Hi,

I know this has been done regularly, but a search shows nothing recent so I hope you don't mind me checking for latest advice!

I am EK Blue but have a lot of miles, around 175k. I will be silver after this trip.

I want to book the following flights, ideally in Economy Flex, and then use miles to upgrade.

31 Aug EK018 MAN 1400 – DXB 0015

1 Sep EK302 DXB 0250 – PVG 1530


6 Sep EK303 PVG 0005 – DXB 0455

6 Sep EK017 DXB 0725 – MAN 1205

Expertflyer is showing no D Class availability on any of the sectors at this point. I'm fairly attached to those exact flights for various reasons.

I have set alerts so that I can be notified if it opens up.

But - I am trying to understand, what is the likelihood of availability opening up? I would like to avoid booking in Business if I can, but equally don't really want to end up in an Economy seat.

Equally there is good business availability now at a good price - so I'm tempted to just go and book it. But that leaves me thinking will I ever be able to use the miles - I earn a lot through the credit card and only got it really to be able to spend the miles upgrading trips to the far east.

Obviously it's a gamble - but if anyone could give me a bit more insight into when the D class opens up and what I can do to ascertain likelihood I'd appreciate it. I probably have this dilemma 3-4 times a year so if I can learn a bit more and never need to ask again that would be great!

Last time I booked Business one way and Economy back, and managed to upgrade one out of two sectors on the way back. But then seriously regretted sitting in economy on the dxb-lhr (with a 2h45 tarmac delay to boot!).

Appreciate any advice

James