Travel blogger Bethaney Davies of Flashpacker Family offered these general guidelines to International Business Times: "Calculate the regular cost of a business class seat, then subtract what you paid for the economy fare and aim for around 20% to 40% of that price.? She offers an example.

When using an airline's "Bid for Upgrade" system, a successful bid typically falls between 20% and 40% of the original price difference between your economy seat and the business class fare. Most airlines provide a "strength meter" during the bidding process to show you how likely your offer is to be accepted; generally, a "Medium-High" bid is the sweet spot for value. For a long-haul flight (e.g., London to New York), a bid of $400 to $600 is often a competitive starting point if the cabin isn't already full. However, you should check the current "sold" price for business class first; if the direct upgrade cost is $800, bidding $700 makes little sense. Factors that increase your chances in 2026 include having elite status with the airline, traveling solo (it's easier to find one empty seat than two), and bidding on mid-week flights rather than busy Monday or Friday "business travel" banks. Remember that your bid is "per person, per segment," and if accepted, it is non-refundable. If you really want the seat, bidding slightly above the "minimum" by $50 can often put you ahead of the dozens of other travelers who only bid the absolute lowest possible amount permitted by the system.