A client's corporate headquarters purchased a one-way last minute full fare coach ticket for me. JFK-DXB-HKG. They also got me a ticket to return to the US, but that's on a separate United ticket from HKG to SFO.

I have never flown with Emirates.

What do I have to do in order to get assigned to a good exit aisle seat?

Also, how much will an upgrade to business class cost? I'll pay the difference myself.

Thanks!