bigwings

Hey FT, I'm a n00b (poster, but long-time lurker) but have a question that I know someone here can answer.

My lovely wife has the chance to buy a voucher for 2 tickets from Lufthansa from anywhere in the US (LH gateways I assume) to anywhere in Germany. The voucher was initially purchased at a charity auction, however the person had a change of plans and cannot travel.

The details of the voucher aren't exactly clear other than the following: it is for an "N class" booking and it says you have to pay applicable taxes. Also, the tickets must be booked together on the same flight. Unfortunately, these are the only details we know.

My question: does anyone know if these type of vouchers require just the payment of taxes, or does it usually require taxes and surcharges? Makes a big difference in what to pay.

I'll try to get more info, but at the time this is all that I have! Thanks FT!

Kiwi Flyer

Welcome to FT bigwings

I would guess taxes means taxes and surcharges. Note prize/competition/giveaway tickets are often non mileage earning.

bigwings

Yeah, I wasn't counting on the miles, but I think we can get this cheap. However the fees/surcharges are sometimes more than the "fare" and might not be worth it in the end. Grrrr...

Grog

bigwings,

I'd maybe come up with a value, in your own mind, that you feel the tickets are worth to you. Then, get the current owners to agree to receive from you that amount minus whatever LH charges you in fees and taxes. That'll create clarity from the start and ensure you don't lose out in the transaction.

bigwings

So we bought the voucher, and it states the following:

"All government and airport imposed fees and taxes must be paid by passenger prior to ticket issuance."

Is there a way to fight the fuel surcharge? It isn't imposed by the government or airport. I called the number they gave me (Senator res. number I think) and they are saying that the fuel surcharge is part of it. I didn't want to fight it then and there, as I wasn't sure of the ground I was standing on.

I realize this may be a futile fight, but every dollar counts when you're in grad school!

We got the voucher for $400, good for 2 tix from any LH gateway to anywhere in Germany. The taxes and fees, according to them, is $420 per person. Still not a bad deal at $620ish per person (out of PDX), however as a FTalker I want more!

I know that the fees/taxes are usually high, however according to the language on the voucher I'm not sure if the fuel surcharge should be included.

Thanks FT!

oliver2002

As a flyertalker you shouldn't even think of buying a N ticket. No miles, availability comes from the non-rev Y bucket (worse than X eco award), you can be off loaded in oversell situations etc etc.

skywalkerLAX

As far as I understand it there will be no YQ charge as only "government and airport fees" apply as per your quote. Non Rev do not pay YQ in general.

Not sure about the offload designator either as "N" tickets can come with different status including "non-offloadable".

Shows to me LH didnt take that charity very serious as they would have offered a "R" class ticket (Business) then. I remember they did at various DTW events.

Cheers,