Originally Posted by
KeepDiscovering
One more way, which you cannot request and can only hope for... sometimes EK does email offers for upgrades a couple of days before departure. That is, they send emails to selected passengers, providing a specific code where the passengers can key in on the EK's website for upgrading to next cabin, at a discounted rate.
How often they do this on LHR-DXB/DXB-HKG routes, I am not sure (but not too optimistic as these routes seem premium demand-heavy). On the route I usually travel on EK (Trans-Tasman), email offers are common (receive them more than half of all times I fly them).
I heard that emails upgrades offers are provided to passengers who book on EK's website and are Skyward members. Perhaps someone can verify this.
Had the upgrade offer email when flying PVG-DXB, and got op-up at check in to J. Similiar email on DXB-MAN flight, but no op-up then. I suspect it gets sent out when flights are overbooked, hence an attempt to make some money instead of handing out free op-ups.