Jun 30, 2013, 9:22 am
Last edit by: PTahCha
I am flying on LH, but the ticket was not issued by LH; it is a code share. May I use a paper GPU?
Yes, the terms and conditions printed on the paper GPU are explicit on this point. Note that starting in 2014, when PQD-based elite qualification starts for 2015, flights on LH metal but not on UA 016 ticket stock earn zero PQDs, so we hope these terms and conditions continue.
How soon should I attempt to request to be added to the upgrade wait list (aka as the grading list)?
Because LH policy is to not upgrade a pax if there are not enough meals for that cabin, and because catering, even in FRA, requires as much as three hours notice, you should plan to present your request 3.5 hours before the flight departs.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC, how many GPUs do I need?
Two.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can I be added to the upgrade list for BBB-CCC?
Policy says no. There have been exceptions reported.
Can I be added to the upgrade list over the phone?
Policy says no.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can the LH people there alert catering in BBB that I intend to upgrade BBB-CCC?
Policy says yes. In practice, it rarely works. There have been exceptions reported.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. AAA-BBB is not LH metal, BBB-CCC is LH metal. When I arrive in BBB there won't be any LH people airside to request addition to the grading list. What should I do?
Exit the airside area of BBB 3.5 hours before the next LH flight from BBB departs and head to the LH check in counter.
I have reserved a special meal. May I use a GPU and eat my special meal?
Policy says no. A special meal will prevent you from being upgraded.
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the LH FCL or FCT?
Yes.
As a pax arriving in F on LH metal may I use the LH FCL?
Yes.
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you may be directed to the LH Senators Lounge , which is contrary to the Star Alliance lounge access policy and may not be official; see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html .
As a pax arriving in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
No.
If I am connecting in a station that has an FCT, and I am departing on LH metal in F, may I use the FCT?
Yes.
What are my chances upgrading from J to F on LH metal?
In general, very good. The earlier you try, the better.
If I go to the airport the night before departure, can I be added to the grading list?
Policy says no, but there have been exceptions reported, such as someone who has an overnight layover.
If I go to the airport the day of departure, but before I am ready to check bags, can I be added to upgrade list?
Yes.
I am traveling on a fare class that is not explicitly listed as permitted or prohibited on the paper GPU. May I use my GPU?
If the fare class prices out to less than any one of the prohibited fare classes, then assume no.
If the fare class prices out to more than any one of the permitted_ fare classes, then assume yes.
Does the person who sponsored the upgrade have to be present when the upgraded is requested?
No.
Does the person who sponsored the upgrade have to be traveling on the same flight?
No.
Do I call the 1K desk or the MileagePlus service center to get a paper GPU?
The latter. If you try the former, it is likely the 1K agent will confuse this request with a Star Alliance upgrade request, and then tell you that your fare class is prohibited. Keep in mind that outside of M+, few UA employees have ever seen a paper GPU for use on LH.
What is the number of the MileagePlus service center?
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/contact/mileageplus/contact.aspx .
Or call the GS/1K phone line and select the "MileagePlus Servicing" option.
I called that the MileagePlus service center and the agent had no idea what I was talking about.
Call again.
The new policy requiring the paper GPU certificate to match an LH flight number and pax name means I cannot have any "on hand" when flying a TATL on UA metal to and from Germany in case of irrops and rebooked to LH metal, right?
According to new policy, correct. However, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20728446-post248.html documents a case where the LH employee only cared about the pax name on the GPU matching the name on the ticket.
Are flights operated by Privatair dba LH eligible to use a LH GPU Certificate?
According to, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21655941-post362.html, yes.
Yes, the terms and conditions printed on the paper GPU are explicit on this point. Note that starting in 2014, when PQD-based elite qualification starts for 2015, flights on LH metal but not on UA 016 ticket stock earn zero PQDs, so we hope these terms and conditions continue.
How soon should I attempt to request to be added to the upgrade wait list (aka as the grading list)?
Because LH policy is to not upgrade a pax if there are not enough meals for that cabin, and because catering, even in FRA, requires as much as three hours notice, you should plan to present your request 3.5 hours before the flight departs.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC, how many GPUs do I need?
Two.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can I be added to the upgrade list for BBB-CCC?
Policy says no. There have been exceptions reported.
Can I be added to the upgrade list over the phone?
Policy says no.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can the LH people there alert catering in BBB that I intend to upgrade BBB-CCC?
Policy says yes. In practice, it rarely works. There have been exceptions reported.
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. AAA-BBB is not LH metal, BBB-CCC is LH metal. When I arrive in BBB there won't be any LH people airside to request addition to the grading list. What should I do?
Exit the airside area of BBB 3.5 hours before the next LH flight from BBB departs and head to the LH check in counter.
I have reserved a special meal. May I use a GPU and eat my special meal?
Policy says no. A special meal will prevent you from being upgraded.
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the LH FCL or FCT?
Yes.
As a pax arriving in F on LH metal may I use the LH FCL?
Yes.
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you may be directed to the LH Senators Lounge , which is contrary to the Star Alliance lounge access policy and may not be official; see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html .
As a pax arriving in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
No.
If I am connecting in a station that has an FCT, and I am departing on LH metal in F, may I use the FCT?
Yes.
What are my chances upgrading from J to F on LH metal?
In general, very good. The earlier you try, the better.
If I go to the airport the night before departure, can I be added to the grading list?
Policy says no, but there have been exceptions reported, such as someone who has an overnight layover.
If I go to the airport the day of departure, but before I am ready to check bags, can I be added to upgrade list?
Yes.
I am traveling on a fare class that is not explicitly listed as permitted or prohibited on the paper GPU. May I use my GPU?
If the fare class prices out to less than any one of the prohibited fare classes, then assume no.
If the fare class prices out to more than any one of the permitted_ fare classes, then assume yes.
Does the person who sponsored the upgrade have to be present when the upgraded is requested?
No.
Does the person who sponsored the upgrade have to be traveling on the same flight?
No.
Do I call the 1K desk or the MileagePlus service center to get a paper GPU?
The latter. If you try the former, it is likely the 1K agent will confuse this request with a Star Alliance upgrade request, and then tell you that your fare class is prohibited. Keep in mind that outside of M+, few UA employees have ever seen a paper GPU for use on LH.
What is the number of the MileagePlus service center?
See http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/contact/mileageplus/contact.aspx .
Or call the GS/1K phone line and select the "MileagePlus Servicing" option.
I called that the MileagePlus service center and the agent had no idea what I was talking about.
Call again.
The new policy requiring the paper GPU certificate to match an LH flight number and pax name means I cannot have any "on hand" when flying a TATL on UA metal to and from Germany in case of irrops and rebooked to LH metal, right?
According to new policy, correct. However, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20728446-post248.html documents a case where the LH employee only cared about the pax name on the GPU matching the name on the ticket.
Are flights operated by Privatair dba LH eligible to use a LH GPU Certificate?
According to, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21655941-post362.html, yes.
Update to Lufthansa (LH) GPU Certificate Request Process
Feb 12, 2013 | 5:16 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA GS MM, Marriott Life Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Southwest Alist pref, various others of little note
Posts: 2,873
This is a serious devaluation for me. I often have a multi segment LH itinerary and don't know which legs will clear. I also typically want one or two legs to clear but not all (a couple of C flights mixed in really eases the journey, especially if it gets me into the arrivals lounge at FRA on my way through). Before I would just have two certs and use them when I could. Now I have to request a GPU for every single leg (assuming I have enough in my account). When I get back I have to send back in the ones I haven't used (and wait for the credit, which can take a while).
They just keep whittling away at us.
They just keep whittling away at us.
Feb 12, 2013 | 5:29 pm
#17
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
Agreed on both counts. I used to carry a paper certificate with me in case of irregular operations causing me to get bumped from UA to LH. Obviously this won't work any more.
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:03 pm
#18
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: UA MP 1K 2MM
Posts: 527
losing flexibility--some more
I am afraid that this change really compromises my ability to ever consider using GPUs for LH segments; I have had occasions in FRA where LH was prepared to reroute TATL through another gateway and the paper SWU cleared; the new procedure would eliminate that possibility, assuming LH would not be able or willing to override the printed flight data on the paper.
Paper certificates can be helpful, but electronic forms OUGHT to provide greater flexibility for the user while preserving an accountable record for LH.
I somehow doubt that this plan originated with UA; sounds like a not very good attempt at solving an issue arising with LH.
Flyer 420
back in Seattle
Paper certificates can be helpful, but electronic forms OUGHT to provide greater flexibility for the user while preserving an accountable record for LH.
I somehow doubt that this plan originated with UA; sounds like a not very good attempt at solving an issue arising with LH.
Flyer 420
back in Seattle
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:05 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: San Francisco/Tel Aviv/YYZ
Programs: CO 1K-MM
Posts: 10,859
I somehow doubt that this plan originated with UA; sounds like a not very good attempt at solving an issue arising with LH.
LH can easily ask you to write the PNR, the passenger name and flight info on the cert when they clear you (and hand in the cert).
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:10 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Central Florida
Programs: MP 1K/Onepass Plat 1MM, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 565
This stinks!
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:12 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: SPG Platinum, UA GS
Posts: 121
Everyone here is stating the obvious. Surely United knew about and thought through all of these problems in advance, and the changes are happening anyway. Clearly the coming inability to use the benefit effectively is a feature, not a bug.
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:25 pm
#22
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 6,964
Lastly, we understand that travel plans can change, and so long as the name of the traveler and the flight segment remain the same, the certificates will be honored by Lufthansa (on a space-available basis). However, it will be at Lufthansa’s discretion to honor the upgrade should any other flight details change. Since this remains a per-segment upgrade product, we do recommend printing certificates specific to each LH segment you might which to upgrade on your full itinerary.
(And it isn't just the German agents; having to get things approved in India by the station manager or even being told that the pilot needs to approve sometimes isn't unheard in my past experience) If only I could laugh at the absurdity of expecting LH agents to be flexible and use their discretion, but sadly I cannot laugh about something I valued so highly, and was one of the last things which kept me flying on UA.As bad as it is for American UA 1Ks to request and resubmit these paper certs, it is much worse for those of us outside the US who have to deal with far longer mailing times.
I'd like a response please UA Insider as to how you plan to deal with your non-US based 1K customers, and if you will accept scans for returned certs, or have some method of expediting them to us at non-US addresses.
Last edited by exbayern; Feb 12, 2013 at 6:33 pm
Feb 12, 2013 | 6:40 pm
#23
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: PDX
Programs: UA Global Services / Million Miler, Marriott Ambassador / Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 594
I'm really at a point in all of this where I don't know whether to laugh or to cry. It's all tragicomedy, really.
Feb 12, 2013 | 7:13 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Raleigh
Programs: United GS 2MM,, Marriott/Starwood Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 754
Maybe UA wants to be able to data mine the use if the certs without having to manually input them. So that they can use that data for some revenue enhancement scheme. Perhaps they now receive huge boxes every 3 months and have a pay someone to sort thru them all. Who knows what UAs motivation might be. The OP doesn't get very deep into it.
Feb 12, 2013 | 7:27 pm
#26
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
Lastly, we understand that travel plans can change, and so long as the name of the traveler and the flight segment remain the same, the certificates will be honored by Lufthansa (on a space-available basis). However, it will be at Lufthansas discretion to honor the upgrade should any other flight details change.
Feb 12, 2013 | 7:38 pm
#27
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: 2013: UA 1K (2013: 4/7 UDU, 2012: from GM to 1K!), Global Entry
Posts: 66
I echo all the sentiments here. Is a first year 1K, my loyalty is very nascent, so devaluing the program from the start is not making me happy.
Feb 12, 2013 | 7:49 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Oxfordshire
Programs: UA 1K MM, BA Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 150
Just another change I am going to like.....not!!
Will un-named certificates that one has now still be valid after the introduction of this chaotic system?
Will un-named certificates that one has now still be valid after the introduction of this chaotic system?
Feb 12, 2013 | 7:50 pm
#29
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: LAX/RSW
Programs: UA MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,578
Flyertalk wisdom had previously dictated that one should carry these when connecting in FRA (on UA) in case of IRROPS. Guess not anymore...
Feb 12, 2013 | 8:05 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: UA--no longer 2P as of 3/2012 and don't even care. Never thought I'd say that.
Posts: 788
This new system is just insipid and will do nothing but make things more difficult for UA elites who try to use SWU's on LH.
For the record, my husband flies 6 TATL RT's per year in paid C (thanks to his employer) and while he refuses to step foot on UA metal in the past he has chosen LH and it's crummy C seat only because of the potential upgrade to their First Class cabin.
To Asia he flies Singapore. He doesn't fly much within the US, only enough to get the 4 segments on UA metal that qualify him for 1K.
From September 2011 through October 2012 on LH he successfully upgraded to F on 4 flights and was out of luck on 6.
So if after March 2013, on 60% of his paper LH certificates he's going to be expected to go to the time and expense of sending them back to UA for reissuance?
Everybody has different needs and wants, and for my husband what kept him loyal to UA was the LH upgrades. Now there's really nothing left to keep him.
And I wonder how LH agents will respond to the 3 paper certificates he currently has in his travel wallet.
I just spoke to my husband who makes an excellent point regarding misconnects. Let say he is scheduled to fly OTP-MUC-SFO and ends up with OTP-MUC-FRA-SFO but since the paper certificate states MUC-SFO, he won't be able to upgrade. This is just absurd.
Does anybody know who pushed for this change? LH or UA?
For the record, my husband flies 6 TATL RT's per year in paid C (thanks to his employer) and while he refuses to step foot on UA metal in the past he has chosen LH and it's crummy C seat only because of the potential upgrade to their First Class cabin.
To Asia he flies Singapore. He doesn't fly much within the US, only enough to get the 4 segments on UA metal that qualify him for 1K.
From September 2011 through October 2012 on LH he successfully upgraded to F on 4 flights and was out of luck on 6.
So if after March 2013, on 60% of his paper LH certificates he's going to be expected to go to the time and expense of sending them back to UA for reissuance?
Everybody has different needs and wants, and for my husband what kept him loyal to UA was the LH upgrades. Now there's really nothing left to keep him.
And I wonder how LH agents will respond to the 3 paper certificates he currently has in his travel wallet.
I just spoke to my husband who makes an excellent point regarding misconnects. Let say he is scheduled to fly OTP-MUC-SFO and ends up with OTP-MUC-FRA-SFO but since the paper certificate states MUC-SFO, he won't be able to upgrade. This is just absurd.
Does anybody know who pushed for this change? LH or UA?
Last edited by janehoya; Feb 12, 2013 at 8:37 pm