Originally Posted by
thijsseh
I can only help with a definitive answer on the last one: CD and lounge access are unchanged on J Saver(O bucket) fares (i.e. you still get them). It's only on 'Special' fares (H fare bucket) that they are excluded.
As far as the 'early booking' is concerned, your best bet is to call EK and ask them if this is still possible. I somehow doubt that an agent would go to that sort of trouble (assuming it would be possible at all) without at least charging you a 'service fee'. But I would be interested in the outcome as I have a similar possible scenario coming up.
So please get back to us when you have an answer!
A quick update on this as I've just made a booking. I phoned the Emirates UK number, got put through to a centre in Manchester, explained everything to the operator who said he had return dates up to 24th January 2021 (a few weeks beyond what is available online), yes, I could make the booking and he would put a note on the booking 'one free change' so when I phone back in 40 days and the return is available I can select our flights. You can't do this online - has to be done via phone. I paid for the tickets, got confirmation of the booking and could start to manage the outwards sectors like booking seats and chaffeur drive (no point in doing this for 24th Jan returns as this will be changed). So, all good, you can book flights beyond current availability but must do it over the phone and it requires 2 phone calls - initial booking and then the free change once flights become available.