Skyward Redemption Query
 

Hi,

Booked a Economy ticket with Skywards and cash from BHX to DXB. At the time of booking there was no Business redemption availability however they had J x 2 tickets available showing on Flyer Expert.

No upgrades were available in the app and no offers came via email.

At check-in I asked to upgrade and the Check-In Desk said yes! You can do this for miles plus £90, great!

However she couldn’t get this to apply and eventually said she’d “soft block” the seat whilst I rang Emirates Skywards.

Emirates Skywards said it doesn’t matter if there are J class seats available if they aren’t marked as available for redemption then the only people who could get these upgrades would be full paying customers. Is this right?

It seems ridiculous that a few hours before the flight and they’ll not release these tickets for those paying with Skywards and will fly with the seats empty.

I thought I’d done a ton of research into this and I’m wondering where I’ve missed that this is the case ie If business isn’t available for skywards when you book it doesn’t matter how many seats are showing as available you’ll never get access to them.

Correct?

thanks!

Try once you get onboard. You'll also not have to pay the £90 if you do it onboard.

sounds like your not eligible to upgrade if you have purchased your original ticket with cash+miles.
only cash buyers can upgrade with miles later (not with miles and miles) if that made sense