Hi All,

I am new to this... but thanks to a few trips from UK to India, I have enough points to upgarde a family trip on points (earned Gold in 3 months!). But thats the theory and as the well travelled members on this forum would know, the practice is different!

I want to upgrade from Birmingham or Manchester to Dubai and back. This is over christmas. It is a 777 from Birmingham or a 380 from Manchester. I have done both these routes very often in Business Class. My impression is that 777 from BHX is usually full up in Business. However 380 from Manchester is a diffrent story. Last time I travelled in Nov, it was almost empty in the upper deck! I am guessing December will be slightly worse as fewer business travellers.

What stands me more chance of an upgrade? Booking from Birmingham or Manchester? Or does it not matter? And what type of ticket should I book? Any help on this topic will be graciously accepted as the whole family is looking forward to the trip.

How many people are you hoping to upgrade? Upgrade availability ex UK is generally quite limited in advance due to the popularity of the routes.

December is a quieter month for business travel so that may help increasing
the chances. Manchester has the 380 which means more seats. However, the week before Christmas, for example, is a busy travel time and DXB is a popular destination at Christmas. I seem to recall reading somewhere it was in the top 3 holiday destinations last Christmas for UK travellers.

If you have any ideas of dates let me know and I can check upgrade availability on expertflyer for you.

Also buying Flex tickets will mean you need less miles to upgrade.

The number in your party may be a stumbling block so don't hold your breath. Also, although business travellers may be less, there will be extra leisure travellers many of whom will be thinking of flying in J.

Upgrade availability can be checked by any Skywards member on the EK/Skywards website by looking for Saver Reward flights.

There is no upgrade availability y to j out of man around Xmas and past.

I want to come back to dxb on 27th (not booked yet as May book a j flight with dxb as a stopover) but have explored the flex y option and would have to wait list myself and my wife.

Probably get it in the end but far from guaranteed. Lots of people live abroad and use ek to travel home at Xmas and back thereafter.

Your best chance would be the early morning flight out of man...

Not sure that tells you how many seats are available does it?

Hi MarkLHR ,

I am looking at upgrading 3 seats. Travelling out around 16 dec and back on 3 jan.

Many thanks

Yes. You can enter up to 9 passengers just as when making a regular booking.


Your final destination is also required - your OP mentions India but then says Dubai.

Upgrades seem to be only available on 17-Jan from both MAN and BHX to DXB. You seem to be out of luck on your return.

You might need to be a bit flexible and patient as well. Keep on checking regularly as you never know suddenly it can become available. Last year I managed to get 6 upgrades just before New Years eve from Paris. It opened up 2-3 days before the dates and all the while it was showing as completely full in all classes.

17 dec from MAN to DXB ( both flights) are the only flights showing enough inventory for 3 upgrades. The return is showing nothing at the moment on/around your date.

Mark how can you tell there are upgrades available on 17 December?

Looking on expertflyer.com

Expertflyer is what I use as well

Okay thanks ... Looking at the seat plan what does it mean by blocked seats?

There are about 40 business class seats available but I assume this doesn't take into account those people who have purchased a ticket but haven't selected their seat.

Spoke to emirates today and they said they only have 9 business class seats left on that flight on the 5th November. Hmmm

If I'm reading this correctly on expertflyer on 30 October 2013, EK8 from London heathrow to dubai:

There are 9 upgrades to business class available for those who have a economy flex award ticket?

Logic says I should have booked EK2 flight as there are 6 upgrades available to business class?

And I assume with these availabilities the upgrades can be booked at any time.