how to surprise someone with an upgrade on Emirates? | ExpatWoman.com
 

how to surprise someone with an upgrade on Emirates?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:40

Cutting a long story short: after a long battle against Cancer, my mother has just become a widow for the second time in her life :-(
So I finally managed to convince her that a visit to Dubai next month would do her good (grey weather in Europe obviously not helping her morale) To change her mind; I really want this trip be all about spoiling her and thought I could perhaps upgrade her ticket to Business class as a surprise. Unfortunately it seems I don't have enough skywards miles to do so, any idea as to how else I can upgrade her while keeping it a surprise?
I considered going to EK and paying for the difference but her ticket is linked to her email so any changes she'd probably be notified of, in addition to which I read she's have to pay taxes because of the upgrade which would spoil the surprise-
Anyone has a suggestion? Thanks in advance!

84
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 17:27
visiting web site is the best way
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 12:35
you can upgrade her using miles or pay the difference
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:53
@mich72 : Meet & Greet is a good idea thanks but @Cherry, limousine is not an option unfortunately (mileage as you say) and for the DXB limo pick up: no way I don't get to see her the moment she steps foot in the UAE, I'll probably be camping at the airport the day before anyway top pick her up ;)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:43
And doesnt business class come with limo pickup from your home to airport (within a certain mileage from airport), so she will be spoilt from her doorstep.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:41
If she knows in advance then she has more luggage allowance for bringing stuff :) Why not order the meet and greet service at the airport and then spoil her rotten once arrived.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:15
Called Skywards & Dnata and conclude that even if I buy more miles for her upgrade etc, when proceeding to upgrade her she'd probably still be notified be email since her booking is linked to her email - so much for the surprise effect So; I am going to look at all other options first and otherwise just go ahead with this one because I guess that as most of you say down the line what matters is that she gets pampered, not how she gets to know it
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:08
Agree its a lovely surprise whenever she finds out. Do it and send a note/email telling her what to expect!
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 11:01
It will be a surprise either way, whether she finds out now or later! In fact, it might also add to the excitement of the trip if she knows she is looking forward to being pampered from her front door to yours. It's so wonderful to be able to do these things for our family, especially in your case, when your Mom has been through so much !
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:33
Oh that's sweet Marroosh; but I'm the one that's blessed having her as a mother instead!
Anonymous (not verified)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:27
Yankeecamel, your mom is truly blessed with such a caring daughter:) I am sure she will enjoy the pampering! Just speak to Emirates and ask them what they can do.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:24
Thanks ladies for all your input; really appreciate it. Why choose to do either an upgrade or a tea at the Burj when I am planning to treat her to both :-) I mean, I can't start to imagine what she's going through so there's no limit on it: it's my mom and the only one left. I thought about buying extra miles and using those; but then she'd still be notified by email if I upgrade her ticket though: I might have to combine that option with a visit to Dnata.. just hope they don't spoil the surprise
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:17
You can buy extra miles if you want to make up enough, I have done that when I've been just a few thousand miles short and then bought the upgrade. Depending on how short of miles you are it can be worthwhile if you want to do the upgrade.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 10:16
Gosh, I hate flying and if I were in your mother's position, I'd be delighted to be upgraded for a surprise - the flight from Europe is quite long enough for an upgrade to be well worth it, I would think. Sorry, can't help with how to go about doing it in secret, but agree that if you explained to Emirates, they would probably do their best to help.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:49
I'm inclined to agree it is better to spend the money on her here. If she is coming from Europe it is a quick flight anyway-and if she is anything like my mum was she would consider it a waste of money too!
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:43
Go to Dnata and ask them how to do it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:43
Why don't you call them an explain the situation - I'm sure (as you're giving them money) they'd sort it out without spoiling the surprise.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 10 October 2012 - 09:43
save your money and spend it on something fabulous while she's here - tea at the Burj or something...hope you enjoy her trip :)
 
 

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