HTS Seat Upgrades Redefine Airline Revenue with Three New Upgrade Options
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Today, Hopper Technology Solutions (HTS), the B2B arm of Hopper, launched HTS Seat Upgrades to help airlines boost revenue while offering passengers a more comfortable and personalized experience. The platform, which includes three new offerings: Cabin Upgrades, Seat Upgrades, and Empty Seats. It leverages AI-driven pricing and deep system integration to make upgrades more personal, accessible, and profitable.
Smarter Upgrades, Seamless Integration
HTS Seat Upgrades enables airlines to turn unsold inventory into incremental revenue while improving passenger comfort. The first product, Cabin Upgrades, allows travelers to upgrade to premium cabins, including business class, premium economy, or first class. The second product, Seat Upgrades, allows travelers to select preferred seats within the same cabin, such as those with more legroom or recline. The third product, Empty Seats, allows passengers to reserve adjacent seats for extra space and privacy, a concept that aligns with the growing demand for comfort and personal space.
Each module connects directly to the airline’s passenger service system (PSS), linking inventory, reservations, and departure control to the airline’s payment gateway. “Our holistic upgrade solution captures high-intent users across multiple touchpoints in the customer journey,” said Hopper and HTS SVP and General Manager of Fintech Ella Alkalay Schreiber. “This allows our airline partners to generate a new revenue stream while delighting travelers with an upgraded onboard experience.”
HTS built its system to work with any airline’s setup. It offers a white-label interface that preserves brand identity or an API integration for airlines seeking a fully native experience. At its core is the price builder, which uses real-time booking data, inventory updates, and AI to set flexible prices. “Our optional bidding feature helps airlines avoid revenue overlap and adjust offers just before departure, benefiting both travelers and the airline,” Schreiber added.
The platform’s multi-cabin optimization allows for upgrades even when cabins appear full by redistributing seat availability to maximize revenue. Airlines can set pricing rules by route, timing, or passenger profile, ensuring travelers receive the most relevant offer at the right moment.
According to HTS, airlines can see up to a 20 per cent increase in unit revenue from seat upgrades. French leisure airline Corsair is among the first to use HTS Seat Upgrades, integrating the system across online check-in, post-booking emails, and its Manage My Booking page.
“Our holistic upgrade solution captures high-intent users across multiple touchpoints in the customer journey.”
– Ella Alkalay Schreiber, Hopper Technology Solutions
Understanding the Modern Traveler
The launch of HTS Seat Upgrades coincides with the HTS Upgrades Report, which reveals that travelers increasingly prioritize comfort and personalization over cost. Millennials are leading this shift. They are traveling more frequently and spending more per trip than any other generation. Only 26 per cent of millennials reported booking the cheapest fare on their most recent flight, while 40 per cent chose the most comfortable or convenient option, and 12 per cent selected the most upscale experience. Nearly half of millennials offered seat upgrades accept them, and 43 per cent accepted cabin class upgrades.
Business travelers also represent a major opportunity. According to the report, 59 per cent of business travelers upgrade to preferred seats, 56 per cent move to higher cabin classes, and 58 per cent are willing to pay to block a seat next to them for added space. These rates far exceed those of leisure travelers, showing that comfort and productivity remain key priorities for frequent flyers.
Furthermore, the report highlights that pricing misalignment is the biggest reason travelers decline upgrades. According to the HTS Upgrades Report, 51 per cent of travelers said they skipped seat upgrades because the price was too high, and 60 per cent said the same for cabin upgrades. HTS developed its platform to solve this challenge. Its AI autopilot monitors booking trends, load factors, and market behavior to adjust pricing dynamically, ensuring upgrade offers remain attractive and competitively priced.
With HTS Seat Upgrades, airlines can present personalized offers at every stage of the journey, from post-booking emails to mobile check-in. The system continuously learns from engagement and booking data to refine offers and improve conversion rates. By combining AI, automation, and deep integration, HTS is positioning itself as a focal point of airline retailing.