How does EK's upgrade system work? # of seats released, etc?
 

I am new to EK. My second trip of the year. I was able to upgrade both ways IAH-DXB-IAH from Biz to F on my last trip. Now trying to do the same for my flight this week.

On my upcoming trip, the F cabin is showing F4 on ExpertFlyer (I think thats the max EF ever shows for EK space -- cant seem to find any flight over F4).

Is there any certain number of upgrades that EK allows and then doesnt allow anymore? Certain number of days out, etc?

I know the upgrade routine with LH and UA. Just curious if EK has a certain method on releasing the upgrade space.

thanks!

J to f is easier to find than y to j. They base it on tickets sold and historical data and forecasts.

More and more its last minute or at check in so the best thing to do is set up an expert flyer account and search for z class availability.

Good luck!

The system is not really a system, more a decree from revenue management saying: don't release anything until we're sure at the last minute we can't sell any, and even then, offer discounted cash and/or miles upgrades right up until check-in opens to certain people. Then you can open up a few seats. But let us overbook the thing in Y first.

I'm only half joking.

Which half? Seems fairly accurate to me!

thanks guys. I have my EF account set to notify me of Z!

The half that implies they will actually release any inventory at all :D

:D

Or you can play the op-up gambling game, especially if flying J (but helps to have status and flying alone):

If Y and/or J loads are high, wait to upgrade your J-F till the last minute in the hopes of getting the free op-up.

If doing this in Y, I would call it "Emirates Russian Roulette'", because if you lose....

The OP says he/she is "new to Emirates", meaning that status is pretty much an impossibility.

In which case the op-game is not even Russian Roulette, but more like a non-starter........

I think OP is referring to the American system where upgrades are given when space is available in premium cabins rather than the European/Asian/M Eastern system where upgrades are only given when paid for (cash and/or miles) or when Y or J class is overbooked...
So to answer his question: no chance to get a free upgrade, unless you're I/O, Plat, Gold+, Gold, or Silver and J is overbooked...