Op-ups on *A partner flights for UA elites
#61
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: SkyMiles, MileagePlus
Posts: 188
LH will generally op-up OAL *G before LH*S (FTL - note that LH*G is the equivalent of UA 1K), and op-ups are more common on LH because they have far fewer free (including certificate) upgrades than UA. PE in particular is very commonly overbooked because the cabin is tiny.
That being said, you were still lucky
That being said, you were still lucky
#62
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: SkyMiles, MileagePlus
Posts: 188
Yep. I would agree on the PE oversell. I don't fly LH that often, but it seems like PE is often booked out full and they are pretty willing to oversell it.
As a side note, I love that they print out the new seat assignment at the gate when flying out of FRA (probably MUC as well). It's great to see the little printer spool up and spit out the receipt.
As a side note, I love that they print out the new seat assignment at the gate when flying out of FRA (probably MUC as well). It's great to see the little printer spool up and spit out the receipt.
#63
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,461
LH will generally op-up OAL *G before LH*S (FTL - note that LH*G is the equivalent of UA 1K), and op-ups are more common on LH because they have far fewer free (including certificate) upgrades than UA. PE in particular is very commonly overbooked because the cabin is tiny.
#64
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Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
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We have gotten upgrades to First on LH before on a refundable J-class ticket with plenty of SENs standing next to us.
#65
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Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,890
I
wonder if reduced capacity to BOM/DEL at the moment means LH is overbooking more and op-up’ing more than normal on those India routes. UA still is not running either of the EWR-India routes from the Pakistan airspace closure, and am not sure if AC started again either. Presumably, many who might normally take these flights are now transiting at FRA instead.
I have also also been upgraded in LH once - FRA-BLR. Was *G at the time, flying around Xmas. Booked in economy - think W class - and upgraded not to Premium Economy, but to Business. Still my only time on the upper deck of a 747.
Just traveled to/from BOM via FRA. On my way there (FRA-BOM), I was upgraded from economy (Q) to premium economy at boarding. On the way back (FRA-SFO), I was upgraded from premium economy (E) to business, also at boarding. This was a United-issued ticket, flying Lufthansa routes. I am MileagePlus Gold.
Was I extremely lucky? How often/why does this happen?
Was I extremely lucky? How often/why does this happen?
I have also also been upgraded in LH once - FRA-BLR. Was *G at the time, flying around Xmas. Booked in economy - think W class - and upgraded not to Premium Economy, but to Business. Still my only time on the upper deck of a 747.
#66
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1P-1MM, Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 3,930
The fare class priority on LH would explain why I have been fairly successful on op-ups. I am often on higher fare classes since I'm not staying weekends and often fly out Sunday and back on Friday. My last op-up I was on a U fare that I bid on a PE upgrade and got it, then when I boarded, they op-upped me to C. Combined with the extra miles for the PE fare, it was a pretty good use of $175.
#67
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Got one yesterday on AC CLT-YYZ. My fiance who has no status was upgraded along with me. Both of us tried to board with Zone 2 and my BP wouldn't scan. Agents gave us new BPs. Went from 26D and F to 1D and F which got our trip off to a nice start.
#68
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I've gotten AC opups while Y was empty too, with their own elites walking to their back at the same time....
As miserable as AC is, my frequent opup success I thank them for.
#69
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The gate agent claimed it was weight and balance but from what I could tell the flight was 100% full so I think it was likely a combination of both.