How to upgrade the economy to Emirates business class

No one enjoys flying long-haul being crammed on their seat. Emirates Airlines ensures that you won't feel uncomfortable while flying in Business Class and guarantees the luxurious journey that Emirates is known for. You can't point a finger at its world-class service and hospitalities. To experience it first-hand, you can always opt for Emirates' upgrade to Business class. In this blog, I will discuss the perks of the Emirates Business class and how you can upgrade to it. 

Reasons to upgrade the economy to Emirates Business class

Who wouldn't want to fly in Business class in the Emirates? Once you taste the blood, you will want it again and again. The services are just mind-boggling. Here are a few examples

• You will get fully flat seats and there will be space between two seats so you can enjoy your privacy. 
• There would be direct aisle access, noise-canceling headphones, and a 23-inch-wide TV screen.
• Last but definitely not least, the Emirates onboard bar which is loved by all. 

Ways for Emirates Upgrade to Business Class

You can upgrade your Emirates economy-class flight to business-class even after boarding the flight. Yes, you have read it correctly. There is an option for this too, but it totally depends on the seat availability after the boarding. However, there are other ways for the upgrade too, such as: 

• Upgrade via the website: Go the traditional way and 'manage your booking' from the Emirates' official website. Search for the upgrades, if there are available options you will get the upgrade and the required Miles will be deducted from your account. 
• Auto-Upgrade: Emirates has an auto-upgrade waiting list, and here you can add your name up to 90 days in advance. If you have sufficient miles in your account and there is seat availability, your ticket will be upgraded automatically. 
• During Check-in: Ask the help desk at the airport to upgrade your seat. You can pay there with SkyMiles if seats are vacant in Business class. 

How to use Miles for Emirates upgrade to business class

Keep in mind that only Miles can be used to upgrade your flights. Emirates offer various types of ticket booking including Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus. Check which ticket is eligible for upgrades and at what rate. Saver Ticket has less chance for upgrade and too at maximum Miles. 

For example, if a saver ticket upgrade is charging 50,700 miles on the one-way flight; the Flex fare and Flex Plus fare will cost 44,850 miles and 39,000 miles one-way respectively. 

Use of SkyWard Calculator for Emirates upgrade to business class

It is recommended to check SkyMiles before looking for an upgrade. You can use Emirates' online SkyWard calculator to find out how many miles will be needed on a certain route and how much you need to pay for an upgrade. Only when you have accrued enough miles will you be qualified for an upgrade. 

Estimated cost for Emirates upgrade to business class

The Emirates upgrade to business class depends on various circumstances such as the destination, the date of booking, the type of tickets, and the amenities you have selected for the upgrade. The estimated amount may vary somewhere between $250 and $1500. You can calculate the points using the SkyWard Calculator. 

Drawbacks of Emirates upgrade to business class

There are many benefits of Business class but along with it, there are certain restrictions on Emirates upgrade.  

• You can only use Emirates Skywards Miles if you want to upgrade your ticket as cash+miles is only allowed in booking. Due to this, you can't book for a third party because you have to pay from your Skyward Miles. 
• Even when you upgrade your tickets to Business class, you won't receive any extra miles for the higher class. You will get miles according to your previous ticket only. 
• Note that while Saver, Flex, and Flex Plus tickets are eligible for upgrades, "Special" fare tickets cannot. The chance of getting an upgrade on Saver tickets is also less. 
• Though you are eligible for a last-minute upgrade, you will lose out on dinner if you choose a last-minute upgrade which is within 48 hours of departure. 

Conclusion

Emirates business class is worth every effort you put into the upgrade. Check what type of booking you have and how many Miles you need for the upgrade. Sometimes last-minute upgrades also work fine. Once every passenger is boarded and business class seats remain vacant, you can ask for an upgrade there. 

FAQ about Emirates upgrade to business class

Can I upgrade to Emirates business class free of cost

No, Emirates doesn't offer a free upgrade option even for its loyalty members. You need to pay the amount for the upgraded seat. 

Can I verify the availability of an Emirates business class upgrade reward before booking my ticket

Yes, you can check availability by calling the airline's customer service or you can check on the website while booking too. There will be an upgrade icon for flights that have upgrades available. 

Is it possible to use Cash + Miles to upgrade an existing Emirates reservation

No, the upgrade is possible only through Miles. You can book a new flight using Cash+Miles.