this topic has even CNN's curiosity

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/06/04...des/index.html

That article is talking about complimentary upgrades using looks and charms, not OpUps. Besides, the focus of the article is domestic US airlines where the term First Class translates to Premium Economy at best, when compared to EK, SQ, NH or other proper airlines of the world. No wonder they give it away for free to their premium fliers (UA, DL for example).

It's funny so many EK fliers seem to not only expect upgrades, but they also get frustrated by not getting one! If you really want to fly C or F, then buy the tix. When you pay for Y, then you should have no expectations more than Y, thus no real reason to get frustrated over something you are really not entitled to.

Gold level is only 50'000 miles. Every Tom, Dick and Harry can be a Gold so it's not that big of a deal.

+1

While I philosophically agree with your statement, "if you want C or F, pay for it", I'm not convinced that generalisations such as "so many EK fliers seem to not only expect upgrades, but we get frustrated at not getting them" is accurate.

If we're generalising, then lets talk about the absolute hysteria and passion over on the UA forum - regarding all the 1K's, GS etc who are constantly waving their arms about not getting upgrades, and the fact that the upgrade lists are getting longer and longer...

The EK forum is tame in comparison.

And no, not every Tom, Dick & Harry can be a Gold. 50,000 tier miles still means you either need to spend the money in J or F or do the yards in Y. Grab any manifest in SIN, MEL, SYD, AKL etc and you will note that on a 777-300 for example, not every pax has status. Far from it in fact.

I agree with eightblack on this. Most "normal" people travel long haul once, at most twice, a year on vacation. Some regional travel if they are from the region (think S Asians in Dubai or SE Asians in Singapore etc). Yes, with fares going down, it has increased people's affordability to take these long haul flights, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are taking more flights.

That leaves a small number of people who travel either very frequently or very long distances for personal reasons (I do 4-5 a year and think that's a lot), or those doing it as part of their employment. And if you're doing it for work, you shouldn't be sitting in Y anyway, and certainly shouldn't be complaining about there being too many status pax. (just IMO of course).

Please tell that to all those employers who are moving their employees to the back of the plane- one of the reasons airlines are suffering so badly these day!

Actually, EK must be one of the few who like a full Y cabin. According to El Presidente Tim Clarke, 71% of EK's profit last year was derived from the economy cabin and according to a recent interview, its where EK is wanting to spend more time and effort (thankfully).

Most MNC clients I work with and know of have stipulated that all flights under 8-hrs are coach and anything over is J/C.

Two global companies I know of have a Y travel policy worldwide.

I think the 10 across Y cabin contributes to that. As do fares like US$ 1300 DXB-CDG!

Thankfully there are still companies that have J for any flight, though they are becoming fewer and fewer.

Perhaps I should have clarified: "Many EK fliers on this thread etc."

I've been flying about 120K every year for the past 5 years (except for last year: 8K! Ouch!) and this year I'm set for 200K (thank you very much recovering economy) but I hardly consider that heavy. I know people who've been doing 300K every year, for 6-7 years! And not just one or two... Alas, maybe I've become desensitized towards frequent travel and see everyone the same way.

And please, don't bring UA's name with EK in the same sentence! That's more or less like blasphemy! I actually was a 1K with them at some point a few years back and survived to tell my story!

My company, well known in its field, has a company wide Y policy! Everyone, from the top down flies in Y. What's worse, a lot of companies are now requiring travel on specific fare buckets only, even if they are sometimes cheaper than discount C/J!

Conversely look at any manifest in ACC, LOS, ABJ, etc... and you will easily see 40-50 Golds and another 75-100 Silvers. Preboarding is pointless because >50% of the flight preboards.

Well lets all of us chillllllllllll!!! It is indeed too hot indeed. Lets try & make things cooooooler here@:-)

Ok travellling WAS HAS & WILL be a part of any business.

I will not name here the oldest business or proffesion that history has known off as an example. Its not the most dignified one!! But it has travelled far & wide if not everywhere & is one off the biggest money spinners in the world after a couple of things that my friends in the UN hate so much & so do the others including myself..

Any ways back to the point. EK is indeed the future if not the present atleast(if u think so that is) in the Middle East, Central Asia, Asia except China(Bcoz the Red Dragon will NEVER let EK dominate on its home turf) & Eastern Europe & The Aussie & Kiwi Cont. For people who DO really travel then they will understand this very very well.

Blue, Silver or Gold or ?????? (Its Coming for sure AFAIK). No matter which tier but there will always be paxs in every tier & there will always be people like you & me who are always going to be upset bcoz one too many in our tier.

But then we are already taking part in how the the Global Aviation will look like in a couple of years.

Hate it OR Like it.

This is EK & its going to here. About the rest of them. Who knows???

Safe Flying

EGT

On my DXB-ACC flight this week, there were 83 Golds and 19 Silvers in Economy Class with a total load of 201 in Economy.

how on earth do you know how many Golds and Silvers were on the flight.

Its not difficult. A friendly Pursar will often tell you. Any flight attendant can see how many HVC's are on-board via the manifest print out. I've often been told.

I also know when I check into lounges such as MEL and SIN and if I am travelling in Y, then I can nearly always see the print-out at reception and I can tell how many Golds there are in Y.

They have a print out of the manifest in the galley. Get a little friendly with the crew, and they'll let you take a look at it. It has a list of all pax and their drink/ meal preferences. At the end there is a list of seat numbers of HVCs, and a list of Gold/ Silver (essentially the same as HVC) with the number of miles they have and I think miles required to upgrade or something.