Just curious if anyone else has had a similar experience (and ideally a solution!)...

On my recent flight back from YYZ to TLV via FRA, my final leg was on a Lufthansa codeshare. Realizing in advance that the eUpgrade process would not work on a codeshare, I called the AC Reservation Desk where the agent advised me that my only option was to try and upgrade in person at the Lufthansa desk. I asked if there was anything else I could do in advance to increase my chances, but was informed that this was the only option. Additionally, I called the Lufthansa reservation agent who gave me the same information. (I think I remember seeing similar advice on FT as well.)

In any event, I did try to get the upgrade in Frankfurt by speaking with a couple of Lufthansa agents, but they advised me that the only way I could upgrade would be if I had "a voucher" from AC so that they could recover the upgrade points/miles internally. The other option was paying the approx. 2000 euro difference in fare! (nope.) The agents seemed to be very confident of this voucher system, but I was left confused as I have never heard of such a process - aside from the old paper upgrade system. They were nice enough to give me an exit row, but it was somewhat tragic to see that the majority of the Business Class remained empty.

Is there some sort of "voucher system" that runs parallel to the eUpgrade system that anyone has experience with?

Thanks!

Please clarify what you mean by "Lufthansa codeshare." Were you on a LH flight operated by AC, or an AC flight operated by LH? It almost sounds to me like you were flying LH metal because LH people were concerned about recovering mile/point compensation from AC.

If operated by AC, then you should have been able to use your eUpgrade credits. Since you were dealing with LH employees instead of AC, maybe they didn't realize that the paper certs went away last year and referred to these as vouchers?

If operatred by LH, then AFAIK there is no way to upgrade with AC other than using Aeroplan miles on the *A upgrade scheme, or paying the 2000 Euro they wanted.

That flight is always difficult to upgrade anyhow, I have tried a few times using *A upgrades and there is never any availability. FRA-YVR no Problem.
I tell my TA now not to buy codeshare lights when possible, it is annoying not being able to upgrade. Often I can buy the flight from the carrier anyhow.

Quite possible I have my terminology mixed up... I booked on AC, but the flight was operated by Lufthansa, i.e. LH metal... the agent used the term "codeshare." The flight had both Air Canada and Lufthansa flight numbers.

They (AC) were quite adamant that the eUpgrades could not be used and the electronic system also indicated "not available for upgrade" when I tried.

I'll have to check into the *A upgrade scheme...

Thanks for the responses.

and I am guessing * upgrade scheme would not have worked as it requires a high economy fare type, not typical discount econo fares that most people try to upgrade.

You were given correct info--no way to upgrade that LH metal flight (even with AC codeshare #)

The LH agent possibly confused AC eUpgrade credits with the e-vouchers Senators and HON Circle members in their Miles & More FFP get every other year you could have used to upgrade the LH flight, but as an Aeroplan member you obviously would not have those.

based upon the replies, it all makes sense now. I can be rest assured that my comfy exit row was likely the best I could have hoped for.

now, back to the calendar/worksheet to figure out the best route to 50,000 this year! Thankfully, I just got informed that I have to take next November and December off in order to burn off excess leave... I see some mileage runs in my future.

That is correct, eUpgrades cannot be used on LH metal.......It has to be used on AC metal only.