Hi All,

I'm hoping someone can help me.....

So I'm off back to the UK (currently living/working in Shanghai) to tie the knot next summer....

I've got over 150k miles as I fly business class with work, so I'm thinking book economy flex and upgrade as soon as I've booked them using points.

My dates will probably be departing PVG Sat 11th July (EK303 & EK017), returning from MAN on Sat 8th Aug (EK018 & EK302) meaning A380 all the way.

I think I have previously read somewhere that if there are flex rewards available for the flights in Business (fully paid by miles + tax), this means there are available seats to upgrade from Economy Flex (paid by cash) to Business Class using miles.

Can anyone confirm the above or let me know the best way to find this out, I believe I'm currently a week too early to book the return flight anyway.

Basically, I want to confirm there is availability to upgrade using points before I spend c. £1200 on each economy ticket.

The alternative option is I use the free companion ticket I have with my Virgin Atlantic Credit card and book PE/Upper Class (BOGOF at the full fare). But, she will be going back before me and I'm not sure if the companion ticket requires exactly the same flight(s) (but I guess that's one for another forum)!

Thanks in advance