patrick.net

They can also do it through an app. Make it festive.

That would take too long to gather and process all the answers.

How about a simple 'live auction' by the stewardess over the intercom ... simply increment by $100 each time an offer has no takers.

Experience has taught me to volunteer at the gate, prior to boarding, but an app would work better. If the Dollar amount is anything other than actual cash, then keeping airlines honest would also require some regulatory enforcement, because otherwise passengers would have to decide whether to click or tap "submit" to fine print that they don't have time to read. Most passengers would want a combination of cash and (nonviolent) re-accommodation, and most airlines would prefer a voucher that expires, so as a practical matter you'd need a combination of technological efficiency (app or website) and regulatory enforcement.

Also could work for sporting events to move into 100 level seats after 3 innings or 1st Q or whatever

Peter P says

The four submissions with the lowest dollar amounts will be selected. The corresponding passengers all will be paid the FIFTH lowest amount.

This way, passengers will have an incentive to bid for the lowest desirable price, knowing that he may be paid more if he wins.

A most excellent idea. I am a bit jealous that I did not think of that myself. Excellent use of game theory. You just need to have a transparent system like cursious2 says in order to prevent cheating on the part of the airline, but great idea.