How does EK's upgrade system work? # of seats released, etc?
Mar 9, 2015 | 3:07 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: LAX IAH AMS
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,431
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!
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!
Mar 10, 2015 | 12:23 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,932
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!
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!
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!
Mar 10, 2015 | 12:49 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 5,482
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.
I'm only half joking.
Mar 11, 2015 | 9:59 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: MAN DXB ✈️
Programs: Skywards Gold
Posts: 6,932
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.
I'm only half joking.
Mar 12, 2015 | 1:55 am
#8
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, CX, AA, DL, UA, MAR, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,211
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....
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....
Mar 12, 2015 | 2:24 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, EK Skywards (enhanced Blue !), Oman Air Sindbad Gold
Posts: 6,814
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........
In which case the op-game is not even Russian Roulette, but more like a non-starter........
Mar 12, 2015 | 2:41 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Dubai
Programs: FB Gold, EK Silver, UA Silver, MB Titanium, ALL Silver, Radisson VIP
Posts: 357
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...
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...