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
Nov 19, 2013, 8:34 pm
#376
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,193
I hope attempting to use a PGPU on BAH-FRA will go smoothly next week, especially at check-in. It's also a same flight # one stop via DOH. We shall see!
Anyone have experience?
Anyone have experience?
Nov 20, 2013, 8:48 am
#377
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
With United's new efforts to minimize outflow of $$$ to partner airlines, what do you think about the future of this reciprocal upgrade benefit? I would think UA is paying LH a lot more for these upgrades than LH is paying UA for theirs.
Also, isn't UA paying LH for lounge visits on domestic UA *G flyers at IAD?
Also, isn't UA paying LH for lounge visits on domestic UA *G flyers at IAD?
Nov 20, 2013, 9:57 am
#378
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: BOM-SIN-EWR
Programs: UA*G (1K again), Sixt Plat, *was*: SQ QPP01 & SK EBS/EBG, LH SEN, AA EXP, 9wPlat
Posts: 8,606
)As well as P in business excluded.
Nov 20, 2013, 10:01 am
#379
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
https://www.united.com/web/en-us/con...wupgrades.aspx
Essentially V and above for eco. Excludes Z for business.
Essentially V and above for eco. Excludes Z for business.
So does UA V = LH V? So UA V and above is safe?
Nov 21, 2013, 9:38 am
#380
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
Nov 21, 2013, 9:45 am
#381
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
Nov 21, 2013, 11:14 am
#382
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,528
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you will be directed to the LH lounge (which is not an FCL); see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html
Not my recent experience. My last 4 out of IAD I've been allowed into the UA F lounge...a year ago it was more of a problem. Will try again next week and report back
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you will be directed to the LH lounge (which is not an FCL); see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html
Not my recent experience. My last 4 out of IAD I've been allowed into the UA F lounge...a year ago it was more of a problem. Will try again next week and report back
Nov 22, 2013, 2:52 am
#383
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
I agree it is not a problem- however I would suggest the Senator lounge anyway as it has direct boarding to the aircraft from the lounge which is a better benefit.
Nov 22, 2013, 11:11 am
#384
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,528
Nov 22, 2013, 12:35 pm
#385
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 334
As a pax departing in F on LH metal may I use the UA GFL?
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you will be directed to the LH lounge (which is not an FCL); see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html
Not my recent experience. My last 4 out of IAD I've been allowed into the UA F lounge...a year ago it was more of a problem. Will try again next week and report back
Yes if not departing from IAD. In IAD you will be directed to the LH lounge (which is not an FCL); see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20895856-post36.html
Not my recent experience. My last 4 out of IAD I've been allowed into the UA F lounge...a year ago it was more of a problem. Will try again next week and report back
Hi everyone,
I'll pass this along to get updated on our website, but I wanted to confirm for you the current United Global First Lounge guest policy.
Keep in mind the above is always subject to change and what you see written here may be superceded at some later point in time
.
Finally, regarding mherdegpost about the IAD GFL limited access to "United metal" only, we have no such policy. Access is the same as any other GFL, and we've followed up since to ensure consistent execution.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
I'll pass this along to get updated on our website, but I wanted to confirm for you the current United Global First Lounge guest policy.
- Customers traveling in United Global First may access the relevant United Global First lounge, and bring one guest.
- Access for Global Services customers traveling in United BusinessFirst is for the customer only--no guests.
Keep in mind the above is always subject to change and what you see written here may be superceded at some later point in time
.Finally, regarding mherdegpost about the IAD GFL limited access to "United metal" only, we have no such policy. Access is the same as any other GFL, and we've followed up since to ensure consistent execution.
Aaron Goldberg
Sr. Manager - Customer Experience Planning
United Airlines
Dec 2, 2013, 8:02 am
#386
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 9
Experience using GPU's with Lufthansa
I have an upcoming flight from Europe using Lufthansa, I was wondering what people's experience was attempting to upgrade using a physical GPU voucher that United sends you..
Also, if there happens to be no space available in Business class, how straightforward it is to get the GPU re-deposited into the account..
Thanks!
Also, if there happens to be no space available in Business class, how straightforward it is to get the GPU re-deposited into the account..
Thanks!
Dec 2, 2013, 8:32 am
#387
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Many LH agents don't really understand how to do it but there is usually at least one at the gate who can handle it properly.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Dec 2, 2013, 9:00 am
#388
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
There is a thread on how to do this:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...t-process.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...t-process.html
Dec 2, 2013, 3:38 pm
#389
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,193
The agent made a comment about making sure it was in the right booking class, called to check on the meals and processed the upgrade like he had done it a million times.
Dec 20, 2013, 1:48 pm
#390
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
I've got an upcoming flight on LH in Y.
What is the cheapest fare class that is available for upgrade using the LH GPU certificate?
It's also possible to call LH (it's a LH stock ticket) for them to upgrade one particular segment of the trip to that fare class, right?
What is the cheapest fare class that is available for upgrade using the LH GPU certificate?
It's also possible to call LH (it's a LH stock ticket) for them to upgrade one particular segment of the trip to that fare class, right?