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
Dec 20, 2013, 1:53 pm
#391
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
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?
Dec 20, 2013, 3:42 pm
#392
Join Date: May 2013
Location: west coast best coast
Programs: TINDER GOLD, STARBUCKS GOLD, COSTCO EXECUTIVE!!
Posts: 3,989
Dec 20, 2013, 6:00 pm
#393
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Jan 14, 2014, 5:20 am
#394
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 78
Minimum Check-in time: Using GPU for LH First
Trying to use GPU paper certificate for LH upgrade to F. Found a post that mentioned 3.5+ hours prior to departure due catering requirements. Neither LH nor UA specify a minimum check-in time.
Any experience with check-in times and a successful upgrade? Thanks!!
Any experience with check-in times and a successful upgrade? Thanks!!
Jan 14, 2014, 7:19 am
#395
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
It depends. An outstation needs a bit more time to organise the extra catering. 2-3hrours is OK, 3.5h overkill.
Jan 15, 2014, 4:40 pm
#397
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8
Traveling mostly for business and rarely booking weeks in advance, makes the use of GPU practically impossible for me. Annoying and somewhat shocking that the process is not fully electronic.
Jan 15, 2014, 4:50 pm
#398
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PANC
Programs: Mileage Plan
Posts: 444
It's definitely annoying, but have you actually tried to use one? They can usually get it to you within a couple of days.
Jan 15, 2014, 5:05 pm
#399
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8
I pinged customer service and they said not likely. I just ticketed today and leaving Monday and I need it for the return on the 25th (i.e. I won't be home to receive and don't think it will make it to my hotel in Africa :-)). Oh well, at least the economy service is a bit better in Lufthansa (although the seats are hard). I could take a later UA flight but that flight is pretty full (including business) and my layover is already 5 hours. I need my miles for something else so won't use them to upgrade.
Jan 15, 2014, 7:17 pm
#400
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: 781
I pinged customer service and they said not likely. I just ticketed today and leaving Monday and I need it for the return on the 25th (i.e. I won't be home to receive and don't think it will make it to my hotel in Africa :-)). Oh well, at least the economy service is a bit better in Lufthansa (although the seats are hard). I could take a later UA flight but that flight is pretty full (including business) and my layover is already 5 hours. I need my miles for something else so won't use them to upgrade.
Jan 15, 2014, 8:15 pm
#401
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA gold; WN A; PC plat; Marriott Gold
Posts: 425
last fall, I called in on the weekend and received the paper certificate I think on wednesday
Jan 15, 2014, 9:25 pm
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SJC, SFO, YYC
Programs: AA-EXP, AA-0.41MM, UA-Gold, Ex UA-1K (2006 thru 2015), PMUA-0.95MM, COUA-1.5MM-lite, AF-Silver
Posts: 13,437
I would never assume under 3 hours is acceptable for planning purposes for C to F.
I did clear Y to C with under two hours once in FRA.
Last edited by mre5765; Jan 15, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Jan 15, 2014, 11:19 pm
#403
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,876
I called on Monday and received the 2 certs via FedEx on Wednesday.
Easy.
One question for the assembled gurus, the answer to which I may have missed earlier. I'm connecting on UA to LH and have the option to check in online or at the airport with UA or LH.
Should I wait to check in for the LH segment I'm trying to upgrade until I arrive at the LH gateway, or is it OK to check-in? I only have carry-on bags.
Thanks,
Greg
Easy.
One question for the assembled gurus, the answer to which I may have missed earlier. I'm connecting on UA to LH and have the option to check in online or at the airport with UA or LH.
Should I wait to check in for the LH segment I'm trying to upgrade until I arrive at the LH gateway, or is it OK to check-in? I only have carry-on bags.
Thanks,
Greg
Jan 16, 2014, 12:38 am
#404
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
Never have cleared C to F under three hours to departure. Once with two hours in FRA, I was denied due to catering. This was the word straight from the FCL attendant. So that is why I wrote the wikipost the way I did.
I would never assume under 3 hours is acceptable for planning purposes for C to F.
I did clear Y to C with under two hours once in FRA.
I would never assume under 3 hours is acceptable for planning purposes for C to F.
I did clear Y to C with under two hours once in FRA.
Jan 16, 2014, 4:13 am
#405
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PANC
Programs: Mileage Plan
Posts: 444
I called on Monday and received the 2 certs via FedEx on Wednesday.
Easy.
One question for the assembled gurus, the answer to which I may have missed earlier. I'm connecting on UA to LH and have the option to check in online or at the airport with UA or LH.
Should I wait to check in for the LH segment I'm trying to upgrade until I arrive at the LH gateway, or is it OK to check-in? I only have carry-on bags.
Thanks,
Greg
Easy.
One question for the assembled gurus, the answer to which I may have missed earlier. I'm connecting on UA to LH and have the option to check in online or at the airport with UA or LH.
Should I wait to check in for the LH segment I'm trying to upgrade until I arrive at the LH gateway, or is it OK to check-in? I only have carry-on bags.
Thanks,
Greg