Many travelers search for a way to bid for an upgrade on Emirates – as you can with many other airlines.
The short answer: Emirates does not run a regular upgrade auction. Instead, it offers several other ways to move up to Premium Economy, Business or First Class – and some of them can be surprisingly cheap.
Here is how upgrading on Emirates works in 2026.
Can you bid for an upgrade on Emirates?
Not in the classic sense. Emirates’ official upgrade options are cash upgrades, upgrades with Skywards Miles, automatic upgrades and upgrade alerts – all handled in Manage Your Booking.
What comes closest to a bid is the discounted upgrade offer by email: a few days before departure, Emirates sometimes sends eligible passengers a reduced price for Business Class, usually when the premium cabin is lightly booked or Economy is full.
4 ways to upgrade on Emirates
1. Cash upgrade in Manage Your Booking
Enter your booking reference and last name in Manage Your Booking on emirates.com or in the Emirates app. If an upgrade is available, you see the price to move up to Business or First Class and can pay online. There is no fixed price: it depends on the route, your fare and how many premium seats are still free.
2. Upgrade with Skywards Miles (or Cash + Miles)
Skywards members can use miles to upgrade eligible tickets. If you don’t have enough miles, Cash + Miles lets you pay the difference. Note: since May 20, 2026 Emirates charges more miles for Upgrade Rewards in First, Business and Premium Economy, so compare the miles price with a cash offer. Watch out for Emirates’ occasional “Miles Upgrade” promotions with reduced mileage.
3. Automatic upgrades and upgrade alerts
In Manage Your Booking you can switch on automatic upgrades: as soon as an upgrade seat becomes available, Emirates upgrades you using your Skywards Miles. Alternatively, sign up for upgrade alerts by email or SMS.
4. Upgrade at check-in
If seats are still free, you can buy an upgrade at the check-in counter. You usually pay the fare difference – the special discounted prices are only available through the email offers.
Tips to get a cheaper upgrade
- Book directly with Emirates. Upgrades are easiest for bookings made on emirates.com; travel-agent bookings may need extra steps.
- Check your fare. Cheaper Saver fares have more restrictions. Flex and Flex Plus fares are generally easier to upgrade.
- Check several times. Look in Manage Your Booking right after booking, again before online check-in and watch your inbox for offers in the days before departure.
- Fly off-peak. Outside holidays the premium cabins are emptier – and upgrade prices lower.
- Collect Skywards Miles even on cheap tickets – they are your best currency for upgrades.
- Compare with a sale fare. A discounted Business Class ticket is often cheaper than Economy plus upgrade. That’s why our members get Business Class deals every day.
Airlines where you can bid for an upgrade
If you specifically want to bid, many airlines use upgrade-bid systems – for example Etihad, Austrian, SAS, Qantas and – on selected routes – Cathay Pacific. Eligible passengers receive an invitation by email or see the option in their booking. Bid a little above the minimum: many travellers bid exactly the minimum, and a slightly higher bid improves your chances.
FAQ
Does Emirates have upgrade bidding?
No regular auction. Emirates offers cash upgrades, Skywards Miles upgrades, automatic upgrades and upgrade alerts in Manage Your Booking, plus occasional discounted upgrade offers by email.
How much does an Emirates Business Class upgrade cost?
There is no fixed price. It depends on the route, your fare and demand – on long-haul routes a cash upgrade can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Check the exact price in Manage Your Booking.
Can I upgrade at the gate?
Emirates sells upgrades at check-in, subject to availability. Gate upgrades for purchase are not a standard Emirates option.
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