Can't believe this!! Was recently in an area with no phone service and limited internet access yet was still able to contact Emirates about my booking (sorry biz saver, not first) and make changes (via internet chat) - and yes, got my upgrade to F!!! Even though, because of my location, I had very limited contact potential, I was still able to accomplish what I needed. Certainly no way of driving to any EK office. It reminds me of the complaint made to the National Parks service that they don't position the bears close enough to the road!!!