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,..
Dec 31, 2022, 9:14 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Takoma Park, MD
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, UA Premier Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 515
LH Electronic PlusPts Upgrades -How to use, will it clear?, issues w/flight credit,..
I am hoping that when I check in for this flight on the UA site, I will be able to get boarding passes for both the UA segment and the LH segment that I no longer see on the UA site.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 25, 2024 at 2:41 pm
Jan 1, 2023, 6:07 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,965
yes, that is generally not an issue at all. Don't get UA to mess with the reservation or ticket. As long as it shows fine in lufthansa.com you are all set.
Jan 3, 2023, 2:14 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Takoma Park, MD
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat, UA Premier Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 515
Another weird thing happened at check in. The 2nd segment operated by LH showed up ahead of the first segment operated by UA. So the agent had to call help desk to sort out. While they were able to check bags all the way through, they were able to only give a boarding pass for the first segment and I have to get the 2nd boarding pass at MUC.
Jan 3, 2023, 5:18 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
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Another weird thing happened at check in. The 2nd segment operated by LH showed up ahead of the first segment operated by UA. So the agent had to call help desk to sort out. While they were able to check bags all the way through, they were able to only give a boarding pass for the first segment and I have to get the 2nd boarding pass at MUC.
) at H21 with your reservation details ... they should be able to print your BP.
Jan 11, 2023, 6:44 pm
#5
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: MP
Posts: 51
Hi all! New here and looking to upgrade either an SFO-MUC/SFO-FRA segment in May.
A question: How does one check the chances of an upgrade on LH? With UA metal flights, one can use expert mode and check load.
Also, would "Economy (Q) (most restrictive)" qualify for the upgrade?
Thanks!
A question: How does one check the chances of an upgrade on LH? With UA metal flights, one can use expert mode and check load.
Also, would "Economy (Q) (most restrictive)" qualify for the upgrade?
Thanks!
Last edited by wanderingshi; Jan 11, 2023 at 6:57 pm
Jan 11, 2023, 8:05 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 2,277
Hi all! New here and looking to upgrade either an SFO-MUC/SFO-FRA segment in May.
A question: How does one check the chances of an upgrade on LH? With UA metal flights, one can use expert mode and check load.
Also, would "Economy (Q) (most restrictive)" qualify for the upgrade?
A question: How does one check the chances of an upgrade on LH? With UA metal flights, one can use expert mode and check load.
Also, would "Economy (Q) (most restrictive)" qualify for the upgrade?
"Q" appears to be an eligible booking code for PlusPoints on LH. No good way to verify loads/clearance chances. There is some reports that "I" inventory does play some role, but the exact criteria LH uses to release upgrades with UA-supported instruments is unclear. The PlusPoints will be deducted from time of request until the flight takes place.
Jan 11, 2023, 8:12 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: MP
Posts: 51
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...Lufthansa.html
"Q" appears to be an eligible booking code for PlusPoints on LH. No good way to verify loads/clearance chances. There is some reports that "I" inventory does play some role, but the exact criteria LH uses to release upgrades with UA-supported instruments is unclear. The PlusPoints will be deducted from time of request until the flight takes place.
"Q" appears to be an eligible booking code for PlusPoints on LH. No good way to verify loads/clearance chances. There is some reports that "I" inventory does play some role, but the exact criteria LH uses to release upgrades with UA-supported instruments is unclear. The PlusPoints will be deducted from time of request until the flight takes place.
Also, what have people's odds looked like lately? Seems like a lot more success stories than not.
Jan 11, 2023, 11:35 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Jan 12, 2023, 3:44 am
#10
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 5,447
Early May is probably slightly better than late May, but day of week matters more than week of month, IMO. If you can fly midweek, your chances should be higher.
That said, I certainly wouldn't count on an ex-SFO upgrade coming through in the summer months. Nonstops from the west coast to Europe are very popular relative to the available supply of premium seats.
That said, I certainly wouldn't count on an ex-SFO upgrade coming through in the summer months. Nonstops from the west coast to Europe are very popular relative to the available supply of premium seats.
Jan 12, 2023, 2:39 pm
#11
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Jan 17, 2023, 4:15 pm
#12
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Oh man, I got a lemon of an agent and supervisor this afternoon. Pretty standard. 016 ticket in D-class ... calling for flight number conversions.
1) After a long hold I was told: You need to go back to your TA to make this change
2) After another long hold I was told: We can only convert the outbound, but not the inbound (which was J9 --> P9
)
3) I was then berated why I purchased a UA ticket when all the flights are on LH
Gave up ... will call again tomorrow and hope for better agents.
Has been a long time since I last had issues w/ this ... sigh
1) After a long hold I was told: You need to go back to your TA to make this change
2) After another long hold I was told: We can only convert the outbound, but not the inbound (which was J9 --> P9
)3) I was then berated why I purchased a UA ticket when all the flights are on LH
Gave up ... will call again tomorrow and hope for better agents.
Has been a long time since I last had issues w/ this ... sigh
Jan 17, 2023, 9:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 73
You have been lucky. I had flight numbers changed 3 times in the last 2 months. The fastest change involved one, the lengthiest 6 HUCAs. Well, I used chat the last time, to document how poorly trained many reps are. In each case, the first response was "this cannot be done", by the agent, then after consultation with a supervisor. Once I found an agent who knew, it took a few minutes to make the change.
Jan 18, 2023, 12:48 pm
#14
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,965
You have been lucky. I had flight numbers changed 3 times in the last 2 months. The fastest change involved one, the lengthiest 6 HUCAs. Well, I used chat the last time, to document how poorly trained many reps are. In each case, the first response was "this cannot be done", by the agent, then after consultation with a supervisor. Once I found an agent who knew, it took a few minutes to make the change.
Jan 19, 2023, 8:30 am
#15
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
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Posts: 2,269
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.
