A quick few questions!

[fruity_chocolate]

Hi! First I'd like to introduce myself - my names Sophie and I am new to this site.... I just had a few quick questions and if you could help that would be very much appreciated.

1)I was just reading some of the other posts and I saw a post "chance of upgrade" or something like that. In that thread someone mentioned phoning the airline to be put on some kind of waiting list to be upgraded? Does all airlines have this list and how do you get put on it?

2)I am flying to the London from Perth on Emirates (economy/coach) : EK421 to Dubai (on 23/08/2007 - 22:30) and then EK1 to Heathrow (23/08/2007 -07;35) and was wondering the possibilty or chance that I have of being upgraded?

3)I am a Emirates Silver skywards member - does this actually help when asking for upgrades if you dont have the required number of miles/points to upgrade?

Thanks a lot for any advice you can give, have a nice day!
Sophie

 

[NM]

Hi! First I'd like to introduce myself - my names Sophie and I am new to this site.... I just had a few quick questions and if you could help that would be very much appreciated.

Welcome to AFF, Sophia

1)I was just reading some of the other posts and I saw a post "chance of upgrade" or something like that. In that thread someone mentioned phoning the airline to be put on some kind of waiting list to be upgraded? Does all airlines have this list and how do you get put on it?

That was specific for Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A member of teh QF FF program can waitlist for an upgrade where they will use QF FF points to "pay" for the upgrade if it is successful. Some airlines offer different methods for their Frequent Flyer program members to upgrade, sometimes using points or miles they have earned in the program, or sometimes they provide some number of complimentary upgrades due to achieving a certain level of activity of status within the frequent flyer program.

2)I am flying to the London from Perth on Emirates (economy/coach) : EK421 to Dubai (on 23/08/2007 - 22:30) and then EK1 to Heathrow (23/08/2007 -07;35) and was wondering the possibilty or chance that I have of being upgraded?

I suggest your chances are negligible unless you hold status high with the Emirates Skywards FF program.

3)I am a Emirates Silver skywards member - does this actually help when asking for upgrades if you dont have the required number of miles/points to upgrade?

I am not familiar with the Skywards program as far as using miles to upgrade. There are generally two types of upgrades, ones you pay for using points or miles from the FF program, and the free ones called Operations-Upgrades where the airline needs to move people into a higher cabin because they have oversold the lower cabins on that flight. The second type (known as op-up) is not something you can request, but most airlines favour providing these upgrades to higher staus members in their FF program.

The "paid" upgrades using miles or points are only provided if there is available seating in the higher cabin. Some airlines will fill all the premium cabin seats with upgrades (such as AA do) and some like to keep some premium cabins eats available for last minute changes and contingencies (such as how Qantas operate).

 

[fruity_chocolate]

Thank you NM!
Sophie

 

[serfty]

Interestinly enough, my brother was a Skywards Silver/Gold and says he was operationally upgraded out of Sydney more often than not. This was due to EK regualtly overselling WHY, and having status gave him an edge.

As for 'paid' or 'award' upgrade you'll need to check the Skywards program for information on this.

Other than that, you could check out this web site: FlyerTalk - The world's most popular frequent flyer community

and it's Emirates forum: Emirates Airlines Skywards - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[rhjames]

Hi Sophi. As I understand it, Emirates has three levels, with silver in the middle. I don't have any experience with them, but based on my experiences with other airlines, upgrades will probably be rare unless you get to Gold. If cattle class is over booked, and there is room in business, upgrade preference will go to gold members first. The normal procedure with, for example, Qantas is that you book in as normal. When you try to board, if your boarding pass is rejected, it probably means that the system has upgraded you. As I understand it, without using points, there's not much you can do to influence the process. Others may have a different view of what can be done. Good luck.

Just for interest, you'll find that a lot of posts contain abreviations. If you do a search for abbreviations, you'll find a post with all these listed (top right - search criteria). Otherwise, some replies may be a foreign language to you.

 

[fruity_chocolate]

Thank you all for your help!
Its really usefull! It seems like Quantas is the FF group to be with! Because I live in England and am just staying out here for a few weeks though it doesnt seem worth signing up especially as I have reached some kind of status with Emirates. Thank you for the links, will visit them now!
Have a nice day guys.
Sophie