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}
#181
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: UA 1K, PC RA, HH Gold
Posts: 178
I had the issue arise today of the electronic system withdrawing 2 GPUs for one segment. Called shortly after and had it redeposited, they fixed this surprisingly quickly.
Went to apply my last GPU and the system says "The number of travelers entered exceeds the number of available Global Premier Upgrades". I guess I'll try to call again to see what they can do...
Went to apply my last GPU and the system says "The number of travelers entered exceeds the number of available Global Premier Upgrades". I guess I'll try to call again to see what they can do...
#182
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 179
Just to make sure, a 016 number with a UA flight #, can I do the upgrade online? Also, any updates on which bucket to look for upgrade inventory? I see they have a R bucket. Not sure if it's UP inventory as by UA.
#183
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
is not R for upgrades on LH, it is the same bucket as a business class award, I.
#184
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
As others (and myself) have stated upthread, they will convert the UA flight # to the LH #, but will keep the 016 ticket. They can then apply the GPU for you over the phone, or you could theoretically do it online at that point (but I'd definitely have them do it in case there is a problem, so you don't have to waste time calling back). Expect at least 30 mins to do this with wait time.
Last edited by jmanirish; Jan 15, 2015 at 3:34 am
#185
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
Tried to upgrade a couple of flights booked on YCA fares, and agent said they couldn't because they won't do the shift to LH-designation. And I see they've now slipped that onto the info page (OK, might have been there before, but I didn't notice).
A nice slap in the face from Jeff to those serving our country.
Time to reappraise...
A nice slap in the face from Jeff to those serving our country.
Time to reappraise...
#186
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 179
Thanks guys! Any data if their own I availability is enough? Or I need the partner I availability?
#187
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
Tried to upgrade a couple of flights booked on YCA fares, and agent said they couldn't because they won't do the shift to LH-designation. And I see they've now slipped that onto the info page (OK, might have been there before, but I didn't notice).
A nice slap in the face from Jeff to those serving our country.
Time to reappraise...
A nice slap in the face from Jeff to those serving our country.
Time to reappraise...
#188
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
Never had a problem redeeming the paper certs with UA flight numbers, many times -- in fact had a 100% success rate.
#189
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS, HH Diamond
Posts: 33
I just booked a J fare FRA-MAA-FRA for next week on a UA codeshare. I'd love to use my GPUs to waitlist GF, but not clear about PQM and PQD for M+ -- will I get qualifying miles and $$ for this leg of my itinerary?
Also, is it even worth it, it only shows 3 or 1 empty GF seat on the seat map right now. Thanks!
Also, is it even worth it, it only shows 3 or 1 empty GF seat on the seat map right now. Thanks!
#190
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,478
I just booked a J fare FRA-MAA-FRA for next week on a UA codeshare. I'd love to use my GPUs to waitlist GF, but not clear about PQM and PQD for M+ -- will I get qualifying miles and $$ for this leg of my itinerary?
Also, is it even worth it, it only shows 3 or 1 empty GF seat on the seat map right now. Thanks!
Also, is it even worth it, it only shows 3 or 1 empty GF seat on the seat map right now. Thanks!
There's no real downside to waitlisting, except for the time you're going to spend on the phone.
There is no Global First on Lufthansa. It's simply first class.
#191
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: East Coast
Programs: UA 1k & MillM
Posts: 563
Still waiting to have the overcharged GPU redeposited. Tried emaling 1kvoice to no avail. Odd bug.
#192
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
I know, but there's no reason they can't fix the clumsy system that requires the LH flight number for upgrade to clear. (I know it's Star, I actually mentioned it to Star people at the first Megado, over five years ago. They agreed it was an unintended problem).
Never had a problem redeeming the paper certs with UA flight numbers, many times -- in fact had a 100% success rate.
Never had a problem redeeming the paper certs with UA flight numbers, many times -- in fact had a 100% success rate.
Be that as it may be, the codeshare PNR is converted to the operational flight number when checkin opens. (aprox T-72h) There must be a way to file for an upgrade at that point without reqriting the ticket...
#193
Join Date: Aug 2009
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Plat; IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 79
Is it possible to upgrade from Lufthansa Premium Economy (E) to business with GPU?
#194
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,478
#195
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
'I' is the upgrade inventory, correct? Where can I see that? I don't see it in the expert mode on the UA site and I don't see anything about fare classes on LH's site.