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
Jan 30, 2014, 12:38 pm
#436
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
The process on LHs end has not changed at all, you will be fine.
Jan 30, 2014, 3:40 pm
#437
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: between SFO & SJC
Programs: UA 1MM (and no longer flying much)
Posts: 777
thanks oliver2002!
Feb 27, 2014, 8:10 am
#438
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: back to Europe
Programs: FB Plat for Life & Marriott lifetime Platinum
Posts: 236
First, congrats first to the excellent wiki compilators !! One of the most detailed and precise around on FT .. Being a Newbie in the GPU / LH upgrade game, this is greatly helpful
2 quick questions
1) From the Wiki :
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can the LH people their alert catering in BBB that I intend to upgrade BBB-CCC?
Policy says yes. In practice, it rarely works. There have been exceptions reported.
Where is it exactly possible to find the mention of that particular point/policy on the web ?
I will be in that exact situation in one month time, trying to do a C to F upgrade with a short connection in FRA (90 min), basically leaving CDG 3h00 before my FRA flight to the US.
Load is so far OK (F8/A7) - It would really a pain to have the upgrade denied for that meal ordering issue...
2) 2nd question :
if I can't get anything arranged before arriving in FRA, I understand then that the best place for asking the upgrade would be the Terminal B first class lounge (the one above Gate 22) - Is that correct ?
Thanks for the feedback
2 quick questions
1) From the Wiki :
I am traveling from AAA-BBB-CCC. When I check in at AAA, can the LH people their alert catering in BBB that I intend to upgrade BBB-CCC?
Policy says yes. In practice, it rarely works. There have been exceptions reported.
Where is it exactly possible to find the mention of that particular point/policy on the web ?
I will be in that exact situation in one month time, trying to do a C to F upgrade with a short connection in FRA (90 min), basically leaving CDG 3h00 before my FRA flight to the US.
Load is so far OK (F8/A7) - It would really a pain to have the upgrade denied for that meal ordering issue...
2) 2nd question :
if I can't get anything arranged before arriving in FRA, I understand then that the best place for asking the upgrade would be the Terminal B first class lounge (the one above Gate 22) - Is that correct ?
Thanks for the feedback
Feb 27, 2014, 8:36 am
#439
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
1. CDG is tricky, the staff is currently being replaced by contract labor, who usually don't have authorisation to put you on the grading list for a flight ex FRA. At most they can send a telex message to FRA or annotate your booking in Pictures.
2. In FRA any agent can upgrade you, I would head for the nearest lounge when you deplane, which probably is the SEN lounge in A.
2. In FRA any agent can upgrade you, I would head for the nearest lounge when you deplane, which probably is the SEN lounge in A.
Feb 27, 2014, 10:51 am
#440
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
What are the chances of a paper GPU working on an LH flight JNB-FRA? That's a loaded question really. Statistically, is this an easy or hard upgrade? And, does the staff at JNB know how to add someone to the grading list for the flight? I'm assuming JNB is outsourced to a third party or South African Airways since LH only has one flight a day.
Thanks,
RM
Thanks,
RM
Feb 27, 2014, 11:33 am
#441
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,876
Greg
Feb 27, 2014, 8:01 pm
#442
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: DC|NYC
Programs: UA GS, DL Plat, Marriott Bonvoy LIfetime Titanium/SPG refugee, Hertz Prez, Amtrak Select
Posts: 3,201
What are the chances of a paper GPU working on an LH flight JNB-FRA? That's a loaded question really. Statistically, is this an easy or hard upgrade? And, does the staff at JNB know how to add someone to the grading list for the flight? I'm assuming JNB is outsourced to a third party or South African Airways since LH only has one flight a day.
Thanks,
RM
Thanks,
RM
Feb 28, 2014, 12:53 pm
#443
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
1. CDG is tricky, the staff is currently being replaced by contract labor, who usually don't have authorisation to put you on the grading list for a flight ex FRA. At most they can send a telex message to FRA or annotate your booking in Pictures.
2. In FRA any agent can upgrade you, I would head for the nearest lounge when you deplane, which probably is the SEN lounge in A.
2. In FRA any agent can upgrade you, I would head for the nearest lounge when you deplane, which probably is the SEN lounge in A.
When entering FRA and going through Schengen exit immigration I saw the note on my record about the upgrade request prominently on the immigration officers screen.
So the bottom line is it IS possible but need to really convince the agent to make the effort. I just wish they communicated a simple process out with a phone call and it would be so much better for all of us.
Feb 28, 2014, 2:20 pm
#444
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA gold; WN A; PC plat; Marriott Gold
Posts: 425
What are the chances of a paper GPU working on an LH flight JNB-FRA? That's a loaded question really. Statistically, is this an easy or hard upgrade? And, does the staff at JNB know how to add someone to the grading list for the flight? I'm assuming JNB is outsourced to a third party or South African Airways since LH only has one flight a day.
Mar 4, 2014, 8:36 am
#445
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: back to Europe
Programs: FB Plat for Life & Marriott lifetime Platinum
Posts: 236
Selecting mailing address for certificate ?
Hi
just ordered my first LH upgrade certificate (i am the traveler using it) and was told by MPUA representative that this can only be mailed to my home address as per my UA account ?
(wanted to ship it at my office address instead)
Is it correct ?
If I order a certificate for someone else, does it also need to be also shipped to my home address ?
Thanks for your experience feedback
just ordered my first LH upgrade certificate (i am the traveler using it) and was told by MPUA representative that this can only be mailed to my home address as per my UA account ?
(wanted to ship it at my office address instead)Is it correct ?
If I order a certificate for someone else, does it also need to be also shipped to my home address ?
Thanks for your experience feedback
Mar 4, 2014, 8:53 am
#446
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: IAH
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt/Hilton Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hertz Prez
Posts: 162
Hi
just ordered my first LH upgrade certificate (i am the traveler using it) and was told by MPUA representative that this can only be mailed to my home address as per my UA account ? (wanted to ship it at my office address instead)
Is it correct ?
If I order a certificate for someone else, does it also need to be also shipped to my home address ?
Thanks for your experience feedback
just ordered my first LH upgrade certificate (i am the traveler using it) and was told by MPUA representative that this can only be mailed to my home address as per my UA account ?
(wanted to ship it at my office address instead)Is it correct ?
If I order a certificate for someone else, does it also need to be also shipped to my home address ?
Thanks for your experience feedback
Mar 4, 2014, 6:18 pm
#447
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Paramaribo, Suriname
Programs: Mileage Plus (PLATINUM); Qatar Privilege Club (PLATINUM)
Posts: 384
Any chance this LH GPU affair will ever be automated?
Dear FT family: Is there any chance that the GPU's for upgrades on LH would ever be automated; the same as it is now for UA flights: Requesting in advance, on-line or by phone, with no need for printed documents. Put in the record on a priority-based list, according to known criteria - waiting for availability?
Mar 4, 2014, 6:32 pm
#448
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
Dear FT family: Is there any chance that the GPU's for upgrades on LH would ever be automated; the same as it is now for UA flights: Requesting in advance, on-line or by phone, with no need for printed documents. Put in the record on a priority-based list, according to known criteria - waiting for availability?
Mar 4, 2014, 6:33 pm
#449
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
Dear FT family: Is there any chance that the GPU's for upgrades on LH would ever be automated; the same as it is now for UA flights: Requesting in advance, on-line or by phone, with no need for printed documents. Put in the record on a priority-based list, according to known criteria - waiting for availability?