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}
Sep 14, 2018, 3:29 pm
#1546
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
both seats just went blocked on ExpertFlyer....so I'm guessing chances are pretty low.
Sep 14, 2018, 5:36 pm
#1547
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,069
Sep 15, 2018, 11:58 am
#1548
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: MileagePlus 1K, Skymiles, HHonors Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 77
That makes sense... thanks!
Sep 15, 2018, 3:28 pm
#1549
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
I've always cleared LH A380 F upgrades on booking, or more than a week out. I carefully book flights with lots (4-8) of F seats for sale. Typically midweek to increase my upgrade chances. Always LH D class, since I didn't know about the Z/P loophole.
Sep 17, 2018, 11:26 am
#1550
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: United
Posts: 15
Using GPU for upgrading Lufthansa Business to First
Any tips on how to successfully apply a united GPU (Global Premier Upgrade) in order to upgrade a Lufthansa Business ticket into First class?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
Sep 18, 2018, 2:00 am
#1551
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,069
Any tips on how to successfully apply a united GPU (Global Premier Upgrade) in order to upgrade a Lufthansa Business ticket into First class?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
Sep 18, 2018, 9:02 am
#1552
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, BLR, LHR, SIN and a few others
Programs: UA 1K 1.01 MM
Posts: 1,245
Any tips on how to successfully apply a united GPU (Global Premier Upgrade) in order to upgrade a Lufthansa Business ticket into First class?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
The ticket is booked on D class, from Boston to Frankfurt (on A340-600). For example, are there days of the week where it is more likely to be upgraded?
Should I look for specific available fares when booking the flight?
Sep 18, 2018, 9:08 am
#1553
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: United
Posts: 15
Thanks for your answer. My question is how do I look for Awards?
I read in several threads that Lufthansa only releases first class awards 14 days prior to departure.
My flight is scheduled for March 2019.
I read in several threads that Lufthansa only releases first class awards 14 days prior to departure.
My flight is scheduled for March 2019.
Sep 18, 2018, 11:02 am
#1554
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: NYC, BLR, LHR, SIN and a few others
Programs: UA 1K 1.01 MM
Posts: 1,245
Sep 18, 2018, 11:19 am
#1555
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
That's correct; and, in practice, you're relatively unlikely to get an upgrade to clear before then either. It's mostly wait-and-see, unless you can wait to within T-14 to choose your flight.
Sep 18, 2018, 1:03 pm
#1556
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: United
Posts: 15
jsloan: good to know, though this thread is full of people saying their GPU's from D (or even P) to First were approved immediately.
tht: when I look for First class awards for March 2019 I don't see anything available.
Actually, there is not even economy award available for the day (it's a Saturday). Is it a bad sign?
For those who can analyze these things, the Expert Mode on United website gives the following fair availability for the flight
tht: when I look for First class awards for March 2019 I don't see anything available.
Actually, there is not even economy award available for the day (it's a Saturday). Is it a bad sign?
For those who can analyze these things, the Expert Mode on United website gives the following fair availability for the flight
Available fare classes: F4, A4, J4, C4, D4, Z4, P4, Y6, B6, M6, U6, H6, Q6, V6, W6, S6, T6, L6, K0
Sep 18, 2018, 1:12 pm
#1557
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
You won't learn too much from that, because that's the inventory for the UA codeshare, not the LH flight itself. There are caps on how many seats UA can sell as compared to the total number on the plane.
Sep 18, 2018, 1:17 pm
#1558
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: United
Posts: 15
jsloan: so what you're saying is that for reservations made more than 14 days in advance (in which case one cannot see First class awards) there is no strategy for securing First GPUs?
Sep 18, 2018, 1:24 pm
#1559
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,413
If you have another source for the inventory data -- e.g., the paid version of the ExpertFlyer subscription -- that can tell you more information than what you can get from UA's expert mode. As it stands, all you know is that there are at least 4 F seats available. Whether that number is actually 4 (half-full) or 8 (completely empty) is actually pretty important for judging your chances of an upgrade.
Sep 18, 2018, 7:30 pm
#1560
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: BKK/SFO
Programs: UA 1K, TG Platinum, SPG Gold, Hyatt GP Platinum, Priority Club Platinum, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 283
UA GPUs are no longer allow to upgrade on P fare now. I get this message "Your paid fare class is not eligible for upgrades. (Error code: 523)"