Mbcan

Yes if you are willing to pay booking class difference (if Q is not available) plus fee to change the ticket.
So practically no LH and OS do not make any exceptions about that...

YuropFlyer

As Mbcan said - if you are willing to pay the fare difference to the cheapest booking class available and the change fee (which will amount to quite a nice sum most probably together) then you're good to go. Otherwise, your chances for a free "change" are quite small. Not zero - but small*. But if you've booked the later flight regularly, and just want to change for the earlier one, be prepared to pay up or to wait.

*Some time ago I had the 8am flight cancelled on me, and me forced on the 10am flight with refusal to be put on the 7am flight as it was 5min under MCT. I made it to the gate (on 4 occassions) of the 7am flight each time, and they put me on it. But that was the case because I haven't booked the later flight but rather one similar to the one I eventually catched, plus being SEN might have helped as well.

davidcito

Asking never hurts. They may put you on the earlier if yours is overbooked. Have had that happen to me several times (no fees).
David

rkj2106

I am thinking about redeeming Lifemiles for DEL-IST-FRA-MAD with the FRA-MAD on LH all in J. Long layover in FRA right now.

What are the chances that LH will let me take an earlier flight FRA-MAD? Would be even willing to do that leg in coach rather then wait around at FRA for 6 hours.

I am *G with UA if that helps.

Thanks!

daumueller

Will you check bags?

rkj2106

Maybe one bag at most...

Lack

Chances aren't zero, but they're pretty close.

rkj2106

Got it, is my best shot to ask an agent at the LH biz class lounge?

Lack

Best way is to monitor award space and rebook as needed. LH will usually only co-operate if its in their interest (like if your flights is overbooked or some other issue).

oliver2002

No dice. Even if there is space in the award booking class, they will ask you to change the ticket with the airline that issued it.

seawolf

I second this. I was able to move to an earlier LH CDG-FRA two years ago while on a UA award by asking nicely at check-in (refer to post #124). Had no bags and award space on new flight was avail. UA couldn't reissue ticket despite award space being there as it would have caused more stopovers than the award allowed.

Tyrolean

Er, no! I had some occasions, where I wanted to be rebooked onto an earlier flight. I was in booked in D (whole family of 4). They asked for 120 Euro to pay up for J. The earlier flight left with 7 seats in Business Class empty. Our flight was overbooked and they asked for volunteers to stay.

Last weekend I asked and was offered to pay 420 Euro for a short European flight to take a flight earlier (booked in P, old fares, Upfare and 60 Euro Change fee). Sorry. LH is smoking the wrong stuff.

gpb_croppers63

I have a query on this one too. I am booked VIE-FCO-FRA-DUB (VIE-FCO on OS and FCO-FRA-DUB on LH) on a flexible D class ticket and currently have a 4.5 hour connection in FCO and 1 hour in FRA. The earlier flight from FCO to FRA leaves 1/2 an hour after I'm due to arrive so I couldn't book it from the start as it doesn't meet the MCT. If I were to make it to the gate before the earlier flight leaves, what are the chances that the gate agent would allow me on? I wouldn't have any checked-in luggage.

I'd rather wait around in FRA than in FCO, as the flight to DUB is the last one of the day so if there's a delay on the FCO-FRA flight I'm booked on, I could end up missing it. I know this is all pure speculation but was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on it.

Thanks in advance!

PetzLUX

You may ask but the chances tend towards zero.
Even HON are generally not put on an earlier flight, except they are willing to pay the fare difference...

NewbieRunner

Is this a mileage run? Why such a convoluted route?