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 14, 2014 | 8:20 am
#601
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: FLL
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Silver
Posts: 7,727
Lots more going on, better service (IME).
Nov 16, 2014 | 7:15 pm
#602
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: United Mileage Plus (1K), Starwood (Gold)
Posts: 29
Does checking in online the day before your LH flight make it easier or harder to apply an upgrade certificate when you arrive at the airport? The certificate says "see the Lufthansa agent at check-in to request an upgrade"; a strict reading suggests that you need to check in at the airport and present your certificate when you do that.
I'd kind of like to check in and pick my Y seat in case the upgrade doesn't clear, but will that make it more of a hassle to apply the certificate when I get to the airport?
I'd kind of like to check in and pick my Y seat in case the upgrade doesn't clear, but will that make it more of a hassle to apply the certificate when I get to the airport?
Nov 16, 2014 | 9:27 pm
#603
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ORD, MKE
Programs: Bonvoy LT Gold, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hertz PC, National EE
Posts: 710
Does checking in online the day before your LH flight make it easier or harder to apply an upgrade certificate when you arrive at the airport? The certificate says "see the Lufthansa agent at check-in to request an upgrade"; a strict reading suggests that you need to check in at the airport and present your certificate when you do that.
I'd kind of like to check in and pick my Y seat in case the upgrade doesn't clear, but will that make it more of a hassle to apply the certificate when I get to the airport?
I'd kind of like to check in and pick my Y seat in case the upgrade doesn't clear, but will that make it more of a hassle to apply the certificate when I get to the airport?
Nov 20, 2014 | 8:18 am
#604
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: London/NYC
Programs: AA PLAT, DL GOLD (status matched)
Posts: 69
Using an LH GPU on 2nd segment of a trip
Hi
I have a paper GPU in hand for the second leg of a trip next week (LH442) from FRA-DTW in Q on 11/26. (First segment is LHR-FRA)
I've never used an LH GPU before and am wondering how to maximize my chances of it clearing. LH's seating chart for the FRA-DTW flight shows about 1/2 the J cabin is wide open but I've read elsewhere on FT that LH will sometimes deny GPUs at the gate if the flight hasn't loaded enough J meals onto the plane even if there are 20 empty seats.
Is this true? And if so, is there a way to enter the GPU into system/waitlist myself when I initially check-in at LHR earlier that morning? Or do I just present it at the gate when connecting in FRA and hope for the best?
I couldn't care less about the meal. I just want the seat! Judging from the # of J seats that appear to still be available it should clear but I'm being paranoid because I've never used these paper things before.
any tips would be great
thanks
I have a paper GPU in hand for the second leg of a trip next week (LH442) from FRA-DTW in Q on 11/26. (First segment is LHR-FRA)
I've never used an LH GPU before and am wondering how to maximize my chances of it clearing. LH's seating chart for the FRA-DTW flight shows about 1/2 the J cabin is wide open but I've read elsewhere on FT that LH will sometimes deny GPUs at the gate if the flight hasn't loaded enough J meals onto the plane even if there are 20 empty seats.
Is this true? And if so, is there a way to enter the GPU into system/waitlist myself when I initially check-in at LHR earlier that morning? Or do I just present it at the gate when connecting in FRA and hope for the best?
I couldn't care less about the meal. I just want the seat! Judging from the # of J seats that appear to still be available it should clear but I'm being paranoid because I've never used these paper things before.
any tips would be great
thanks
Nov 20, 2014 | 10:56 am
#605
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 52,796
Menzies staff in LHR who work for LH have no way to list you for the upgrade. The LH lady in the lounge may be able to send a note to the flight manager of the DTW flight so s/he is alerted of your intent. Catering is not a critical issue for C upgrades, its more a topic for F.
Nov 20, 2014 | 11:09 am
#606
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: SEA & RDM
Programs: UA - 1MM, DL Diamond, AS MVP75, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,035
I have a paper upgrade for my FRA-SEA flight tomorrow. A colleague was leaving today so I accompanied him to the airport and went to the LH desk. They were able to confirm my upgrade and print me a boarding pass just under 24 hours prior to the flight. Great news for me since I can sleep in a little more and not have to show up 3 1/2 hours early.
Nov 29, 2014 | 11:09 am
#607
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, Marriott Tit
Posts: 18,407
We did the same for LH458 MUC-SFO tomorrow. But J is sold out and we are currently 1&2 on the UG list. Doesn't sound too promising. 
ETA: 3 hours before flight, ticket agent said we were now 2&3. Not sure if any additional UGs were released, but we sat in the back. Will send in the unused certs and try to do it all over again in 4 weeks.
ETA: 3 hours before flight, ticket agent said we were now 2&3. Not sure if any additional UGs were released, but we sat in the back. Will send in the unused certs and try to do it all over again in 4 weeks.
Last edited by SFOTerry; Dec 1, 2014 at 6:58 am
Dec 3, 2014 | 2:49 am
#608
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: best coast
Programs: bonvoy lifetime titanium, not much else anymore
Posts: 60
I was on LH 447 from DIA - FRA on 11/30, first time applying a GPU cert C=> F. I only got to the airport about 3 hours before the flight, and it was a complete mess checking in, as there were only 5 check in agents for the entire flight.
After being nervous in the check-in line hoping the pax in from of me wouldn't snag that last upgrade, I was able to apply my certificate without any problem. It turned out only 4 of the 8 F seats were occupied... which seemed shocking considering there were ~90 business class seats that were completely full, and the fact that Denver is a United Hub...
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
After being nervous in the check-in line hoping the pax in from of me wouldn't snag that last upgrade, I was able to apply my certificate without any problem. It turned out only 4 of the 8 F seats were occupied... which seemed shocking considering there were ~90 business class seats that were completely full, and the fact that Denver is a United Hub...
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
Dec 3, 2014 | 6:48 am
#609
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: 13,436
I was on LH 447 from DIA - FRA on 11/30, first time applying a GPU cert C=> F. I only got to the airport about 3 hours before the flight, and it was a complete mess checking in, as there were only 5 check in agents for the entire flight.
After being nervous in the check-in line hoping the pax in from of me wouldn't snag that last upgrade, I was able to apply my certificate without any problem. It turned out only 4 of the 8 F seats were occupied... which seemed shocking considering there were ~90 business class seats that were completely full, and the fact that Denver is a United Hub...
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
After being nervous in the check-in line hoping the pax in from of me wouldn't snag that last upgrade, I was able to apply my certificate without any problem. It turned out only 4 of the 8 F seats were occupied... which seemed shocking considering there were ~90 business class seats that were completely full, and the fact that Denver is a United Hub...
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
A half full F cabin on DEN/FRA is normal (indeed on the high side) especially since LH inexplicably holds back award inventory on this route. While I suspect you will have no problem clearing (as long you arrive 3:30 hours before check in), if you can check in the night before and clear, this is to your advantage as you will then be able to use the first class terminal the next day.
I've never had a problem getting a seat in F on LH, the problem is always the meals. At an out station the worry is that a pax in front of you will get the last F meal. At FRA, the staff strictly hold to the three hours before check in requirement to cater meals. That is when I've failed to clear.
Last edited by mre5765; Dec 3, 2014 at 6:55 am
Dec 3, 2014 | 8:43 am
#610
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,475
I flew FRA-DEN on a Friday and there were 18 seats available and 6 went empty in C. I've avoided the LH flight because I thought I would be better off on UA with a GPU. I'm not so sure. DEN-FRA beats DEN-ORD-FRA/MUC/BRU.
Dec 3, 2014 | 10:00 am
#611
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: best coast
Programs: bonvoy lifetime titanium, not much else anymore
Posts: 60
A half full F cabin on DEN/FRA is normal (indeed on the high side) especially since LH inexplicably holds back award inventory on this route. While I suspect you will have no problem clearing (as long you arrive 3:30 hours before check in), if you can check in the night before and clear, this is to your advantage as you will then be able to use the first class terminal the next day.
I've never had a problem getting a seat in F on LH, the problem is always the meals. At an out station the worry is that a pax in front of you will get the last F meal. At FRA, the staff strictly hold to the three hours before check in requirement to cater meals. That is when I've failed to clear.
I've never had a problem getting a seat in F on LH, the problem is always the meals. At an out station the worry is that a pax in front of you will get the last F meal. At FRA, the staff strictly hold to the three hours before check in requirement to cater meals. That is when I've failed to clear.
Thanks!
Dec 3, 2014 | 11:24 am
#612
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,188
I was on LH 447 from DIA - FRA on 11/30, first time applying a GPU cert C=> F. I only got to the airport about 3 hours before the flight, and it was a complete mess checking in, as there were only 5 check in agents for the entire flight.
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
I doubt I'll have the same ease trying to apply the certification for my FRA - DIA return flight next week, so I may try to check in the night before.
Dec 3, 2014 | 11:57 am
#613
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kaiserslautern
Programs: UA G 1.9MM, HH Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 439
I saw where someone was able to process their paper cert the night before the flight at FRA. Does anyone think it possible to try to apply a paper GPU cert when I arrive at FRA for my return flight 5 days later. Or is 24 hours in advance the limit. I take it these are processed first come first served.
Dec 3, 2014 | 1:33 pm
#614
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 52,796
Only if the flight manager left the option to upgrade open, else you go on the 'grading list'.
Dec 3, 2014 | 7:10 pm
#615
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: MileagePlus 1K, Marriott BonVoy Titanium
Posts: 166