Originally Posted by
dkerr
1) If Expertflyer.com shows availability in 'A' does this mean that the upgrade is available or is there a hidden class not visible to Expertflyer?
Don't know
Originally Posted by
dkerr
2) I'm not a skywards member, but I have lots of Starwood points that I can transfer into skywards once I join. Anyone have experience on how long it takes for points to move from SPG to EK ?
No experience on transfer time, but you may need to set up a Skywards account for your mom and transfer the points to her account for this kind of upgrade, esp. if you two are not flying together.
Originally Posted by
dkerr
3) Related to last question... can EK hold an upgrade for me before the transfer from SPG completes?
Highly doubt it. I've had EK hold an upgrade for me for 24 hours so that I could find a ticketing office and pay a ticket change fee (REALLY annoying that I could not have this processed over the phone
). Again, check whether points in your account can upgrade another person or if she will need her own account.
Originally Posted by
dkerr
4) I see that at the EK website, manage booking, there is an option to upgrade the flight... can I go to my mothers booking and upgrade using my (yet to be created) skyward account, or should I do it by phone, given skyward account will be mine, not my mothers.
Just call. I've never had success with the website. Again, check if you can upgrade your mom with miles from your skyward account if you are not flying with her.
Originally Posted by
dkerr
5) Upgrades from AKL and SYD take the same number of miles. She is flying AKL->SYD (one week stopover) SYD->DXB. Can I upgrade both flights for the same miles, or would this be considered two upgrades (in which case I won't bother for the AKL to SYD segment).
There is a mileage calculator on the skywards website that will tell you how many miles you need to upgrade. AKL-DXB may be the same as SYD-DXB.