Upgrade availability

[muzza]

Hi everyone, appreciate all the info provided on these boards (although this is my first post have had a lot of questions answered by searching other posts).
I have a one way (cash) EK flight booked for 01 September 2012, BNE-DXB-JFK (2 night stopover in DXB) on EK435 (01/09) / EK201 (04/09). After booking I tried to upgrade to Business using points (travel partner is a Gold Member and using his points, 3 of us travelling and have more than enough points for upgrades to Business for all 3 of us). Previously this has been a formality (upgraded 10 or so flights over the past 4 years this way) and upgrades were available instantly all times. However this time through the Manage my Booking on Emirates website I received the message "Sorry, there are no reward seats available in the next higher class for the flight(s) chosen. Please try again closer to departure". My understanding was that if there is a Business Class seat available on the flight you can upgrade into it, but I have read on some forums that this has changed recently so that only a certain number of seats are available for upgrades. My questions are:
* Does anyone have any info on emirates reducing the number of upgrade Business seats available on flights?
* Does anyone know if they release more closer to the date if they don’t sell all Business seats (EK435 Business is rarely more than half full in my experience)? If so are there specific times at which more become available (eg 1 month out, 1 week out etc)
* If so can anyone check on Expert Flyer if there are many available Business seats on these flights (presuming that available business seats increases the chance of more becoming available for upgrades).
My e-ticket has the Fare Calculation Code: "BNE EK DXB EK NYC1751.08NUC1751.08END ROE0.976535" if this helps with the availability of upgrades... Does anyone know what fare bucket this code puts us in?

My 60 year old mum is travelling with us and don’t fancy the prospect of having her in Economy given her age, so starting to panic that we aren’t going to be able to upgrade to Business (also have a few points expiring at the end of July so if I can’t get the upgrades by then they will lapse).
My apologies if my terminology isn’t the best or if I haven’t provided the right info, I’m new here! Thanks in advance,

 

[Duffa]

Does anyone have any info on emirates reducing the number of upgrade Business seats available on flights?

I certainly have notied a big drop in reward availability in the past few months. I'm also trying to get an upgrade and am getting the same message as you.
I logged on to Emirates web site and did a dummy booking for 4 pax on same flight - no probs with availability. So the seats are empty, just not being released for points.

 

[ldelaney]

Expert flyer showing 16 seats left in business on the 435

 

[serfty]

Expert flyer showing 16 seats left in business on the 435

Expert flyer can only show a maximum of 9 available seats.

See this thread for an explanation: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rnational-cabin-classes-19007.html#post257963

 

[eightblack]

You need to search for D class availability. EK's inventory management system has become tougher with releasing D availability, as the loads ex Australia are high at present. Seats should be released closer to the date.

The best thing I would do is set up an account with ExpertFlyer and put in a seat alert, which will send you an email as soon as D-class becomes available. The seat map (which is only indicative) is showing J as about half full. The challenge you will face, from what I can tell, is that the flight is very heavily sold in Y class, meaning that EK will hold back all D inventory so that they have flexibility as far as operational upgrades are concerned.

I would also link all 3 bookings (if they arent on the one PNR) to the Gold member. Get to the airport early and look for the ticketing desk (not check in). The EK Duty Manager will be around, or someone in EK uniform, - because that person could be your new best friend. They will be controlling the flight and will decide who is op-upped and who isnt. Always start with "is there any chance we might be able to use miles for upgrading this sector" rather than "Do you know who I am???"

As much as you dont want to hear this, this will go down to the wire I'm afraid. ExpertFlyer is your best bet. Set up the alerts and watch the load closely during the last week. Good luck...