Disappointing Upgrade [Non existant Service]

[Geoffrey Miles]

Having flown regularly with Emirates, over a number of years, I decided to use my accumulated points to upgrade to first class on a recent trip home from Europe.
The treatment received from staff and other passengers was quite demeaning, the upgraded passenger being seen as an interloper and quite unwelcome. Service was non existent.
My trip home was a complete waste of points. The reaction of Emirates was also disappointing, their reply being that they always try hard to please and would make a greater effort in future..

 

[Blinky]

That’s not good at all. I once upgraded to F for cash on Etihad for my wife and I from MEL to LHR. We were treated like royalty. I’m very surprised you were treated so poorly.

 

[kiwitripper64]

Sorry to hear the trip wasn't up to expectations. How did the other passengers make you feel unwelcome?
I stopped flying EK a few years ago partly due to the inconsistent service.

 

[Pushka]

Like all airlines service can be really hit and miss. I’m curious though, how did the other passengers know you were on an upgrade? And in F you don’t really interact with them anyway.

 

[Archipelago]

The treatment received from staff and other passengers was quite demeaning, the upgraded passenger being seen as an interloper and quite unwelcome. Service was non existent..

Curious to hear an explanation as to how the other passengers treated you in a demeaning way in F

And also how you came to the conclusion they somehow knew you had upgraded with points, and how you got the impression they saw you as an interloper here.

What were the issues with the service?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Fake news maybe?

 

[JohnK]

Sorry to hear about your experience. That's a poor excuse we'll try to do better in future. For most there may not be another opportunity.

And I know we've said on AFF many times that staff don't know whether you've paid or upgraded but there must be a way for them to know as I've had some poor experiences as an op-up where I've not even been served a drink in row 1 before everyone else has been served.

 

[RooFlyer]

Welcome to AFF, sorry about the circumstances that bring you here. I don't think you need to explain your feelings here. I too have upgraded to F ( that time on Qantas) and the cabin crew had an 'attitude' that I didn't appreciate.

Put it down to experience.

 

[kermatu]

Interesting. Having just flown several EK F flights, the only time I knew there were 'interlopers' was when two pilots (in uniform) boarded at the last minute. Otherwise I wouldn't have a clue who else is even onboard, let alone what fare they may have paid.

 

[mrsterryn]

As someone does on occasions use points for upgrades albeit in Qantas.. how did they identify you were an upgrade?

Welcome to AFF

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Having flown regularly with Emirates, over a number of years, I decided to use my accumulated points to upgrade to first class on a recent trip home from Europe.
The treatment received from staff and other passengers was quite demeaning, the upgraded passenger being seen as an interloper and quite unwelcome. Service was non existent.
My trip home was a complete waste of points. The reaction of Emirates was also disappointing, their reply being that they always try hard to please and would make a greater effort in future..

Unfortunately I think you just got a bad crew on the day As others have said, there's likely no way the crew would know, or even care, that you were in the cabin through a points redepmtion. I flew to the USA last year on points with EK and the service was great. Other passengers would certainly not know.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

And I know we've said on AFF many times that staff don't know whether you've paid or upgraded but there must be a way for them to know as I've had some poor experiences as an op-up where I've not even been served a drink in row 1 before everyone else has been served.

Op-ups might be handled a bit differently - especially where some airlines (like QF) don't assure catering (which isn't right in itself, but that's another matter). Crew need to be informed that op-ups get last dibs.

 

[JohnK]

Op-ups might be handled a bit differently - especially where some airlines (like QF) don't assure catering (which isn't right in itself, but that's another matter). Crew need to be informed that op-ups get last dibs.

I'm not sure I agree with that either. Didn't even offer me a drink until everyone else was served.

And it wasn't a case of catering not assured.

 

[Pushka]

We’ve been opped up for free to F on EK and received wonderful service. Have received awful service on a fully paid J fare. Luck of the draw. Other passengers would never have known unless you told them.

 

[dajop]

Just wondering, do EK give seats in F to non-revenue pax? The highest likelihood scenario of OP getting different treatment to other pax, was if he was the only "paying" passenger in F, and the rest were non-rev. I'm sure many of us have witnessed preferential treatment on various carriers to passengers who are part of the "club" (ie. other crew). But I wouldn't expect this in F.

 

[drron]

Yes dajop I have recounted my BA story before.One of the last BA flights out of BNE.I was on a pay J,fly F deal.Before takeoff the purser came to me and said-drron would you like the lobster for dinner.I asked why I was being asked now-Well doctor,we have only 2 servings and you and the gentleman behind are the only paying customers.We both had lobster.

 

[Pushka]

Just wondering, do EK give seats in F to non-revenue pax? The highest likelihood scenario of OP getting different treatment to other pax, was if he was the only "paying" passenger in F, and the rest were non-rev. I'm sure many of us have witnessed preferential treatment on various carriers to passengers who are part of the "club" (ie. other crew). But I wouldn't expect this in F.

We were upgraded to F and we were on an award J seat. Think we paid around $900 for 2 first class seats Adl - DXB.

 

[kermatu]

We’ve been opped up for free to F on EK and received wonderful service. Have received awful service on a fully paid J fare. Luck of the draw. Other passengers would never have known unless you told them.

I had an op-up a few years ago to F, and also had superb service. No problem with food either.

 

[dajop]

We were upgraded to F and we were on an award J seat. Think we paid around $900 for 2 first class seats Adl - DXB.

But still a revenue passenger (upgraded, but you fare was paid - in points). By non-rev I meant staff travel type fares.

 

[kermatu]

Just wondering, do EK give seats in F to non-revenue pax? The highest likelihood scenario of OP getting different treatment to other pax, was if he was the only "paying" passenger in F, and the rest were non-rev. I'm sure many of us have witnessed preferential treatment on various carriers to passengers who are part of the "club" (ie. other crew). But I wouldn't expect this in F.

My recent QF F flights have had full cabins, with some clear cases of staff travellers filling seats. They had their orders taken in order of seating but certainly in one case the pax was later advised his choice was not available so please choose again (a bit pathetic but the FA had to come back a second time to say his revised pick wasn't available either).

Based only on observation from half a dozen EK F flights in October, where 5 flights had cabins had between 10% and 50% occupancy, I have my doubts they routinely allow non-revenue pax in F. Other than the pilots I mentioned earlier. But this is just my speculation.