So, this week two of the three DXB flights did not feature PE. Wednesday was operated by old A330 and Friday by old A350. I would say that paying for PE is somewhat of a risk, as AY will downgrade pax to Y without hesitation if plane rotation requires it. I asked at check-in today, and they confirmed that PE pax end up in Y. Only if seats are available in J, they might upgrade premium pax, whatever that means.

In terms of comfort, this old A350 J seems like a downgrade compared to new J, too. Hard seat, non-private, nowhere to keep your things, really cramped for sleeping. But still J, of course.