Lufthansa flight upgradable?
 

Hello,

I am looking at an itinerary that would have UA8866 next May. I may want to go ahead and book in economy, and then upgrade later paying and using miles. Can I do that on the Lufthansa leg with that UA flight number through United?

Thanks,

DAB

No, you won't be able to. I recently (this past weekend) flew on an itinerary starting on United (just a domestic segment) and continuing on Lufthansa and when presented with an offer to upgrade - 20,000 miles and $550 co-pay, only the United segment was eligible - the Lufthansa flights were not. However, there is one exception - if you book classes B or Y, you can use the Star Alliance Upgrade option and upgrade with miles. Other than that, you're out of luck. Sorry.

If you go the star alliance upgrade route, make sure you don't book a codeshare, they aren't eligible. If website won't show you LH flight numbers call up.

If you have access to GPUs you can have some printed and use them day of departure. I have been about 10/10 clearing on these in recent years on LH flights. Doesn't matter if booked as LH or UA flight number in my recent experiences.

GPUs don't matter how the flight is booked as they are day-of-flight upgrades that LH deals with.

It is always a good policy to not book codeshare flight numbers and always try to stick with the operating airline flight number.

For those of us bound by FlyAmerica, GPUs are really the only route here. As others have said, codeshares are not eligible for *A upgrades.

Sigh... Thanks...

GPUs on LH are only useable on V fares and above, FYI.

buy united through lufthansa, then upgrade?
 

hi everyone
sorry if this is too basic. but i'm just not 100% sure. it is cheaper to buy united flight (sfo to frankfurt) from lufthansa. BUT united operates the flight NOT lufthansa. if i go ahead and buy the ticket (through lufthansa) i will still be able to upgrade to first using my free upgrades (or miles) through united mileage plus, right?

sorry if this is too basic. i've seen a lot about using mileageplus to upgrade on lufthansa operated flights but never this particular question (buy united through lufthansa, upgrade using mileageplus)

thanks in advance for your patience
hh

Welcome to FT!, hanahelena
yes, all UA operated flights are upgradeable (when RPU if applicable and GPU/miles) even if purchased as a codeshare