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}
#2506
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 255
I have a Lufthansa flight booked thru Lufthansa website.
Is it possible to apply UA plus pts for upgrade on the Lufthansa flight ?
Or do I need to book the LH ticket thru United ?
Is it possible to apply UA plus pts for upgrade on the Lufthansa flight ?
Or do I need to book the LH ticket thru United ?
#2507
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: 66,867
No but if booked with UA it must be a LH flight number and a
Upgrading Flights Operated by ANA , Lufthansa or COPA
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 18, 2022 at 10:01 am Reason: Corrected fare
#2508
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 64
#2509
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: 66,867
According to https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...Lufthansa.html you only need Q or higher booking class to upgrade on LH, i.e., Y, B, M, U, H, Q should work.
#2510
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 255
Looks like Lufthansa flight with Q fare class is no longer eligible for UA plus pts upgrade
#2511
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: 66,867
#2512
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 255
I have LH flight with Q class, talked to UA and they told me not eligible
Only eligible LH fare classes are J, E, G, M, U
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
Only eligible LH fare classes are J, E, G, M, U
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
Last edited by dogfan; Feb 18, 2022 at 7:53 pm
#2513
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: 66,867
Only eligible LH fare classes are J, E, G, M, U
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
UA states
The following Lufthansa fare classes are eligible for PlusPoints upgrades: B, C, D, E, G, H, J, M, Q, U and Y. U.S. government fares are not eligible for upgrades on Lufthansa-operated flights.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 18, 2022 at 8:12 pm
#2514
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,110
I have LH flight with Q class, talked to UA and they told me not eligible
Only eligible LH fare classes are J, E, G, M, U
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
Only eligible LH fare classes are J, E, G, M, U
for UA plus pts upgrade
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...de-awards.html
#2515
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: 66,867
Also unclear what question was raised and why mileage upgrade rules got involved when this is a PlusPoints upgrade
#2516
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,110
Assumed there was a reason to call UA. Didn't say it was an LH flight number or an LH ticket.
#2517
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: 66,867
#2518
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 5
Possibility of upgrade?
New 1K here. Could anyone tell me how quickly upgrades usually clear? I booked a Q economy (FRA to DFW) on LH in hopes of using PPs to upgrade to business. The upgrade eligible economy fare is double a normal economy ticket, so it would be a real bummer to pay that and not get the upgrade. Any chance it could happen same day, or no way? Thank you! I'm sorry if this has been answered but I couldn't find anywhere. Here are the fare codes available at the moment:
J4 C4 D4 Z4 P0 O6 A2 R0 Y6 B6 M6 U6 H6 Q6 V6 W6 S6 T6 L0 K0
J4 C4 D4 Z4 P0 O6 A2 R0 Y6 B6 M6 U6 H6 Q6 V6 W6 S6 T6 L0 K0
#2519
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K & 2MM, Bonvoy Titanium & LTP, HH Gold, Accor Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 2,351
So I have Plus Points applied to a 4-leg D-fare on LH, all waitlisted currently. LH is telling me they can't do seat assignments in business class because of the waitlist. I've not run into this before - am I just getting incompetent agents in the middle of the night, or is this a real thing and I won't be able to pick a seat until check in?
And any recent reports on mileage credit issues (or lackthereof) when upgrading from D to O?
And any recent reports on mileage credit issues (or lackthereof) when upgrading from D to O?
#2520
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,434
New 1K here. Could anyone tell me how quickly upgrades usually clear? I booked a Q economy (FRA to DFW) on LH in hopes of using PPs to upgrade to business. The upgrade eligible economy fare is double a normal economy ticket, so it would be a real bummer to pay that and not get the upgrade. Any chance it could happen same day, or no way? Thank you! I'm sorry if this has been answered but I couldn't find anywhere. Here are the fare codes available at the moment:
J4 C4 D4 Z4 P0 O6 A2 R0 Y6 B6 M6 U6 H6 Q6 V6 W6 S6 T6 L0 K0
J4 C4 D4 Z4 P0 O6 A2 R0 Y6 B6 M6 U6 H6 Q6 V6 W6 S6 T6 L0 K0
Regardless upgrades usually clear if there is I space, and rarely otherwise.
So I have Plus Points applied to a 4-leg D-fare on LH, all waitlisted currently. LH is telling me they can't do seat assignments in business class because of the waitlist. I've not run into this before - am I just getting incompetent agents in the middle of the night, or is this a real thing and I won't be able to pick a seat until check in?
Nothing recent, but general reports in the past are that it usually works fine, sometimes you have issues - especially if LH has to reissue the ticket later due to IRROPS.