Jan 23, 2015, 7:28 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA , Lufthansa or COPA
Partner PlusPoints Upgrade Awards
For general information on upgrading ANA or Lufthansa flights with PlusPoints (note to use miles is a separate process) see Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA , Lufthansa or COPA You actually request the upgrade through the online form, here: Partner PlusPoints Upgrade Awards
Per United web support, you only need to fill in the required* info.
**The LH flight you are upgrading must be an LH flight, not a UA codeshare flight. If you have a UA codeshare flight, you can call websupport and they will (put you on hold and] change your itinerary to one with an LH flight#.
Note that UA websupport might give you a new ticket # when you do the above, but if the original ticket # was 016 UA stock, it will remain so, and thus you will still be earning RDMs at the UA rate (11x for a 1K), not the *A rate. In case of a $6000 biz fare for LAX-FRA that you are trying to upgrade to F for example, as a 1K you would earn 66,000 UA RDM if booked as a UA flight. And even though after booking you get them to change the UA flight # from a UA codeshare flight to an LH flight, the 016 ticket stock sticks, and you earn 66,000 RDMs.
(FYI, had the ticket stock been an LH stock, the RDM's earned would be 5790 miles x 150% = 8685 RDMs. Big difference)
Note that sometimes the online upgrading does not work, and you may get an error message to call an 877 number, which is now defunct but still resides on .bomb...Ignore it and just call web support. They might put you on hold while they call LH but they will get the job done.
Eligible Economy Fares to Apply PlusPounts
Upgradeable to business fares include U/H/Q the lowest eligible economy fares. G&E the two top premium economy fares and Y/B/M the most expensive economy fares. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24219165-post205.html)While UA has not changed their T&Cs, LH appears to have expanded the potential fare classes
For C->F upgrade, J, D, C fares are eligible, Z and P fares are not
.
LH booking class P, Z upgreadable for miles and eVouchers
From April to September 2018 it was possible to confirm and waitlist P,Z-class LH flights with a PlusPoints. Confirming and waitlisting is no now longer possible, but previously waitlisted segments will continue to clear as/if available.
Checking for Upgrade Availability
Upgrades to E, C and F come from the R, I and O fare bucket, but its a subset, which theoretically is not the same as the award subset. If awards are available it is a strong indication the upgrade is available too. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24861289-post342.html)
In case of upgrade clearing but eticket refresh problems:
Checking for availability prior to calling
Use ANA or even united.com to see availability.
To check if C/F upgrades may open up, ask in this thread: Determining LH Y/C/F loads? [the help me guesstimate loads thread]
Regarding ticket stock, Oliver reports:
Each LH flight segment requires a separate set of PlusPoints
A single set of PlusPoints can be used to only upgrade a single LH flight segment, And that PlusPoints cannot be extended to include another LH flight segment or another UA flight segment.
Problems getting mileage credit for upgraded LH segments
Numerous reports of denial of mileage credits (RDMs, PQMs, PQSs, PQDs) for upgraded tickets. This issue is probably due to LH uses the same fare bucket for mileage awards and upgrades. It seems patience, persistence, and documentation of the originally paid fare are needed to get credit.
You probably won't get credit by simply submitting the online form or asking a CSR to do so for you. A CSR needs to submit a System Issue Form, together with the mileage request, explaining that you flew in I class, but you paid for a mileage-earning booking class.
T-10
While the original system did not allow the upgrade waitlist to carry on past t-10 hours, the have been multiple reports that this is no longer the case. If not cleared in advance - the upgrade wait-list will last all the way until the door closing. UA has not updated the text on the LH upgrades to reflect this change.
Premium Eco To Biz Upgrade
Archive Thread: Lufthansa GPUs Go Electronic {Archive}
Related Thread
How to upgrade with UA miles on Star Alliance carriers
Partner PlusPoints Upgrade Awards
For general information on upgrading ANA or Lufthansa flights with PlusPoints (note to use miles is a separate process) see Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA , Lufthansa or COPA You actually request the upgrade through the online form, here: Partner PlusPoints Upgrade Awards
Per United web support, you only need to fill in the required* info.
**The LH flight you are upgrading must be an LH flight, not a UA codeshare flight. If you have a UA codeshare flight, you can call websupport and they will (put you on hold and] change your itinerary to one with an LH flight#.
Note that UA websupport might give you a new ticket # when you do the above, but if the original ticket # was 016 UA stock, it will remain so, and thus you will still be earning RDMs at the UA rate (11x for a 1K), not the *A rate. In case of a $6000 biz fare for LAX-FRA that you are trying to upgrade to F for example, as a 1K you would earn 66,000 UA RDM if booked as a UA flight. And even though after booking you get them to change the UA flight # from a UA codeshare flight to an LH flight, the 016 ticket stock sticks, and you earn 66,000 RDMs.
(FYI, had the ticket stock been an LH stock, the RDM's earned would be 5790 miles x 150% = 8685 RDMs. Big difference)
Note that sometimes the online upgrading does not work, and you may get an error message to call an 877 number, which is now defunct but still resides on .bomb...Ignore it and just call web support. They might put you on hold while they call LH but they will get the job done.
Eligible Economy Fares to Apply PlusPounts
Upgradeable to business fares include U/H/Q the lowest eligible economy fares. G&E the two top premium economy fares and Y/B/M the most expensive economy fares. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24219165-post205.html)While UA has not changed their T&Cs, LH appears to have expanded the potential fare classes
... Just check the tables here: https://www.miles-and-more.com/onlin...l=en&cid=18002
.
From April to September 2018 it was possible to confirm and waitlist P,Z-class LH flights with a PlusPoints. Confirming and waitlisting is no now longer possible, but previously waitlisted segments will continue to clear as/if available.
Checking for Upgrade Availability
Upgrades to E, C and F come from the R, I and O fare bucket, but its a subset, which theoretically is not the same as the award subset. If awards are available it is a strong indication the upgrade is available too. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24861289-post342.html)
In case of upgrade clearing but eticket refresh problems:
Originally Posted by oliver2002
Both longhaul LH segments cleared into I after being on waitlist. The first didnt get stickered, so the DCS (amadeus altea) rejected online and agent checkin. The eticket helpdesk had to manually update the first coupon for the DCS to accept the coupon. My seat in C was safe, since the PNR was updated correctly, just the ticket was not updated completely to the satisfaction of the DCS. Everyone looking at the booking agreed the upgrade was legit, so you will not be denied boarding or downgraded, just budget enough time
Originally Posted by oliver2002
The LH GA must have called the eticket helpdesk and pointed out the * SSR remark in your reservation that shows an upgrade was applied and the e-ticket just needed a fix/sticker. See my experience above.
To check if C/F upgrades may open up, ask in this thread: Determining LH Y/C/F loads? [the help me guesstimate loads thread]
Regarding ticket stock, Oliver reports:
Each LH flight segment requires a separate set of PlusPoints
A single set of PlusPoints can be used to only upgrade a single LH flight segment, And that PlusPoints cannot be extended to include another LH flight segment or another UA flight segment.
Problems getting mileage credit for upgraded LH segments
Numerous reports of denial of mileage credits (RDMs, PQMs, PQSs, PQDs) for upgraded tickets. This issue is probably due to LH uses the same fare bucket for mileage awards and upgrades. It seems patience, persistence, and documentation of the originally paid fare are needed to get credit.
You probably won't get credit by simply submitting the online form or asking a CSR to do so for you. A CSR needs to submit a System Issue Form, together with the mileage request, explaining that you flew in I class, but you paid for a mileage-earning booking class.
T-10
While the original system did not allow the upgrade waitlist to carry on past t-10 hours, the have been multiple reports that this is no longer the case. If not cleared in advance - the upgrade wait-list will last all the way until the door closing. UA has not updated the text on the LH upgrades to reflect this change.
Premium Eco To Biz Upgrade
Related Thread
How to upgrade with UA miles on Star Alliance carriers
LH Electronic PlusPts Upgrades -How to use, will it clear?, issues w/flight credit,..
Jan 19, 2023, 10:25 am
#16
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: INN
Posts: 2,908
I've always had the upgrade LH segments at the beginning of the itinerary, so I don't know if you could check through them if they are at the end of the journey. But using the PNR viewer that was posted here in the forum I still saw the LH segments, so I suspect it is a glitch in the website and not the backend, and you will be able to check in. But beware, this is just a guess.
Jan 19, 2023, 10:27 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,053
Thinking of using PP to confirm an upgrade on an intra-Europe flight connecting from a United TATL flight. I know it’s a bad use of PP; however, they’re going to expire anyways.
Will I experience any issues checking in with United and checking my bag through? I’m mindful that folks have said that they’ve seen upgraded segments drop off of their itinerary on United.com.
Will I experience any issues checking in with United and checking my bag through? I’m mindful that folks have said that they’ve seen upgraded segments drop off of their itinerary on United.com.
Jan 19, 2023, 6:18 pm
#19
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
Jan 19, 2023, 7:54 pm
#20
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,956
I can’t recall seeing this issue posted before: I tried to apply PP to upgrade a D fare from LAX-MUC. I got the following message: “We cannot process your request. Inventory not available and no waitlist exists.”
Jan 19, 2023, 8:04 pm
#21
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
Code:
LAX Los Angeles Intl CA US [KLAX] MUC Munich Franz Josef Strauss DE [EDDM] SUN 22 Jan 2023 | 1 Seat Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Award Availability --------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- --- -- ------------------ LH 453 LAX/B 17:15 MUC/2 13:10 +1 359 CS9 YS9
Jan 19, 2023, 8:20 pm
#22
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,956
The LH flight is a 359 with only Business Class: [KVS Tool 10.8.5/Diamond - Awards/AC-StarAlliance/CA]
Code:
LAX Los Angeles Intl CA US [KLAX] MUC Munich Franz Josef Strauss DE [EDDM] SUN 22 Jan 2023 | 1 Seat Carrier Flight From Depart To Arrive A/C St Award Availability --------- ------- ------- -------- ------- -------- --- -- ------------------ LH 453 LAX/B 17:15 MUC/2 13:10 +1 359 CS9 YS9
Jan 20, 2023, 2:36 pm
#24
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
Jan 21, 2023, 8:38 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
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Posts: 32,053
Jan 21, 2023, 3:52 pm
#26
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
I just noted that only the following classes are upgradable with UA miles: "SWISS – J, M and U class" (https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html)
I think it's 50k+ LH miles from C/D/J and 20k extra LH miles from P/Z to First Class on LH/LX.
Last edited by SuperFlyBoy; Jan 22, 2023 at 5:27 pm
Jan 21, 2023, 8:20 pm
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,331
It's 50k UA miles for a *A upgrade?
I just noted that only the following classes are upgradable with UA miles: "SWISS – J, M and U class" (https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html)
I think it's 50k+ LH miles from C/D/J and 20k extra LH miles from P/Z to First Class on LH/LX.
I just noted that only the following classes are upgradable with UA miles: "SWISS – J, M and U class" (https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html)
I think it's 50k+ LH miles from C/D/J and 20k extra LH miles from P/Z to First Class on LH/LX.
[quote]
Upgradeable booking classes include Business class C and D and Economy class Y and B, as well as the additional fare classes listed below:
[quote]
Jan 22, 2023, 5:23 pm
#28
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
Just to clarify, if using UA miles for the *A upgrade, it's only 25k for Economy to Business and 40k for the upgrade from Business to First Class... (USA-Europe)
Refer to the UA calculator for other sectors: https://www.united.com/en/us/upgrade-awards
Yes, sorry - I missed that...the standard fare classes for the *A upgrades...
I thought LX was somehow different, but good to know that everything remains the same, alliance-wide.
Refer to the UA calculator for other sectors: https://www.united.com/en/us/upgrade-awards
I thought LX was somehow different, but good to know that everything remains the same, alliance-wide.
I just noted that only the following classes are upgradable with UA miles: "SWISS – J, M and U class" (https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html)
I think it's 50k+ LH miles from C/D/J and 20k extra LH miles from P/Z to First Class on LH/LX.
I think it's 50k+ LH miles from C/D/J and 20k extra LH miles from P/Z to First Class on LH/LX.
Jan 23, 2023, 1:11 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Carmel Valley(was Hawaii)
Programs: United 1K 2.7 MM
Posts: 1,174
Using UA miles?
If I book LX flights (LX metal) on the UA site, in business, is this eligible for upgrade to F using UA miles?
Slightlyoff topic : If I buy F on the Swiss site, what PQP points would I accrue with United?
Slightlyoff topic : If I buy F on the Swiss site, what PQP points would I accrue with United?
Jan 23, 2023, 1:29 pm
#30
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