We're taking off on Friday GLA-MEL return and since booking a number of months ago have not been able to upgrade from Business to First using miles. I keep getting:

"Sorry, there are no reward seats available in the next higher class for the flight(s) chosen. Please try again closer to departure".

We have about enough miles to upgrade either DXB-MEL or MEL-DXB (no point between GLA and DXB as it is a 2-class flight and we don't have enough miles anyway). 64,000 and 61,000 respectively on Saver fare incidentally.

A couple of questions, thanks in advance for replies:

Is there a chance of getting an upgrade by phoning Emirates if this message keeps appearing? (if so does anyone have a number in the UK to try)

Is it likely they will release upgrade seats the day before or on the day?