Originally Posted by eternaltransit

Sorry, had to wait for some people to wake up to confirm

Originally Posted by eternaltransit

Children under 12 are not eligible for complimentary upgrades - technically, although in a pinch it is of course up to the controller on the day.

In the case you mentioned, they would offer the upgrade to the EK Plat + Gold on the same itinerary but first check with the EK Plat at the lounge or check in whether it is okay to do that (as in, split up the family). If he/she declines, then they will skip to the other 4 golds in Y - however, there would be an offer of mileage deduction for the kids to go to J (other pax would not have the opportunity to take advantage of a space-available upgrade). However, ancedotally, most EK platinums take the complimentary upgrade to go to J and either leave the kids in Y, or sort out amongst themselves (aka, 1 adult and 1 kid in J and 1 adult 1 kid in Y).

In the case of 1 platinum, 1 gold and 2 non-members/silver/blue over the age of 12, then it is entirely up to the discretion of the controller (with input from check-in staff and lounge receptions as how they feel about the passenger - basically, if you've been singularly naughty or nice).

The usual options are: 1 platinum and 1 gold get the upgrade and if the group are very nice and polite and grateful etc., they will upgrade the entire travelling group. If not, then it will be the 1 platinum and 1 gold then 2 solo golds in Y.