Feb 12, 2019, 1:21 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
This is the archive thread, the active thread is Lufthansa GPUs Go Electronic (How to use, will it clear?, issues w/flight credit,...)
For general information on upgrading ANA or Lufthansa flights with a GPU, see Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA or Lufthansa. You actually request the upgrade through the online form, here: Request a GPU for a Select Partner Airline.
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 a GPU
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)
LH booking class P, Z upgreadable for miles and eVouchers
Appears this also applies to use of UA GPUs IF booked as native flight number on LH or UA ticket stock.
Presently UA is not converting codeshare to native flight numbers, as required for this process, if P or Z fare From April to September 2018 it was possible to confirm and waitlist P ,Z-class LH flights with a GPU. 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 N, 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 GPU
A single GPU can be used to only upgrade a single LH flight segment, And that GPU 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 GPU upgrades to reflect this change.
Archive Thread: Lufthansa GPUs Go Electronic {Archive}
Related Thread
How to upgrade with UA miles on Star Alliance carriers
For general information on upgrading ANA or Lufthansa flights with a GPU, see Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA or Lufthansa. You actually request the upgrade through the online form, here: Request a GPU for a Select Partner Airline.
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 a GPU
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. ... Just check the tables here: https://www.miles-and-more.com/onlin...l=en&cid=18002
Appears this also applies to use of UA GPUs IF booked as native flight number on LH or UA ticket stock.
Presently UA is not converting codeshare to native flight numbers, as required for this process, if P or Z fare
Checking for Upgrade Availability
Upgrades to E, C and F come from the N, 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 GPU
A single GPU can be used to only upgrade a single LH flight segment, And that GPU 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 GPU upgrades to reflect this change.
Archive Thread: Lufthansa GPUs Go Electronic {Archive}
Related Thread
How to upgrade with UA miles on Star Alliance carriers
Lufthansa GPUs Go Electronic {Archive}
Jan 25, 2018, 6:21 pm
#1201
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
So I friend of mine bought an expensive LH ticket, booked to "H", tired to apply GPU, and the UA website returns "Your paid booking class is not eligible for upgrades, code 532". There is nothing wrong with the tickets. Plated to LH stock, H fare basis, H booking class, paid. LH flight snumber Coupons OK.
We both collectively spent almost an hour on the phone with UA, and much to my dismay there is no manual override, the entire process is automated for LH GPU sponsored upgrades. The only remedy UA could offer was to "file a report". The agent even called LH. Anyone else run into this problem?
Seems like UA IT is having major fails.....THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM a previous poster had.
CONTRARY to previous reports there is no manual method for an agent to process this.
Filing a report is not remedy especially since expensive tickets were purchased with the sole reason to use the instruments
We both collectively spent almost an hour on the phone with UA, and much to my dismay there is no manual override, the entire process is automated for LH GPU sponsored upgrades. The only remedy UA could offer was to "file a report". The agent even called LH. Anyone else run into this problem?
Seems like UA IT is having major fails.....THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM a previous poster had.
CONTRARY to previous reports there is no manual method for an agent to process this.
Filing a report is not remedy especially since expensive tickets were purchased with the sole reason to use the instruments
Last edited by OpenSky; Jan 25, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Jan 25, 2018, 6:53 pm
#1202
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,962
So I friend of mine bought an expensive LH ticket, booked to "H", tired to apply GPU, and the UA website returns "Your paid booking class is not eligible for upgrades, code 532". There is nothing wrong with the tickets. Plated to LH stock, H fare basis, H booking class, paid. LH flight snumber Coupons OK.
We both collectively spent almost an hour on the phone with UA, and much to my dismay there is no manual override, the entire process is automated for LH GPU sponsored upgrades. The only remedy UA could offer was to "file a report". The agent even called LH. Anyone else run into this problem?
Seems like UA IT is having major fails.....THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM a previous poster had.
CONTRARY to previous reports there is no manual method for an agent to process this.
Filing a report is not remedy especially since expensive tickets were purchased with the sole reason to use the instruments
We both collectively spent almost an hour on the phone with UA, and much to my dismay there is no manual override, the entire process is automated for LH GPU sponsored upgrades. The only remedy UA could offer was to "file a report". The agent even called LH. Anyone else run into this problem?
Seems like UA IT is having major fails.....THIS IS EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM a previous poster had.
CONTRARY to previous reports there is no manual method for an agent to process this.
Filing a report is not remedy especially since expensive tickets were purchased with the sole reason to use the instruments
Jan 25, 2018, 8:20 pm
#1203
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
I didn't want to be stuck with an expensive H class ticket.
LH's loss and UA's loss for an incompetent platform. ( with NO manual override) . Whoever thought of that silly idea.
There really is no backdoor, you are at the mercy of UA's platform, which you can see goes berserk.
We tried everything, different browsers, emptying cache etc. What a waste of time. I will try one more time, if not, I plan to give $ to BA instead.
Last edited by OpenSky; Jan 25, 2018 at 8:25 pm
Jan 26, 2018, 2:49 am
#1204
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: On a plane
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz PC, Marriott/SPG Platinum
Posts: 62
Had one clear the other day for todays FRA-SIN route. Booked it at a week ago, dropped the cert 2 days later, it cleared in a day. Seems way easier to get one through than a UA flight. 1 for 1 this year
Jan 26, 2018, 10:41 am
#1205
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR
Programs: UA, AA, HH
Posts: 141
I extended 2 of my Jan-31 expiring GPUs to Apr-30. I am now trying to upgrade a BLR-FRA flight. I'm going through UA website to upgrade and I get a message saying "We are having trouble with your request. Please call Lufthansa at 1-800-645-3880 within the U.S., elsewhere visit lufthansa.com for local contact information. (Error code: -999)"
Ticket is UA (016), with LH flt # (LH 755), Q class on LH. I've tried calling both Lufthansa and United and have been bounced around endlessly with each one of them saying that it is the other one's problem (no surprises there). Any ideas what could be the problem (and how to fix it).
I can understand your frustration. I am going trough the same thing right now. It is ridiculous that there is no manual override. I've spent 4 hours with LH, UA, UA web support and LH web support. I am done at this point and cancelling the purchased ticket. (I'm sure UA had a top notch consulting company design and program this).
Ticket is UA (016), with LH flt # (LH 755), Q class on LH. I've tried calling both Lufthansa and United and have been bounced around endlessly with each one of them saying that it is the other one's problem (no surprises there). Any ideas what could be the problem (and how to fix it).
Well, I didn't want this to be a problem. Since the ticket was purchased well within the 24-hour window, and purchased from a US vendor, I went and canceled the ticket. I plan to repurchase again ( same exact ticket, different ticket number). If that doesn't work, I'm giving up, and planning to give BA, an additional amount ( of that not much more) for a straight up business class ticket on the same route. To hell with UA and LH.
I didn't want to be stuck with an expensive H class ticket.
LH's loss and UA's loss for an incompetent platform. ( with NO manual override) . Whoever thought of that silly idea.
There really is no backdoor, you are at the mercy of UA's platform, which you can see goes berserk.
We tried everything, different browsers, emptying cache etc. What a waste of time. I will try one more time, if not, I plan to give $ to BA instead.
I didn't want to be stuck with an expensive H class ticket.
LH's loss and UA's loss for an incompetent platform. ( with NO manual override) . Whoever thought of that silly idea.
There really is no backdoor, you are at the mercy of UA's platform, which you can see goes berserk.
We tried everything, different browsers, emptying cache etc. What a waste of time. I will try one more time, if not, I plan to give $ to BA instead.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 26, 2018 at 1:34 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Jan 26, 2018, 11:40 am
#1206
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Programs: UA: 1K 1.5MM, DL: LTDM 3.5MM, JB: Mosaic4, LH: exSEN 1MM, Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite, Hertz PresC
Posts: 266
Once these upgrades clear, be advised that during inop you can not request an upgrade via the UA portal within 10 hours of departure.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
Jan 26, 2018, 2:28 pm
#1207
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
Once these upgrades clear, be advised that during inop you can not request an upgrade via the UA portal within 10 hours of departure.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
Jan 26, 2018, 2:34 pm
#1208
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
I extended 2 of my Jan-31 expiring GPUs to Apr-30. I am now trying to upgrade a BLR-FRA flight. I'm going through UA website to upgrade and I get a message saying "We are having trouble with your request. Please call Lufthansa at 1-800-645-3880 within the U.S., elsewhere visit lufthansa.com for local contact information. (Error code: -999)"
Ticket is UA (016), with LH flt # (LH 755), Q class on LH. I've tried calling both Lufthansa and United and have been bounced around endlessly with each one of them saying that it is the other one's problem (no surprises there). Any ideas what could be the problem (and how to fix it).
I can understand your frustration. I am going trough the same thing right now. It is ridiculous that there is no manual override. I've spent 4 hours with LH, UA, UA web support and LH web support. I am done at this point and cancelling the purchased ticket. (I'm sure UA had a top notch consulting company design and program this).
Ticket is UA (016), with LH flt # (LH 755), Q class on LH. I've tried calling both Lufthansa and United and have been bounced around endlessly with each one of them saying that it is the other one's problem (no surprises there). Any ideas what could be the problem (and how to fix it).
I can understand your frustration. I am going trough the same thing right now. It is ridiculous that there is no manual override. I've spent 4 hours with LH, UA, UA web support and LH web support. I am done at this point and cancelling the purchased ticket. (I'm sure UA had a top notch consulting company design and program this).
Wow 2 in a row. This is obviously a UA IT issue which no one cares about. I am debating whether or not I should even bother trying again with a different ticket. I did cancel the ticket and asked LH for a full refund. The whole point of buying the expensive ticket was to use this instruments.
For what its worth, BA is asking not much more for confirmed business on the same route and since the Mileage plus devaluation, I don't care about spending money on United and its various JVs. anymore. The intruments were a gift from one one else.
If anyone managed to successfully apply a GPU to an LH flight after January 26, 2018, please post here. Othersie I am giving up. ( not worth the time)
My ticket was LH stock, LH flight numbers, booked to H. the portal says booking class ineligable. Morons
Jan 26, 2018, 2:43 pm
#1209
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,384
Random question since the ticket was on 220 stock.. did you try first name variants? I know the LH system will collapse to two fields and show MR FIRST M LAST as LAST/FIRSTMMR, and you need the whole latter one to look it up sometimes.
Jan 26, 2018, 4:42 pm
#1210
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
Pax does not have a middle name, so this is not revelavant.
Jan 26, 2018, 6:36 pm
#1211
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,962
Once these upgrades clear, be advised that during inop you can not request an upgrade via the UA portal within 10 hours of departure.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
I was confirmed on LH DUS-EWR/26JAN which canceled at 1am day of departure. When LH rebooked me onto another flight, they did it at the original ticketed booking class (downgrade) and my GPU was automatically re-deposited even though the new flight had upgrade seats available. Since it was within 10 hours of departure, UA was unable to request a new upgrade since there is no manual overwrite. Since there was no other way to "pay" LH for the upgrade, I got stuck in a middle seat on the new LH flight. Also, when LH rebooked me, they took control of the ticket, converting it from UA to LH ticket stock which made it impossible for UA res to intervene.
Jan 26, 2018, 7:55 pm
#1212
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,761
Curious how you determined this -- no possibility is on the LH side?
This is an issue I have had and for sure reason, I have had it different than the previous case (I have a suffix that some system use and some don't). LX is equally problematic. At least on LX you can look up the reserve with the ticket number without the name and you can see how your name is handled there.
This is an issue I have had and for sure reason, I have had it different than the previous case (I have a suffix that some system use and some don't). LX is equally problematic. At least on LX you can look up the reserve with the ticket number without the name and you can see how your name is handled there.
Jan 26, 2018, 8:56 pm
#1213
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
Curious how you determined this -- no possibility is on the LH side?
This is an issue I have had and for sure reason, I have had it different than the previous case (I have a suffix that some system use and some don't). LX is equally problematic. At least on LX you can look up the reserve with the ticket number without the name and you can see how your name is handled there.
This is an issue I have had and for sure reason, I have had it different than the previous case (I have a suffix that some system use and some don't). LX is equally problematic. At least on LX you can look up the reserve with the ticket number without the name and you can see how your name is handled there.
Should I post screen shots? Tickers were H class but UA's site says not eligable.
I am curious if anyone successfully applied a GPU to an LH flight on a 220 ticket in the last few days. Since I canclled the ticket I'm about to give up and just straight buy a J ticket with BA, since it costs not much more.
Jan 26, 2018, 9:05 pm
#1214
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,413
From the customer perspective, the process is a black box . . . you can't see what's happening inside.
Jan 27, 2018, 1:42 am
#1215
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,384
Right - I was asking primarily because that trips me up all the time when I need to look up LH PNRs, and I have never had any problem GPUing LH flights on my 016 tickets.
