Getting upgraded on empty flights
 

Are there any chances of getting upgraded to a higher class upon request at check-in counter, provided there are seats available?
My friend has a flight tomorrow on which only 40 are booked on a capacity of 320 Y class, 10 out of 38 in J class and 3 out of 10 in F class.
He has an economy Class ticket and has already checked in online.

No chance at all! If there is space in forward cabins and Y is over-booked, they may shift some passengers up, but preference is given to those with status.

The only way to guarantee an upgrade is to actually pay for it. Why should airlines give out free ones? Also remember, there are passengers in the premium cabins who have paid for the priviledge so how would they feel if Emirates were to give away free upgrades?

Emirates Y is a pleasant experience anyway if you can secure exit seats. If you ask nicely, you may get one at the airport.

Good luck!^
Simon

Not a chance, specially with EK's new upgrade onboard feature. They'll keep seats open just in case any decides to upgrade on board or at check-in.

Possible but very unlikely. My uncle went to Heathrow airport a few months ago without a confirmed reservation (full fare Y ticket) hoping to standby for EK030 (Dep 1700.) He waited from 1400 to 1700 but could not get on. However, he was able to get a seat in Y for EK004 (Dep 2000.) He made a fuss and said the least they can do is upgrade him cause he had to wait for so long (even though it was completely his fault not EK's :D) and they obliged and gave him a J seat. Flight was full in F&J, some seats in Y. He is skywards gold

Cheers

Not only would the passengers who had paid premium rates for F & J be a bit peeved about people who turn up at check in and make a nuisance of themselves until they get an upgrade, me traveling in Y would be also because it is not in my nature to act that way, I have seen so many trying to beg an upgrades it makes me sick, they are really trying to steel something that would have gone to someone else on merit.

What annoys me is that I believe this happens at some airports as I have had many upgrades, all but one have happened (about 5 times) at the gate when transiting DXB where upgrades are picked by the computer on merit.

At BHX I have had one and BKK had none yet I have passed through these airports just as many times that now I have come to the conclusion that these airports use a list based on the ground handling agents choice, which is anything for an easy life...


BB

Those people should avoid EK - I don't think I've ever seen so many "non-merit" upgrades on other airlines. :)


How is it stealing? If you ask / beg / cry and the airline gives it you, that is completely lawful. I personally always ask, because if I don't, my odds of getting an upgrade are significantly lower. If EK decides to upgrade me instead of a Skywards Gold member, I really shouldn't have to feel guilty at all - EK is at fault not me.

If you, or anyone else, refuse[s] to ask for upgrades at check-in that's fine; I don't see anything wrong with that. But then I also don't see where the complaint lies.

Cheers

Hi Everyone,

My views on upgrades are:

1. There is nothing wrong with upgrading people into an empty F/J class cabin, even if Y is not overbooked. Would people from F/J be pissed off ? Why would they ? By paying premium prices, they are guaranteed a F/J seat, earn more miles, and in some airlines (like SIA PPS) be given special recognition.

2. There is nothing wrong with asking for upgrade. In a restaurant, I can ask the manager to give me complimentary dessert/wine. It is up to the manager to reject such requests.

People would perhaps be pissed off, especially if they had paid £3000 to fly in J and then found themselves sittng next to a toddler. This has happened! If there is space in forward cabins, then those who have paid for them should be allowed to enjoy that extra space and the calm, peaceful exclusivity.

whenever i fly EK, i always ask for upgrade. in fact i got upgraded to business class once when flying back to dubai from milan. i am a blue skywards holder. i see nothing wrong in asking to be upgraded and getting one for free :D..... i agree that it is EK's decision to reject or accept a request. :)

i think the better attitude is to be happy for others who are able get something better to enjoy especially to those who could not afford such luxury. i bet you that they will have the same smile and enjoyment as i did when i got one.:)

How much are the upgrades onboard?

I suppose the station manager should have upgraded the right people (not kids or lunatics).

What extra space ? You mean the space on a single J/F seat is not big enough ? When I was EK J class recently, I could not even kick the seat in front of me when I stretch my leg out fully (and I am not a short person).

I think your mindset is, if you paid $100K to join an exclusive golf club, then people who cannot afford to pay that kind of money should not be allowed to play golf at that club, even if the golf course is under utilised.

I suppose there is some truth in that, though it breeds elitism.

A product that routinely sells for 500-1000% the cost of an Economy should be viewed as elite both in the eyes of the airline and of the consumer. The airlines with the best premium cabins flying, as a rule, take this view.

Sorry to re-ignite this topic; I know emirates arrange for some cake when a passenger is travelling on their birthday, but has anyone heard of a passenger travelling on their birthday and getting upgraded as a result (subject to availability that is)?

Umm, that sounds weired. I don't think Emirates would bother about organising for X cakes each day (not to mention the headaches for those that cancel/change flights) network wide. That is too much generousity on their behalf (I wouldn't mind that though).

Could it be just an urban myth? I mean, imagine public transport (bus/train/tram) did the same hehe :rolleyes:?!

Well, the sales agent that served me told me that she's requested a cake for me on her system... will update the board next week on whether or not that happened... it's not a headache at all - it's just like requesting a special meal.

Anyway, I'm not all that excited by the prospect of getting cake... I just think of it as a friendly gesture... But if I stood a chance of a free upgrade to business class, I would be quite excited. Anyone out there to raise my hopes?