Jan 25, 2024, 1:22 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is an archive thread, the active thread is
LH Advance Seat selection fees for flights booked on UA tickets (none on X awards)
Seat assignment fees for LH flights booked via UA has a moving target, consult LH Seat selection and advance seat reservation for present rules
As of July 2021
Codeshares are now included
UA economy award tickets -- no fee
Paid economy tickets (without higher LH status) -- fee varies on flight distance, intraEurope may be fee for higher economy fares
Paid Premium Economy (without higher LH status) -- fee varies on flight distance
Business / First -- no fee, even for codeshares
For those seats with advance selection fees, there will be no fee at check-in for available seats
LH Advance Seat selection fees for flights booked on UA tickets (none on X awards)
Seat assignment fees for LH flights booked via UA has a moving target, consult LH Seat selection and advance seat reservation for present rules
As of July 2021
Codeshares are now included
UA economy award tickets -- no fee
Paid economy tickets (without higher LH status) -- fee varies on flight distance, intraEurope may be fee for higher economy fares
Paid Premium Economy (without higher LH status) -- fee varies on flight distance
Business / First -- no fee, even for codeshares
For those seats with advance selection fees, there will be no fee at check-in for available seats
LH Advance Seat selection fees for flights booked on UA tickets {Archive}
Jun 17, 2017, 6:30 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: UA 1K, Delta PM, AA EXP, Marriott AMB, IHG Gold
Posts: 448
The UA/LH transatlantic JV gets more and more of a joke! What happened to metal neutrality?
Jun 17, 2017, 8:00 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 132
I have just been informed by a Lufthansa phone agent that a "new policy" was implemented last week which disallows advance seat assignments on codeshares operated by LH Group carriers, even in paid business class.
He stated that the seat maps have been "taken away" from the agents and that there is nothing they can do about this.
Of course the only reason I book the codeshare is to meet UA PQD requirements.
He stated that the seat maps have been "taken away" from the agents and that there is nothing they can do about this.
Of course the only reason I book the codeshare is to meet UA PQD requirements.
As long as people put up with it, airlines will do things like this. I won't tolerate it. I'll fly another airline, and if unavailable or otherwise, then I just won't go.
Last edited by livebetter_travelmore; Jun 17, 2017 at 8:40 pm
Jun 17, 2017, 9:06 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: IAD/DCA
Programs: Bunch of mid-tiers
Posts: 1,034
I assume this is going forward only? I have a flight booked a couple months back where I can still see the seats. But now I'm paranoid to click anything to test.
Jun 17, 2017, 9:17 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,413
Jun 17, 2017, 9:26 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO/SMF
Programs: Holder of six "persona non-grata" awards
Posts: 1,914
Does it matter if you input the LH record locator number versus the UA one. One week ago I was able to select Business seats from MAD-FRA-IAD (all LH flights) by inputting the LHRL on the LH website.
Jun 17, 2017, 10:25 pm
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,413
No - LH PNR on LH site, and I can seat select only for LH/LH flights, not UA/LH (i.e. UA flight number, LH metal).
Jun 17, 2017, 10:38 pm
#22
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: In between IAD and DCA
Programs: UA Plat 1.1MM , Marriott Gold Elite, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,262
Disappointing. I usually only fly LH in Europe and not on transatlantic flights, so the seat selection isn't as crucial. But, this is still unfortunate. I always liked being able to usually get an exit row window on their intra-Europe flights. Doubt I'll be able to get those anymore at T-24. Pretty much the only good seat with those garbage slim seats that are harder than prison cell beds.
Jun 17, 2017, 11:00 pm
#23
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NBO/ORD
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 188
Very, very frustrating policy. Thanks for the info, Kacee.
Jun 18, 2017, 1:26 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: SYD+TYO+GFK
Programs: UA 1K, QF Plat, VA Gold, IHG Spire Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, Coles FlyBuys
Posts: 2,805
It just beggars belief that we're dealing with this in 2017.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jun 19, 2017 at 12:59 am Reason: Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.
Jun 18, 2017, 6:12 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
It's inconceivable to me that one would be unable to select a seat for paid J. In fact, this is why I won't fly British Airways (BA). Even natively, my understanding is that in paid J on BA one cannot select a seat during advanced booking without paying additional $. And, let me add, I firmly feel that J is J regardless of fare code or elite status. If one has purchased a J ticket, it's insulting to prod them for additional money to select a seat.
.
.
Jun 18, 2017, 8:58 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
Programs: OZ Diamond, UA Gold
Posts: 9,922
I have just been informed by a Lufthansa phone agent that a "new policy" was implemented last week which disallows advance seat assignments on codeshares operated by LH Group carriers, even in paid business class.
He stated that the seat maps have been "taken away" from the agents and that there is nothing they can do about this.
Of course the only reason I book the codeshare is to meet UA PQD requirements.
He stated that the seat maps have been "taken away" from the agents and that there is nothing they can do about this.
Of course the only reason I book the codeshare is to meet UA PQD requirements.
Jun 18, 2017, 9:21 am
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,454
Jun 18, 2017, 10:20 am
#28
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
Hoping this as well. Without knowing the nuances of the JV agreement, I can't think of the reason for doing this. Seems like they'd want to go after 016 tickets before codeshares (although that would be equally, if not more, frustrating).
Jun 18, 2017, 10:35 am
#29
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: AA LT PLT (3.6+ MM), UA 1K LT Gold, Hilton LT Diamond, Bonvoy Gold.
Posts: 1,662
Not a glitch. I can confirm on both native LH and 016 stock, no seat selection in J. I had to call and pay another $35 or $17, depended on distance. And it was per segment. Not good, really poor show by LH and IMHO an unwarranted money grab....
Jun 18, 2017, 10:46 am
#30
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 132
Perhaps you glossed over the point you quoted where I emphasized that I feel that "J is J" regardless of fare code and status. You're obviously entitled to your own opinion on that aspect, but if one is purchasing a ticket in J, then I think they should have the opportunity to select a specific seat without additional expense, and not just at T-24, either. Flying today has grown more and more frustrating leading a number of people, self included, to selecting a flight that best meets their needs regardless of airline including those in which they may not hold any status.