I'm trying to complete a round-trip itinerary to Bangkok for the end of the week. On the return I show availability in first class from FRA-EWR. As this is the new first class product I really want to fly it even if I have to layover in Newark five hours.

I cannot book online. When I call the agent is able to book into Business class but not first. I have this itinerary held. They acknowledge the problem against their own web site but essentially lay the blame on Lufthansa.

My question is, how should I handle this?

I believe this is the phantom first issue I read about in the blogs and any first availability will not be bookable until two weeks out while I'm in Asia. What chance am I taking booking FRA-EWR into LH business class now and attempting to change it later. Is it reasonable to have them waive the booking fee and at least one of the $75 less than 21 day fees? How do I make sure that's happened? Can they note my PNR for the next agent to waive it?

Thanks.