Possible Business Class Upgrade at check in?

[blue_ice]

Hi everyone,

I'm going to try my luck at getting upgraded to business next week on an Emirates flight (QF codeshare).
If I do an online check in beforehand (in economy), does it mean that I won't have a chance of being upgraded during check in at the airport?
I have selected my seat when booking so I don't think I'll lose it if the request is not granted.

TIA

 

[opusman]

You don't really have a chance anyway unless you have some status with EK or QF and the flight is over-booked.

Airlines giving out upgrades simply because you ask nicely at check-in is an urban myth.

 

[blue_ice]

Yeah, I realised that. However, can the check in agent still give out upgrade even though I'm already checked in online?

 

[medhead]

Yeah, I realised that. However, can the check in agent still give out upgrade even though I'm already checked in online?

Of course they can, if there is a valid business reason to do so. Just they pretty much aren't going to do so if you ask.

Don't EK do paid upgrades?

 

[yohy?!]

The Definitive EK On-Board "Cash Upgrade" Thread. - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[Pushka]

We checked in online as soon as it opened and have been upgraded at luggage drop and the gate. Husband was WP at the time. He was upgraded to first at checkin recently and the person said it was because of status.

 

[Sprucegoose]

We checked in online as soon as it opened and have been upgraded at luggage drop and the gate. Husband was WP at the time. He was upgraded to first at checkin recently and the person said it was because of status.

Yep, it's status and UG request 99% of the time

 

[Sprucegoose]

Yeah, I realised that. However, can the check in agent still give out upgrade even though I'm already checked in online?

They can still provide you with a different seat when you board as well. Nothing is guaranteed until you take off

 

[Pushka]

We've never asked for the upgrade. When we receive it we are naturally very delighted and we show it. And each time the person giving the upgrade seems as pleased to be giving it.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Airlines giving out upgrades simply because you ask nicely at check-in is an urban myth.

There are some checkin staff who get a 'please explain' from HQ if a flight departs with empty seats in the J as they are meant to put the HArdsell on pax to pay for an upgrade into the J cabin. Guess profit is not a dirty word.

 

[opusman]

There are some checkin staff who get a 'please explain' from HQ if a flight departs with empty seats in the J as they are meant to put the HArdsell on pax to pay for an upgrade into the J cabin.

Asking for a free upgrade as the OP was suggesting, and offering to pay for one are two completely different things though.