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}
Mar 14, 2015, 1:12 pm
#271
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: a proud member of FT since 05-05-1998
Programs: DL, AF and KL - UA - *G
Posts: 2,239
On a call with UA right now. 016 ticket with UA flight numbers LH metal issued by TA. Agent says that I have to have the TA change the flight numbers to LH numbers. I told her, no you guys can change them and apply the GPUs. She talked to another specialist and said that they can actually do it.
The 1k agent agreed that the dumping of the *A desk was not a good move. All these oddities with stuff like this aren't something that they deal with everyday.
In the future, do you think I can just get the TA to book flights all with LH flt numbers on an 016 ticket and skip a step? I thought there were issues with ticketing an 016 with all LH segments.
The 1k agent agreed that the dumping of the *A desk was not a good move. All these oddities with stuff like this aren't something that they deal with everyday.
In the future, do you think I can just get the TA to book flights all with LH flt numbers on an 016 ticket and skip a step? I thought there were issues with ticketing an 016 with all LH segments.
Mar 19, 2015, 10:23 am
#272
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2
LH and United still haven't worked out a 1K member using a GPU to upgrade someone. I had my wife all set with an upgrade on LH FRA-MCO. Ticket purchased on 1/7/15, upgrade cleared on 3/10/15. We noticed yesterday, that her LH record number and a seat change to 56D.
I called 1K 6 hrs before the flight and was assured that the upgrade went through. Seat, both UA and LH record locator numbers were confirmed as well as e-ticket#.
Well, when she got to FRA, no one had a record of the upgrade. Neither LH, LH Customer service, nor UA Customer service. Both LH and UA said the other company "didn't process the upgrade correctly." Finally, after 2 hrs (1 hr before boarding), LH gave her the upgrade (not sure why). She is an experienced traveler (former 1K, *A Gold).
I later called UA 1K later to find out what happened and to see what I could have done to prevent the event from happening. CR said "nothing" and blamed it on LH and the LH strike (this flight wasn't involved in the strike). 1K said the upgrade went through. Couldn't explain why both UA and LH couldn't find any record at the check-in.
I went through all that trouble to avoid a problem...and still ended up with a problem. And no solution as to how to avoid the problem in the future. 1K CR was useless and no help to an aggravating situation.
I called 1K 6 hrs before the flight and was assured that the upgrade went through. Seat, both UA and LH record locator numbers were confirmed as well as e-ticket#.
Well, when she got to FRA, no one had a record of the upgrade. Neither LH, LH Customer service, nor UA Customer service. Both LH and UA said the other company "didn't process the upgrade correctly." Finally, after 2 hrs (1 hr before boarding), LH gave her the upgrade (not sure why). She is an experienced traveler (former 1K, *A Gold).
I later called UA 1K later to find out what happened and to see what I could have done to prevent the event from happening. CR said "nothing" and blamed it on LH and the LH strike (this flight wasn't involved in the strike). 1K said the upgrade went through. Couldn't explain why both UA and LH couldn't find any record at the check-in.
I went through all that trouble to avoid a problem...and still ended up with a problem. And no solution as to how to avoid the problem in the future. 1K CR was useless and no help to an aggravating situation.
Mar 19, 2015, 10:45 am
#273
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
LH and United still haven't worked out a 1K member using a GPU to upgrade someone. I had my wife all set with an upgrade on LH FRA-MCO. Ticket purchased on 1/7/15, upgrade cleared on 3/10/15. We noticed yesterday, that her LH record number and a seat change to 56D.
I called 1K 6 hrs before the flight and was assured that the upgrade went through. Seat, both UA and LH record locator numbers were confirmed as well as e-ticket#.
Well, when she got to FRA, no one had a record of the upgrade. Neither LH, LH Customer service, nor UA Customer service. Both LH and UA said the other company "didn't process the upgrade correctly." Finally, after 2 hrs (1 hr before boarding), LH gave her the upgrade (not sure why). She is an experienced traveler (former 1K, *A Gold).
I later called UA 1K later to find out what happened and to see what I could have done to prevent the event from happening. CR said "nothing" and blamed it on LH and the LH strike (this flight wasn't involved in the strike). 1K said the upgrade went through. Couldn't explain why both UA and LH couldn't find any record at the check-in.
I went through all that trouble to avoid a problem...and still ended up with a problem. And no solution as to how to avoid the problem in the future. 1K CR was useless and no help to an aggravating situation.
I called 1K 6 hrs before the flight and was assured that the upgrade went through. Seat, both UA and LH record locator numbers were confirmed as well as e-ticket#.
Well, when she got to FRA, no one had a record of the upgrade. Neither LH, LH Customer service, nor UA Customer service. Both LH and UA said the other company "didn't process the upgrade correctly." Finally, after 2 hrs (1 hr before boarding), LH gave her the upgrade (not sure why). She is an experienced traveler (former 1K, *A Gold).
I later called UA 1K later to find out what happened and to see what I could have done to prevent the event from happening. CR said "nothing" and blamed it on LH and the LH strike (this flight wasn't involved in the strike). 1K said the upgrade went through. Couldn't explain why both UA and LH couldn't find any record at the check-in.
I went through all that trouble to avoid a problem...and still ended up with a problem. And no solution as to how to avoid the problem in the future. 1K CR was useless and no help to an aggravating situation.
Mar 19, 2015, 10:52 am
#274
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 307
Can someone here help a newbie?
I need to get from SFO to Vienna, then from Venice back to SFO. My company uses a TA.
Departure date is 5/24 or 25 from SFO
Then 6/7 (Sunday) back from Venice to SFO
1. Since there is no direct from SFO - Vienna, what is the best routing that allows me the best chance for upgrade using GPU?
2. There will be the UA leg and LH leg presumably, do i need to book 2 fare class? W for UA then Q for LH?
3. I have to book through a TA, do i tell my TA what i need , then immediately call UA to apply the GPU?
4. I don't understand the 016 ticket concept- sorry can someone explain?
Thank you for your help!
I need to get from SFO to Vienna, then from Venice back to SFO. My company uses a TA.
Departure date is 5/24 or 25 from SFO
Then 6/7 (Sunday) back from Venice to SFO
1. Since there is no direct from SFO - Vienna, what is the best routing that allows me the best chance for upgrade using GPU?
2. There will be the UA leg and LH leg presumably, do i need to book 2 fare class? W for UA then Q for LH?
3. I have to book through a TA, do i tell my TA what i need , then immediately call UA to apply the GPU?
4. I don't understand the 016 ticket concept- sorry can someone explain?
Thank you for your help!
Mar 21, 2015, 4:48 am
#275
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
Can someone here help a newbie?
I need to get from SFO to Vienna, then from Venice back to SFO. My company uses a TA.
Departure date is 5/24 or 25 from SFO
Then 6/7 (Sunday) back from Venice to SFO
1. Since there is no direct from SFO - Vienna, what is the best routing that allows me the best chance for upgrade using GPU?
I need to get from SFO to Vienna, then from Venice back to SFO. My company uses a TA.
Departure date is 5/24 or 25 from SFO
Then 6/7 (Sunday) back from Venice to SFO
1. Since there is no direct from SFO - Vienna, what is the best routing that allows me the best chance for upgrade using GPU?
I always aim for a nonstop flight SFO-Europe. I think your options for transfer cities are LHR and FRA for UA and FRA or MUC for LH. FRA is a huge airport. My picks would be LHR for UA as the new *A terminal is really nice. Or MUC for LH, which is also a nice airport.
Generally speaking:
1) I prefer UA business to LH business. Better seats and better food. The LH planes could be newer, which usually means more quiet.
2) You didn't mention which status you have with UA. That could increase your chances of an upgrade.
Mar 21, 2015, 10:37 am
#276
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Can someone, who thinks they understand this all... implications... recommended actions... update the Wiki? I may need this someday and don't want to have to re-read the past dozen pages
Mar 21, 2015, 2:26 pm
#277
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I'm 0/3 with the new system on C->F upgrades and not pleased with this change. 
On all three flights there was F inventory right up to departure but it didn't clear electronically. With the new system, there is nothing that can be done at the airport even though there is space and you have the upgrade (albeit electronically). Previously, this was no problem whatsoever - all you had to do was go to the agent and ask.
This is a change I do NOT like. And in my experience, a devaluation of the program.
Bring back paper or make it work right up to departure with electronic.
On all three flights there was F inventory right up to departure but it didn't clear electronically. With the new system, there is nothing that can be done at the airport even though there is space and you have the upgrade (albeit electronically). Previously, this was no problem whatsoever - all you had to do was go to the agent and ask.
This is a change I do NOT like. And in my experience, a devaluation of the program.
Bring back paper or make it work right up to departure with electronic.
Neither UA nor LH wanted to take responsibility for the situation nor acknowledged there were problems with the electronic SWUs.
Mar 22, 2015, 8:34 pm
#278
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS 2.95MM
Posts: 46
I got upgraded from J to F on Lufthansa going from MUC to PEK (part of a longer trip) and now I cannot see the record in the UA website, which reports an "error". Just spoke with the GS desk who says everything is fine in their record but somehow the UA website does not allow me to see the flights anymore. This is totally ridiculous. Is this a known bug?
Mar 22, 2015, 9:24 pm
#279
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
I got upgraded from J to F on Lufthansa going from MUC to PEK (part of a longer trip) and now I cannot see the record in the UA website, which reports an "error". Just spoke with the GS desk who says everything is fine in their record but somehow the UA website does not allow me to see the flights anymore. This is totally ridiculous. Is this a known bug?
Mar 22, 2015, 9:50 pm
#280
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS 2.95MM
Posts: 46
I've just tried it but does not work. I get the same error:
"Error
! We’re sorry, but united.com was unable to complete your request. Please try later or contact united.com Support in the U.S. ..."
I can see the receipt (in J, without the LH upgrade) but clicking on any other link triggers the error.
GS desk said that everything is fine. I've asked them to report this bug to the IT group, which they say they would.
Mar 23, 2015, 11:11 am
#281
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
When I'm working with a TA, I use the following boilerplate in my emails with them:
"-016 United Ticket
-Fare class on eligible for United GPU upgrade, so no L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, IP fares.
-Please assign seats (aisle preference)"
After ticketing, I call into UA and get the UA flights converted to LH flights. The agent balked at this the last time I called, but eventually made it happen. I then have them apply the GPUs.
It seems that the fare class is by exception, not by inclusion on the websites, so I stay with that. I do mention that H fares seem to be the most common- bu that is my experience looking for tickets. I don't ask for, but get UA flight numbers- probably because I asked for an 016 ticket, but people have commented that the LH flight numbers would usually be more expensive.
I still don't know the best way to find actual upgrade space that is open, or see inventory levels to pick flights that might be already full.
I'm 3/3 on DEN-FRA-DEN flights in the last 6 months, 2 of those with the new e process.
"-016 United Ticket
-Fare class on eligible for United GPU upgrade, so no L, T, X, I, R, N, S, W, Z, P, K, O, ID, AD, IP fares.
-Please assign seats (aisle preference)"
After ticketing, I call into UA and get the UA flights converted to LH flights. The agent balked at this the last time I called, but eventually made it happen. I then have them apply the GPUs.
It seems that the fare class is by exception, not by inclusion on the websites, so I stay with that. I do mention that H fares seem to be the most common- bu that is my experience looking for tickets. I don't ask for, but get UA flight numbers- probably because I asked for an 016 ticket, but people have commented that the LH flight numbers would usually be more expensive.
I still don't know the best way to find actual upgrade space that is open, or see inventory levels to pick flights that might be already full.
I'm 3/3 on DEN-FRA-DEN flights in the last 6 months, 2 of those with the new e process.
Mar 23, 2015, 11:50 am
#282
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 307
The best routing for upgrades is one that has upgrade availability. At the moment, there are R (upgrade to business) seats available on UA901 SFO-LHR on May 25.
I always aim for a nonstop flight SFO-Europe. I think your options for transfer cities are LHR and FRA for UA and FRA or MUC for LH. FRA is a huge airport. My picks would be LHR for UA as the new *A terminal is really nice. Or MUC for LH, which is also a nice airport.
To upgrade to business with a UA GPU, you need at least W class on UA. And at least Q class on LH. Tickets may book in multiple classes. Ask your TA.
Yes. And if you book LH flight numbers, you should be able to request the upgrade online.
A ticket is issued by a specific airline. A ticket number starting with 016 was issued by United. You don't have to have a 016 ticket to upgrade LH flights. But it's better to have LH flight numbers than codeshares.
Generally speaking:
1) I prefer UA business to LH business. Better seats and better food. The LH planes could be newer, which usually means more quiet.
2) You didn't mention which status you have with UA. That could increase your chances of an upgrade.
I always aim for a nonstop flight SFO-Europe. I think your options for transfer cities are LHR and FRA for UA and FRA or MUC for LH. FRA is a huge airport. My picks would be LHR for UA as the new *A terminal is really nice. Or MUC for LH, which is also a nice airport.
To upgrade to business with a UA GPU, you need at least W class on UA. And at least Q class on LH. Tickets may book in multiple classes. Ask your TA.
Yes. And if you book LH flight numbers, you should be able to request the upgrade online.
A ticket is issued by a specific airline. A ticket number starting with 016 was issued by United. You don't have to have a 016 ticket to upgrade LH flights. But it's better to have LH flight numbers than codeshares.
Generally speaking:
1) I prefer UA business to LH business. Better seats and better food. The LH planes could be newer, which usually means more quiet.
2) You didn't mention which status you have with UA. That could increase your chances of an upgrade.
Sorry a little confused here. I'm a 1k.
If i have 016 (UA issued ticket), that means it will have UA flight numbers on both leg. IF i have LH flight number , i won't earn PQM???
Thanks by the way for the answers, greatly appreciated!
Mar 23, 2015, 11:59 am
#283
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: CO
Programs: UA OG-1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,360
All can belong to different airlines
-Ticket number
-Flight Number
-Actual Airplane
I had a United ticket, with a LH leg, that was flown by Sabena, IIRC.
You need the 016 to get the PQM/PQD credit
You need an LH flight number to apply the GPU
You can't apply a GPU to a UA flight number on a LH airplane. It needs to be converted (still on the 016 ticket) from UA to LH flight number. I expect this is the only way that they can control the inventory.
Mar 23, 2015, 12:02 pm
#284
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 307
The best routing for upgrades is one that has upgrade availability. At the moment, there are R (upgrade to business) seats available on UA901 SFO-LHR on May 25.
I always aim for a nonstop flight SFO-Europe. I think your options for transfer cities are LHR and FRA for UA and FRA or MUC for LH. FRA is a huge airport. My picks would be LHR for UA as the new *A terminal is really nice. Or MUC for LH, which is also a nice airport.
To upgrade to business with a UA GPU, you need at least W class on UA. And at least Q class on LH. Tickets may book in multiple classes. Ask your TA.
Yes. And if you book LH flight numbers, you should be able to request the upgrade online.
A ticket is issued by a specific airline. A ticket number starting with 016 was issued by United. You don't have to have a 016 ticket to upgrade LH flights. But it's better to have LH flight numbers than codeshares.
Generally speaking:
1) I prefer UA business to LH business. Better seats and better food. The LH planes could be newer, which usually means more quiet.
2) You didn't mention which status you have with UA. That could increase your chances of an upgrade.
I always aim for a nonstop flight SFO-Europe. I think your options for transfer cities are LHR and FRA for UA and FRA or MUC for LH. FRA is a huge airport. My picks would be LHR for UA as the new *A terminal is really nice. Or MUC for LH, which is also a nice airport.
To upgrade to business with a UA GPU, you need at least W class on UA. And at least Q class on LH. Tickets may book in multiple classes. Ask your TA.
Yes. And if you book LH flight numbers, you should be able to request the upgrade online.
A ticket is issued by a specific airline. A ticket number starting with 016 was issued by United. You don't have to have a 016 ticket to upgrade LH flights. But it's better to have LH flight numbers than codeshares.
Generally speaking:
1) I prefer UA business to LH business. Better seats and better food. The LH planes could be newer, which usually means more quiet.
2) You didn't mention which status you have with UA. That could increase your chances of an upgrade.
Mar 28, 2015, 3:32 am
#285
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: UA1k; Bonvoy Titanium; Hilton Gold; IHG Gold; AA Plat Pro
Posts: 1,794
Had similar experience this month with SWU upgrades I gifted to a friend who was flying LH on an appropriate C fare. Upgrade requests (two segments) were confirmed by wait list email from UA. There were open F space on both flights right up to the 10-hour cut off when wait lists were to be cleared, and on one even award space opened a week prior to departure. However, in both cases, the upgrades did not clear. It was only due to the intervention of the LH station manager at the departure airport that the upgrades were cleared.
Neither UA nor LH wanted to take responsibility for the situation nor acknowledged there were problems with the electronic SWUs.
Neither UA nor LH wanted to take responsibility for the situation nor acknowledged there were problems with the electronic SWUs.