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 6, 2015, 2:25 pm
#151
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
So if I want to plan my trips DEN-FRA-XXX-FRA-DEN all on LH metal and want to get the PQM and PQD, I need a 016 ticket. If I have a 016 ticket I need to call in to get the GPU applied. If I want to use the online GPU application, I need to have it in LH codes- but can this be on an 016 ticket? If it is a LH (020?) ticket, I won't get PQM and PQD, right?
Can I book the ticket as a 016 with UA codeshares for the LH flights, and then get it changed to LH flt numbers to do the application of the GPUs online?
If I use a travel agent, does this get any more or less complex? Work is mandating using a travel agent for INT flights.
Can I book the ticket as a 016 with UA codeshares for the LH flights, and then get it changed to LH flt numbers to do the application of the GPUs online?
If I use a travel agent, does this get any more or less complex? Work is mandating using a travel agent for INT flights.
Have your corporate TA book DEN-FRA on the UA codeshare (that should get it plated, or ticketed, on 016 stock so you'll get PQD). All the rest of the flights can be on LH codeshares and you'll still get the PQD as long as it's part of a 016 ticket.
Once ticketed, you'll call the number listed (1-877-726-7282) and they can re-issue your ticket but with LH447 on the DEN-FRA instead of the UA codeshare (it stays as a 016 ticket). This will take a bit of time on the phone with them as it will probably have an issue and they'll have to call LH while you're on the line (they had to do it twice for me). Once this is all reissued under the LH flight number you can either take it from there on the website by yourself, or let them finish (I did the later). Nothing special will be required for your return flight as you hopefully just booked that on the LH flight number.
Final point, as I noted above, I'm not sure what impact this will have on your corporate TA being able to make changes to the ticket down the road should you need to. I'll post back here when/if I end up needing to.
Jan 7, 2015, 3:14 am
#152
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Switzerland
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 46
It worked fine for me. I booked a ticket in Y for GVA-FRA-MCO on LH stock. After booking, I requested MCO-FRA via UA online, and was waitlisted. Then I requested the FRA-MCO leg and instantly confirmed. The upgrade for FRA-MCO cleared 3 days prior to departure. However, I was unable to select the C seat for FRA-MCO prior to check-in.
Jan 7, 2015, 9:15 am
#153
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, D.C.
Programs: UA Premier 1K: PlAAtinum; DL SM, MM; Marriott Gold; CO Plat Emeritus; NW Plat Emeritus
Posts: 4,776
So this is the interesting question -- does it mean that UA/LH take control of a travel agent ticket before first departure? That would be quite unusual.
Jan 7, 2015, 9:45 am
#154
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
If my DEN-FRA doesn't clear I'll let you guys know, because they'll I'll be switching to the SFO-FRA (no way I'm sitting in the old LH C).
Jan 7, 2015, 9:55 am
#155
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,184
The coupon related to the segment goes into 'Airport Control' at T-72h, at which the codeshare segment is also converted to the operated flight number in the DCS. Yes, the airline and the TA can get control back, but technically the operating airline is in charge at that point for that particular coupon.
Jan 9, 2015, 4:41 pm
#156
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
So I went to take a look at my reservation on LH and it shows a first class segment (in O) but also still shows the business as well.
When I called LH about this, they said the upgrade cleared but were waiting for confirmation from UA (as it's on 016 stock). However, when I called UA, they said the upgrade is still waitlisted. The
Any suggestions? The flight was F4 when I put the request in and noticed it went to F3 when I saw the F segment in my reservation (with no additional reserved F seats). It's still F2, and T-48h
When I called LH about this, they said the upgrade cleared but were waiting for confirmation from UA (as it's on 016 stock). However, when I called UA, they said the upgrade is still waitlisted. The
Any suggestions? The flight was F4 when I put the request in and noticed it went to F3 when I saw the F segment in my reservation (with no additional reserved F seats). It's still F2, and T-48h
Jan 10, 2015, 10:36 am
#157
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 7
New process rocks...
Got maa fra and fra sfo upgraded to biz from Eco.
Used the electronic upgrade process 3 weeks before departure. Both legs we're wait listed given we were 3 pax together in 1 per. Few days before departure the upgrade was confirmed. Oliver from m&m forum used kvs/ef to boost my confidence - thank yOu!
For our party of 3 it was much better than asking if space is available during check in.
And having to convince Frankfurt agents that we don't need our special meal just better seats was a pain the past. With electronic upgrades that is gone.
Liking it.
Used the electronic upgrade process 3 weeks before departure. Both legs we're wait listed given we were 3 pax together in 1 per. Few days before departure the upgrade was confirmed. Oliver from m&m forum used kvs/ef to boost my confidence - thank yOu!
For our party of 3 it was much better than asking if space is available during check in.
And having to convince Frankfurt agents that we don't need our special meal just better seats was a pain the past. With electronic upgrades that is gone.
Liking it.
Jan 10, 2015, 10:51 am
#158
Join Date: Oct 2009
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 311
I can accept (if not like) the bump-up on eligible fare classes to exclude V. However the change should have been openly announced, not silently slipped into the fine print. Especially with the newly included V being put on the end of the list instead of between W & Q where it belongs...
Jan 12, 2015, 9:22 am
#159
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA 1k & MillM
Posts: 563
I travelled MCO-FRA on Dec 22 and successfully used a paper certificate on a V fare. (I had not heard about change in policy).
The new exclusion of V-fares sucks.
The new exclusion of V-fares sucks.
Jan 12, 2015, 10:44 am
#160
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
Well my upgrade cleared (about T-28h) but talk about horrible communication. No email was sent letting me know I was upgraded (I double checked my span folder as well). The only reason I knew was I had set an EF alert if F decreased by 1. And when it did, I checked my reservation on Lufthansa.com to see the business class segment removed and the first (O) segment remained. I was then able to pick a first class seat.
However, I was paranoid since I never received any upgrade email from United (as the original waitlist email indicated I would) so I feared that at T-10 the upgrade would get pulled.
However, I was paranoid since I never received any upgrade email from United (as the original waitlist email indicated I would) so I feared that at T-10 the upgrade would get pulled.
Jan 12, 2015, 12:07 pm
#161
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,018
Why does this thread state that V is not eligible? http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...aspx#lufthansa does not exclude V.
Did they change their minds about V?
Did they change their minds about V?
Jan 12, 2015, 1:26 pm
#162
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: PANC
Programs: Mileage Plan
Posts: 444
Why does this thread state that V is not eligible? http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...aspx#lufthansa does not exclude V.
Did they change their minds about V?
Did they change their minds about V?
Jan 12, 2015, 1:50 pm
#163
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,856
Glad to see the change -- wonder if it was a change of mind or just a plain error?
Jan 12, 2015, 4:15 pm
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,345
Hang on...why is "W" class not allowed for GPU on LH but it still is on UA? I have a feeling UA is about to make a big change to GPU usage on their flights to stay consistent with their closest *A and TransAtlantic partner. Just a gut feeling (I have no knowledge of them doing this).
Makes no sense why LH prevents it on "W" fares but UA allows it.
I do see that "V" class is now eligible again.
Edit: United.com yet again has awful IT and can't get their info straight.
Page: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...aspx#lufthansa states "The following Lufthansa fare classes are not eligible for Global Premier Upgrades: L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, and IP" under "Upgrading on Lufthansa-Operated Flights". But then in the General Conditions section it says the following: "The following Lufthansa fare classes are not eligible for upgrade: L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, IP and V". So which is it United (or Lufthansa)?
-RM
Makes no sense why LH prevents it on "W" fares but UA allows it.
I do see that "V" class is now eligible again.
Edit: United.com yet again has awful IT and can't get their info straight.
Page: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...aspx#lufthansa states "The following Lufthansa fare classes are not eligible for Global Premier Upgrades: L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, and IP" under "Upgrading on Lufthansa-Operated Flights". But then in the General Conditions section it says the following: "The following Lufthansa fare classes are not eligible for upgrade: L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, IP and V". So which is it United (or Lufthansa)?
-RM