Originally Posted by sinoflyer

OP cannot use buddy pass on LH's LAX-FRA.

From my experience, mid-May is still a good time to nonrev to Europe. Late June, when summer vacation begins for the school kids, is really the time when nonrev travel to Europe is discouraged. Midweek (Mon-Thu) is better than Fri- Sun, ditto for the flight back. I would ask your friend about sample loads for a few days on SFO-FRA, just to get a feel about the chances. Good luck!