This is why EK need a formal process to deal with op-ups, not the random, hold your finger in the air to check which way the wind is blowing method they use now.

Lets assume that op-ups are handed out generally by status. So, you're a Gold, the load controller is furiously working the flight to accommodate as many of the Y oversales, and looks thru the manifest. Grabs all the Golds, then if thats not enough grabs some Silvers. I can assure you the check-in staff have no way of inserting a message into the system. It's all manual. You may as well given the agent your favourite chicken marsala recipe rather than ask not to be moved around due to oversales. Perhaps the only way to prevent this is to actually ask for the load controller and make him/her understand your request.

There's no "system" at this point.

As a comparison, United with all its failings, have the upgrade process down to a fine art. A computer controls the whole thing. Sure, an agent or controller working the flight can intervene/override, but most people let the system do its thing, and 95% of the time, things work.

UA base upgrades on fare basis, status and then time added to the list (if you are using a certificate or miles). On an op-up basis, its down to fare basis, then status then a range of other criteria should there be a tie.

B747, in your case, if you were on UA, you would simply inform the agent working the flight that you want to be removed from all upgrade lists or to be tagged NSFU (for this flight only).

Back to the EK issue though. Most newbies reading this thread might look at your post and think "what a pain in the bum this guy is - he would prefer to sit in Y than J, even though it is a middle seat"

If it was me, I would always take the J product, over the Y product. Although its never happened to me on any op-up.

I would admit that I am somewhat of a high-maintenance customer - but more so out of my home airports than anything else. Most of my recent J flights, I insist on the forward cabin, and either row 6 or 7 windows. If they dont have it, I wave my arms And I would never, ever accept the rear row of J. May as well then sit in Y (nearly).

I like this conversation. Because for the most part, I think anyway, a lot of people are going to be amazed that there are people out there who would prefer to fly coach rather than business - and that in essence, is the antithesis of everything that FT stands for

(Personally, I'd like to move this entire thread over to the BA forum for 48-hours and then watch what happens!)