Hi all, looking for any advice or hints and tips.

Im flying EK26 from GLA to DXB tonight and when checking in, it offered me an upgrade for £353. Im travelling as a large party so had to check first it was going to be ok to split up and as one other had upgraded i proceeded but it kind of skipped it all and before i knew it i was checked in Economy as normal. Reaching out to contact centre and Social media has resulted in nothing. They have said that as i probably paused then othes may have jumped in and took the allocation of seats which is fair enough.

There are still 5 J seats left on the flight (looking at the seating plan in Expert flyer) and there is still an upgarde using miles which i havent got but the centre, social media team and now the airport staff have said there is no special offers left as the flight isnt full.

Im just puting it out there in case anyone has any hints/tips/secrets on any remote possibility of getting the upgrade for cash. Ive paid £495 previously and happy to do so again but just dont know where to turn to on it.