Etiquette advice

Tomorrow night the OH and I are UK bound for Christmas. Flights booked a long time ago, the OH on a reward in Business and me on a paid fare (only had enough points for one reward and the status points on the paid fare are more beneficial for me as I travel a lot for work).

Two weeks ago I received an email stating my ticket was eligible to bid for an upgrade to First on all sectors this was offered. Discussions ensued and we agreed to bid, albeit just above minimum and in the red on the gauge. At the time it was agreed we would share ie one sector each in First.

Yesterday evening Etihad called and confirmed the upgrade and reissued the ticket so MEL-AUH and then AUH-LHR are both in F y) . I have spoken to both Etihad and DJ (the reward was through DJ FF) and neither can do anything for the reward ticket. We are going to ask at check in if we can get the other ticket upgraded, don't mind paying. Another issue is access to the F lounge in AUH. From what I can ascertain only F pax and EY FF Gold Elite are admitted - no guests - we have a 7 hour layover so using the F lounge would be nice.

This morning the OH said "I'm not really fussed about it you go up front". Is this a coded message? ?| Or in the spirit of giving is the OH being generous, after all it is acknowledged that it is me who is the 'plane freak'.

I have successfully opened the gate and walked into the minefield - now what is my next step ? If nothing changes and we keep one F and one J what is the etiquette in these circumstances? Who gets the long sector 14 hour overnight versus the short 8 hour daytime in F?

Thoughts appreciated.

Which one of you has travelled 1st most often?

OK Rob this is my two penneth worth .
Do a load check first for both sectors and if there is a F seat available ask again at check in. You never know what can happen at the airport, and being a ticketed F passenger wanting to upgrade another passenger ( with cash) may have some influence ( granted OHs ticket is technically non upgradeable).
I'd ask again in the lounge if you have no joy at check in.
Personally I'd take the OH at his word ( mercenary I know ): ): ). I don't know him but if you think he meant it you have no guilt to fear ( just gratitude towards him for his generosity ^) ).
If you have no joy at MEL I'd try the same tack at AUH - I don't know if the Diamond and Pearl lounges are adjacent but I'd visit the Diamond lounge first and see if they will grant access for the reward seat ticket( and also again try to upgrade the reward seat). It might also be worth mentioning your status on DJ/VA .If you have no joy on either count I'd opt for staying in the Pearl lounge together .
No matter who gets which seat, neither of you will have a tough time coming back to Blighty.
Safe travels and Happy Christmas to you both .
DL

Rachel we have both made the same number of F flights.
DL thanks for your two penneth worth.

Well it has been agreed and accepted that if we can't blag or pay for another upgrade I shall be taking the long overnight leg as the OH states that he will be awake on the second leg and can therefore partake in more of the offering (translates to drink more fizz).

Regarding the F lounge we will do what we can to get us both in but to be fair the J lounge is fine, was busy last time, but as we have a long lay over I am sure it will quiten down after the first round of connections leave.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all - oh and can someone please arrange for the rain to stop in the UK, and ensure there is no snow as we have travel plans .