Tips on bidding and winning

Tips on bidding and winning

Your chances of winning a Seatfrog upgrade depend on:

• The number of upgrades available for your train.

• How many other passengers are bidding.

• The time and date of travel (peak services may be more competitive).

How to improve your chances of winning

1. Consider ‘Upgrade Now’

If the Upgrade Now option is available for your service, you can purchase an upgrade instantly at a fixed price instead of bidding.

This may be useful if you prefer certainty rather than participating in the auction.

2. Set a strong maximum bid early

You can place a bid as soon as the auction becomes available.

If you set your maximum bid early:

• Seatfrog will automatically bid on your behalf.

• Your maximum bid is hidden from other bidders.

• The app will increase your bid in small increments up to your maximum amount.

In some auctions, there are hidden price points known as Instant Upgrades.

If your maximum bid meets or exceeds one of these price points, you may win an instant upgrade when the auction opens — or during the auction — without waiting for it to close.

Setting a competitive maximum bid early can therefore increase your chances of:

• Staying in the lead, or

• Winning an upgrade instantly.

You will only be charged if you win.

3. Enable push notifications

Turn on push notifications in your phone settings so we can notify you if:

• You are outbid.

• The auction is closing soon.

• You win an upgrade.

4. Monitor the auction

If you are outbid, you can increase your maximum bid at any time while the auction is live.

5. Check your payment details

Before bidding, make sure:

• Your payment card has not expired.

• Your card has sufficient funds.

• Your spending limit allows the maximum amount you are bidding.

You will only be charged if you win the auction.

What are my chances of winning?

There is no guaranteed way to win an auction.

Your chances depend on:

• Demand for that specific train.

• The number of upgrades available.

• The maximum bids placed by other participants.

Travelling during peak times or holidays may increase competition.

What happens if I win?

If you win:

• You will be charged the final winning price (which may be less than your maximum bid).

• Your upgrade ticket and seat details will appear in the Seatfrog app and be sent via email.

• You can find your new seat onboard and enjoy your First Class journey.

At the station:

• Use your original ticket to pass through ticket barriers.

• Present both your original ticket and your Seatfrog upgrade to the train manager onboard.

If you do not win, you will not be charged.