How can I get an upgrade on Emirates?
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
How can I get an upgrade on Emirates?
My lovely wife and I are off to the UK on Emirates later this year.
We are both quite tall (> 6'), and are not really looking forward to the long trip.
What are out chances of getting an upgrade from cattle class? (ie: without paying more)
Any suggestions? Serious or not?
Cheers,
Di
We are both quite tall (> 6'), and are not really looking forward to the long trip.
What are out chances of getting an upgrade from cattle class? (ie: without paying more)
Any suggestions? Serious or not?
Cheers,
Di
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Business partner has just been to Germany and back on EK and is about 6' tall, he seems to think they have "negative seat pitch" you know, one row stacked on top of the next.
He loves to bash QF at any chance but he mentioned quietly he would have preffered no service and more legroom. Service was B777 ex BNE.
Not sure myself, I have not flown with them. Over the years QF and the Luftwaffe were good, BA was.....I gather like the EK desription above, but I believe they have changed that.
There is a solution, for an upgrade........spend more $$$$
Have a good trip!
J
He loves to bash QF at any chance but he mentioned quietly he would have preffered no service and more legroom. Service was B777 ex BNE.
Not sure myself, I have not flown with them. Over the years QF and the Luftwaffe were good, BA was.....I gather like the EK desription above, but I believe they have changed that.
There is a solution, for an upgrade........spend more $$$$
Have a good trip!
J
Sprucegoose
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Hughes Point, where life is great! Was also resident on page 13, but now I'm lost in Cyberspace....
Age: 59
Posts: 3,485
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Tried a number of times and they never seem too keen, if you are a Captain with a major you may have a chance!
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Middle East
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
EK upgrades
I am a regular in economy on Emirates YPPH-OMDB- ? sandpit service and have only been upgraded once in 3 years at their instigation in 17 roundtrips! All I can suggest is to use the early check-in feature on the Emirates website and choose your “favorite seat” in economy. Personally, I prefer the outside L or R aisle seat about row 42 on the 777 as the seating configuration goes from 3 abreast to 2 allowing a little more leg room. I know it isn’t much extra room, but at least I get to choose it. Other than that spend 52k points on an up-grade!
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Stuck in the middle...
Posts: 1,638
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Mate the then-soon-to-be-Mrs TD (the lucky girl) and I flew EK from London to Sydney for the ceremony, complete with wedding dress in a suit-carrier. Not even that got us any favours (and I was Skywards silver).
After the stress of the week in Sydney we decided to pay for the upgrade for the way back. As we were by that stage on honeymoon, we'd hoped maybe a sector or two right up the pointy-end... no dice.
That was a few years ago, though, and I understand things have changed then... not necessarily for the better.
The usual way would be to be a gold FFP member.
If you get lucky, do share the secret with the rest of us here, though!
After the stress of the week in Sydney we decided to pay for the upgrade for the way back. As we were by that stage on honeymoon, we'd hoped maybe a sector or two right up the pointy-end... no dice.
That was a few years ago, though, and I understand things have changed then... not necessarily for the better.
The usual way would be to be a gold FFP member.
If you get lucky, do share the secret with the rest of us here, though!
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: In the Dog house
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A while ago I regularly (well 3-4 times a year ) flew BNE - Dubai as an Emirates ATC staff contractor (company EK staff Econ ticket) - and stilll had to sit way down the back (preferred the 2 row seats though). The only advantage of having an EK staff ID was that I once got through the fast track security screening at EGLL !! Pays not to get your hopes up.
Shall shortly be flying to Blighty way down the back and have decided (for what its worth anyone) on Etihad! Any feedback +ve or _ ve on the Sydney - Heathrow route appreciated.
BD
Shall shortly be flying to Blighty way down the back and have decided (for what its worth anyone) on Etihad! Any feedback +ve or _ ve on the Sydney - Heathrow route appreciated.
BD
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Wybacrik
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas!
Pay the money and travel First or Business.
Why be a miserable, whinging piker?
It's only money! And if you've got enough you wont miss it!
Pay the money and travel First or Business.
Why be a miserable, whinging piker?
It's only money! And if you've got enough you wont miss it!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pax's something for nothing attitude
This thread represents the worst mentality of pax nowadays, unfortunately, a lot of them want something for nothinig. With most of the airlines, most of the time you won't get any upgrade, so you can choose to: 1. dream on 2. use your frequent flyer points or 3 pay for what you want. 4. or like some others said, ask for seats on the exit row.
And pls be nice to the cabin crew if you ended up in the middle of the cattle class, or worst of all, get separated. Whinging or attitudes towards crew ain't get you anywhere, you'll just get less attention and delayed service (or maybe no service). Rude pax do not get any good attentions, golden rule to remember.
Don't know what kind of tickets you're using, if they are concessions, be grateful if you get on.
And pls be nice to the cabin crew if you ended up in the middle of the cattle class, or worst of all, get separated. Whinging or attitudes towards crew ain't get you anywhere, you'll just get less attention and delayed service (or maybe no service). Rude pax do not get any good attentions, golden rule to remember.
Don't know what kind of tickets you're using, if they are concessions, be grateful if you get on.
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
flugbegleiter68
Very valid comment
. I have found and especially of recent times, some couteous discussion and genuine interest in how the crew are doing today, while boarding or at any time, will usually get you better service. I have had a few QF long hauls in the last year, 50/50 econ/bus and I actually found the service and attention was better down the back. To be fair up front they were "sleep" sectors and the skybeds you can actually sleep in them.
Catch more flies with honey they say!
J
Very valid comment
. I have found and especially of recent times, some couteous discussion and genuine interest in how the crew are doing today, while boarding or at any time, will usually get you better service. I have had a few QF long hauls in the last year, 50/50 econ/bus and I actually found the service and attention was better down the back. To be fair up front they were "sleep" sectors and the skybeds you can actually sleep in them.Catch more flies with honey they say!
J
AustralianMade
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Out in the weather!
Age: 54
Posts: 917
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Depends on their booking policy, if they tend to over book, then try this:
Dress well (business clothes) and check in late, they may have already filled cattle cless and give you the automatic upgrade.
Has worked for me on PAL.
Dress well (business clothes) and check in late, they may have already filled cattle cless and give you the automatic upgrade.
Has worked for me on PAL.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Here and there
Posts: 1,013
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Was a regular traveller on EQ between Perth and Dubai during 05/06. Manged to organise two upgrades - for the redemption of 90,000 ff points that I had accumulated.
Given the the airline is very popular and business class is usually full with old dears doing the pilgramage back to ol blightey, your chances of a freebie upgrade would be difficult.
Check in late as ABX suggested but from my experience you will be given whatever seat is left available for your class of ticket or just be denied checkin if the flight has closed.
I am currently working in the industry and although I know a lot of check-in staff, the best I get is a preferred seating in cattle section. I also am well over 6ft but have just gotten used to fitting into those damn uncomfortable seats.
Given the the airline is very popular and business class is usually full with old dears doing the pilgramage back to ol blightey, your chances of a freebie upgrade would be difficult.
Check in late as ABX suggested but from my experience you will be given whatever seat is left available for your class of ticket or just be denied checkin if the flight has closed.
I am currently working in the industry and although I know a lot of check-in staff, the best I get is a preferred seating in cattle section. I also am well over 6ft but have just gotten used to fitting into those damn uncomfortable seats.
Last edited by Islander Jock; 19th May 2007 at 01:00.
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Sydney/Australia
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A family member and I took a trip back to Blighty, on an EK 777 several years ago. The flight went via Singapore and on approach the number one engine ingested a bird and we were stuck in Singapore for seven hours. In the end EK charted a SQ 747 and the very pleasant SQ staff, whom I had been chatting with throughout the delay, upgraded us, which saw us both in business class from Singapore through to London. And very nice it was too!
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Stansted
Age: 44
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The best way to get an upgrade for free is to do what i did at (PER) when flying back to the uk and drops some names like UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and tell them you handle his 747-400 (A6HRM) at (STN) . I can say business class all the way from good old OZ to the U.K is great .
I hope this helps
.I hope this helps
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Sydney, Australia
Age: 41
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If travelling economy is such a drag (you poor things). Then maybe you could consider either not going at all, or PAYING for a business/first class ticket.
Nobody likes a stingy jew.
Nobody likes a stingy jew.
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Speightsville
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ABX has it right, worked for me also. - Another point is to try and find out if the flight is full, if its not, it won't happen, but you might get a seat next to you blocked if they can.... no such thing as a free lunch with EK... Even when you travel on an interview candidate ticket, its not a firm business seat! (Space avail upgrade!)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What goes around -
Have flown with Emirates six times ..... first five were not so bad, but last week the woman in front of me fired her seat back as soon as she could .... to get some space I did the same ......poor lady behind me was very large so the staff asked if I would put my seat forward which I did.
I could sense an upgrade coming on - only it was full up front - or so they said.
The woman in front of me was requested to assist but refused as she said that she was tired and needed to sleep.
She was a real diva continually visiting her various bags in the overheads, asking for drinks etc. I was able to sleep a bit; on arrival could not help but notice the empty coke cans which the skank in front left on the floor.
I had great delight in walking in front of her to get a taxi .. I just smiled as she mouthed off at me.
All is now OK in the world.
I could sense an upgrade coming on - only it was full up front - or so they said.
The woman in front of me was requested to assist but refused as she said that she was tired and needed to sleep.
She was a real diva continually visiting her various bags in the overheads, asking for drinks etc. I was able to sleep a bit; on arrival could not help but notice the empty coke cans which the skank in front left on the floor.
I had great delight in walking in front of her to get a taxi .. I just smiled as she mouthed off at me.
All is now OK in the world.
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Lil' ol' control tower in Kiwiland
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Recently flew Emirates through Aus and Middle East to Europe. Flights were absolutely chocker block (full). The tickets were cattle class (and marked upgradable), but as the flight was full no upgrades were forth coming. During the flight I walked up and down cattle class and there wasn't a spare seat anywhere.
I wouldn't try the late check in as there were people turned away from the flight (due over booking - common place).
Safest way to get an upgrade is to purchase one!!
Emirates must be printing money at present...B777 full NZ - Dubai both ways!! And I must say that the cabin service left a lot to be desired on all legs (different crews) - certainly not up to the standard of 12 months ago when I last flew Emirates.
I wouldn't try the late check in as there were people turned away from the flight (due over booking - common place).
Safest way to get an upgrade is to purchase one!!
Emirates must be printing money at present...B777 full NZ - Dubai both ways!! And I must say that the cabin service left a lot to be desired on all legs (different crews) - certainly not up to the standard of 12 months ago when I last flew Emirates.