You can't . Most of the time you can only upgrade on your own airline. American Airlines is soon to be an exception for Qantas FF. Oneworld are working on it but it's not here yet – https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/oneworld-points-mil…
So, you’ve booked that dream trip with Qantas, but it’s on an Emirates flight. You know, the one where you’re secretly hoping for an upgrade to first class, where the champagne flows like water and the seats are basically tiny, luxurious apartments? Well, you’re not alone. Many frequent flyers find themselves in this exact situation, and the question on everyone’s mind is: how on earth do you upgrade your flight?
First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. You might’ve booked that Emirates flight through Amex, which is a great way to rack up those points, but it also complicates things. Booking with a third-party service can often feel like trying to put together IKEA furniture without the instructions. It’s possible, but it’s going to involve a lot of guesswork and a few choice words.
Now, the official word from the Emirates and Qantas camp is that upgrades usually need to be done directly through the airline. So, if you’re thinking you can just hop online and click a few buttons to make your upgrade dreams come true, think again! Unfortunately, those online portals aren’t always as user-friendly as a well-meaning parent trying to help with math homework.
Here’s the good news: you can still pursue that upgrade! Just be prepared to put on your best ‘customer service’ voice and call the airline directly. Yes, I know, calling customer service is often akin to willingly stepping into a black hole of hold music and automated messages, but it’s your best bet. When you finally get through to a human (who may or may not be having a better day than you), ask them about your upgrade options. Be polite, because you never know when a little kindness might earn you some extra points—pun intended.
If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, consider visiting an Emirates or Qantas lounge before your flight. Sometimes, just being in the right place at the right time can lead to unexpected upgrades. Just don’t be that person who hovers around the gate looking desperate. Nobody likes a gate crasher, especially not in the airline world.
And let’s not forget about your frequent flyer status. If you’re a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, you might have a better chance of snagging that coveted upgrade. So, if you’ve been racking up those flight points like they’re Pokémon cards, now’s the time to cash them in!
In conclusion, while upgrading your Emirates flight booked through Amex with Qantas may not be as straightforward as you’d like, it’s not impossible. Just remember to keep your expectations in check and your phone charged for that crucial call to customer service. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be sipping champagne in first class before you can say ‘upgrade’! Safe travels!
Inspired by: “Upgrades with emirates” (r/QantasFrequentFlyer)