Chances of an Upgrade on A380?
 

I am booked on an economy seat for the first week of March on the DXB-LHR EK1 A380 flight.

I have enough miles to upgrade to Biz but so far there is no availability on A380 Biz. I have the option of switching to an afternoon LGW flight and getting a Biz seat. But B777 biz pales in comparison to A380 Biz in my view..


My question is: what are the chances of a seat opening up on the A380 flight nearer to the date of departure so I can use my miles to upgrade to Biz?

Depends on the load. What's the actual date are you flying on?

2nd March. Is it possible to tell the chances of a seat opening up for upgrade on that day? EK1 to LHR..

Looks busy in all business classes (C,I & only 4 full fare seats in J available), I'm afraid:

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1742/ek1s.jpg

Seats usually do open up closer to the date though. I think it varies somewhat by the sector you may be flying, but even during peak holiday season with completely full flights, I've seen availability from a few days in advance.

If you decide to change to the LGW flight and upgrade, can you change back to the LHR flight if availability opens up and retain your upgrade?

just my opinion, but when the biz class is full or nearly full in the A380, it really sucks. it just feels so cramped. whereas the 773 biz class at full capacity still feels like there is enough air to breathe.

btw, what's up with the tiny storage compartments above? i have seen sooo many ppl have problems getting a normal sized baggage to fit in there.

TBH i would rather fly on the 777-300 in Business, as long as its the new business class, the only downside is no bar, and the A380 is quieter, and its the A380. Depends what is important to you.

I guess there is nothing stopping that from happening, technically..but if I switched to the Gatwick flight and then back again to the Heathrow one, that will be the third time I'm changing my ticket and each change is £50...

Argh not sure if I should just switch to the Gatwick flight now and get a guaranteed Biz seat or if I should wait it out on the A380 one and hope that a Biz seat opens up! Ill give it a few more days then make a decision......

Also for me, Biz on the Boeing pales in comparison to A380 Biz IMO

If it's a case of a guaranteed seat in business in J on the 777 or a possible/maybe on the A380, I'd go for the guaranteed option everytime. Don't forget that you'll also get the chauffeur pick-up/drop off if you book more than 48 hours in advance too - something that you will miss out on if you go for a last minute upgrade. . .

Just my 2p though.

Regards,

JGX

I think being able to avoid Heathrow is worth a million quid by itself! I'd go for the LGW flight as you have your J for sure and it is Gatwick. Further, given how many hick ups AF and SQ are having with their A380s recently I think it is just a matter of time until it strikes EK regularly. Easy decision IMHO.

I would take the afternoon 777 flight from Gatwick. Guaranteed business class is good to have and it is a daytime flight and the business class is just as good ( imo ) for a daytime flight. Plus it is Gatwick which would be a great bonus in itself for me