going).

I live in the UK but have family in Finland, so I tend to travel back and forth a few times a year. I most recently visited in June. I was booked to travel, as usual, in economy class from London to Helsinki, with a short layover in Munich.

Once I booked my trip, I received an email from Lufthansa with the usual details. But having seen some posts on social media about people "bidding" for upgrades, I decided to look into it. A quick online search yielded the right section on the German carrier's website.

Several options were available, including purchasing a guaranteed upgrade for about £280, or about $360. Flying in business class on the return journey would have cost £400 to £600.

Like many airlines, Lufthansa gives passengers an opportunity to bid for an upgrade. In this case, the range of bids was £65 to £220.

Anttoni James Numminen

The bidding process helps airlines maximize the use of their aircraft. If the bid isn't accepted, the passenger doesn't have to pay anything.

Anttoni James Numminen

Three days later I woke up to a message saying my bid had been accepted.

Anttoni James Numminen

I got a window seat, which was nice for the afternoon views of the English Channel and the English and French coastlines.

Anttoni James Numminen

Shortly after takeoff, passengers in economy were given a complimentary bottle of water. Other beverages and snacks were for sale.

Anttoni James Numminen

I had only a 45-minute layover in Munich, and we arrived late. There was no chance I'd get to enjoy the business-class lounge, which I'd heard was quite good — instead, I rushed to the gate.

Anttoni James Numminen

I had only a 45-minute layover in Munich, and we arrived late. There was no chance I'd get to enjoy the business-class lounge, which I'd heard was quite good — instead, I rushed to the gate.

I arrived just in time, so I didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. With priority boarding, I was on Lufthansa's Airbus A320-200 in no time.

Anttoni James Numminen

The business-class cabin had three seats on each side, as in economy — but the middle seats were left empty in each row.

Anttoni James Numminen

We left Munich on time. Just after takeoff we were treated to a hot towel, which was a welcome surprise; even some long-haul flights don't offer that in business class.

Anttoni James Numminen

We were given some salty pretzels, and the flight attendants offered us a broad choice of drinks.

Anttoni James Numminen

I went with some red wine and a glass of tomato juice, as I find the latter always tastes better in the air.

Anttoni James Numminen

We were handed menus with surprisingly broad options for a 2-1/2-hour flight, including different main courses.

Anttoni James Numminen

I placed my order with the very friendly flight attendants, who took the time to explain what the different dishes entailed. I had another glass of red wine while I waited.

The author during his journey.Anttoni James Numminen

I placed my order with the very friendly flight attendants, who took the time to explain what the different dishes entailed. I had another glass of red wine while I waited.

The food arrived quickly. Though the courses all arrived on one tray, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portions.

Anttoni James Numminen

I'd ordered the traditional German roast of Rhenish sauerbraten, which was piping hot, tender, and juicy.

Anttoni James Numminen

I also particularly enjoyed the starter that came with carrot tartare; it tasted fresh and zesty. Dessert was French opera cake, and though it was nicely chilled, it wasn't quite as flavorful as I'd expected.

Anttoni James Numminen

I also particularly enjoyed the starter that came with carrot tartare; it tasted fresh and zesty. Dessert was French opera cake, and though it was nicely chilled, it wasn't quite as flavorful as I'd expected.

We were already well on our way, and I hadn't realized how much time had passed. Time flies when you're having fun.

Anttoni James Numminen

Once the plates and cutlery — which were porcelain and steel — had been cleared, I was offered some fruit and further snacks. I chose an apple, as I was quite full.

Anttoni James Numminen

Once the plates and cutlery — which were porcelain and steel — had been cleared, I was offered some fruit and further snacks. I chose an apple, as I was quite full.

As I had the whole row to myself, I got to enjoy the fantastic "midnight sun" and well-lit midsummer skies at 11:30 p.m.

Anttoni James Numminen

I felt quite luxurious sipping my cognac and coffee at 30,000 feet, enjoying the scenery in such comfort.

Anttoni James Numminen

Suddenly we were preparing to land in Helsinki. After we'd disembarked, leaving the airport was a breeze.

Anttoni James Numminen

It was definitely worth bidding for the upgrade.

Anttoni James Numminen

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I bid to fly business class and won. It had great food and felt luxurious, but I wouldn't pay full price.

Like many airlines, Lufthansa gives passengers an opportunity to bid for an upgrade. In this case, the range of bids was £65 to £220.

The bidding process helps airlines maximize the use of their aircraft. If the bid isn't accepted, the passenger doesn't have to pay anything.

Three days later I woke up to a message saying my bid had been accepted.

I got a window seat, which was nice for the afternoon views of the English Channel and the English and French coastlines.

Shortly after takeoff, passengers in economy were given a complimentary bottle of water. Other beverages and snacks were for sale.

I had only a 45-minute layover in Munich, and we arrived late. There was no chance I'd get to enjoy the business-class lounge, which I'd heard was quite good — instead, I rushed to the gate.

I arrived just in time, so I didn't have to wait more than a few minutes. With priority boarding, I was on Lufthansa's Airbus A320-200 in no time.

The business-class cabin had three seats on each side, as in economy — but the middle seats were left empty in each row.

We left Munich on time. Just after takeoff we were treated to a hot towel, which was a welcome surprise; even some long-haul flights don't offer that in business class.

We were given some salty pretzels, and the flight attendants offered us a broad choice of drinks.

I went with some red wine and a glass of tomato juice, as I find the latter always tastes better in the air.

We were handed menus with surprisingly broad options for a 2-1/2-hour flight, including different main courses.

I placed my order with the very friendly flight attendants, who took the time to explain what the different dishes entailed. I had another glass of red wine while I waited.

The food arrived quickly. Though the courses all arrived on one tray, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portions.

I'd ordered the traditional German roast of Rhenish sauerbraten, which was piping hot, tender, and juicy.

I also particularly enjoyed the starter that came with carrot tartare; it tasted fresh and zesty. Dessert was French opera cake, and though it was nicely chilled, it wasn't quite as flavorful as I'd expected.

We were already well on our way, and I hadn't realized how much time had passed. Time flies when you're having fun.

Once the plates and cutlery — which were porcelain and steel — had been cleared, I was offered some fruit and further snacks. I chose an apple, as I was quite full.

As I had the whole row to myself, I got to enjoy the fantastic "midnight sun" and well-lit midsummer skies at 11:30 p.m.

I felt quite luxurious sipping my cognac and coffee at 30,000 feet, enjoying the scenery in such comfort.

Suddenly we were preparing to land in Helsinki. After we'd disembarked, leaving the airport was a breeze.

It was definitely worth bidding for the upgrade.