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}
Jun 28, 2015, 12:43 am
#391
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PVG
Programs: SK*G, QR*G
Posts: 514
I have booked a UA ticketed flt and one leg of it is an LH flt. I made sure to book in Q class so I can apply GPU. Long story short... GPU went through perfectly fine with the UA agent. It was a UA-ticketed, UA-coded flt in Q-class at booking. After the call with United, the UA-coded flt was first converted to LH flt and ONLY then the GPU could be applied.
Now, as the ticket is showing as an I-fare class due to GPU upgrade to Biz Class and it is an LH-flt (not UA coded), my UA account says it is NOT eligible for PQM. WhaT!??? Crazy...
Now, as the ticket is showing as an I-fare class due to GPU upgrade to Biz Class and it is an LH-flt (not UA coded), my UA account says it is NOT eligible for PQM. WhaT!??? Crazy...
I'm not sure how to proceed now.
The problem seems to happen if you're rebooked from I to Y due to IRROP, and then apply another GPU to upgrade again.
Jun 28, 2015, 12:56 am
#392
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PVG
Programs: SK*G, QR*G
Posts: 514
Is it possibly to complain to DOT or others if we don't get miles that we are entitled to ? Or we just have to accept to risk of no miles when using GPU on LH?
Jun 28, 2015, 6:11 am
#393
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 497
LH Waitlisted segment doesn't appear on united.com
Another question folks. Flying in September on LH return with outbound on UA. Booked via UA. Flights are all "proper flights" UA outbound, LH return and ticketed UA 016.
I had used the GPU process to apply for the upgrade and was waitlisted.
I saw the waitlisted segment for "I" on LH.com / Checkmytrip.com and you could also see it indirectly on UA.com
Got a random email a few days ago indicated the waitlisted segment was cancelled? No idea why. Confirmed waitlist was removed from LH.com
Reapplied and have a new waitlist. I can see it on LH.com/Checkmytrip.com
But now UA.com DOES NOT show the waitlisted segment. Is this an issue?
I'm guessing it is not as I suspect there are scenarios on LH only flights where LH doesn't even have the copy of the itinerary.
Anyway, just wondering if I should be concerned, or should I cancel and redo the upgrade request?
I had used the GPU process to apply for the upgrade and was waitlisted.
I saw the waitlisted segment for "I" on LH.com / Checkmytrip.com and you could also see it indirectly on UA.com
Got a random email a few days ago indicated the waitlisted segment was cancelled? No idea why. Confirmed waitlist was removed from LH.com
Reapplied and have a new waitlist. I can see it on LH.com/Checkmytrip.com
But now UA.com DOES NOT show the waitlisted segment. Is this an issue?
I'm guessing it is not as I suspect there are scenarios on LH only flights where LH doesn't even have the copy of the itinerary.
Anyway, just wondering if I should be concerned, or should I cancel and redo the upgrade request?
Jun 28, 2015, 8:52 am
#394
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
I've found that persistence ultimately pays off on these disputes. You have to keep going up the chain, stating your case very clearly and concisely. I take it you've sent them a copy of your initial e-ticket receipt showing the purchased fare?
Jun 28, 2015, 9:40 pm
#395
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PVG
Programs: SK*G, QR*G
Posts: 514
You can complain to DOT about anything you like, but this is outside their jurisdiction and they're not going to get involved.
I've found that persistence ultimately pays off on these disputes. You have to keep going up the chain, stating your case very clearly and concisely. I take it you've sent them a copy of your initial e-ticket receipt showing the purchased fare?
I've found that persistence ultimately pays off on these disputes. You have to keep going up the chain, stating your case very clearly and concisely. I take it you've sent them a copy of your initial e-ticket receipt showing the purchased fare?
I'll try to continue emailing and calling.
Jun 29, 2015, 12:22 am
#396
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Floating around
Programs: UA 1K (1MM), DL Gold (1MM), Marriott LTT
Posts: 10,346
Right now I'm battling a different but related issue. Booked an all 016 UA-coded ticket (SEA-NY-Europe-SEA) with NY-Europe on LH but UA-coded. Flights posted as LH-coded and are therefore showing ineligible for PQD, which is wrong because they're booked on a UA ticket. Called the 1K MP Service Center and the agent said I had to wait until July 1 and that she'd manually correct them if they didn't post. Well, since I spoke to her they went from 'processing' to 'ineligible' but she has yet to correct them so I will likely have to call back after July 1 to get this problem fixed. I don't even need the PQD (I'm well over 1K PQD) but I want the RDM which are off by several thousand once those PQD post.
-RM
Jun 29, 2015, 4:15 am
#397
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PVG
Programs: SK*G, QR*G
Posts: 514
As a 1K I find this hard to believe that you've sent the data in three times and haven't received a favorable response assuming you have sent in a copy of your ticket and your BPs. First, make sure you are calling the 1K Mileageplus Service Center line and not the 1K Reservations desk. The latter can't help you. Second, if your data truly is in order, I've never had a problem with them manually adding entries to my account to fix issues like this. LH, by and far, is the biggest issue with *A and posting flights to UA. How this is not fixed considering they are the two 'closest' members in the alliance is beyond me. You will get it fixed but make sure you are calling the right people. If you don't have the data you need (e.g. BPs) you might be out of luck.
-RM
-RM
I do have boarding passeses, but it says I booking code. but I also have etickets etc, so hope they can figure it out. I could maybe also include the United Upgrade confirmation email which states the ticket number and upgrade certificate number.
Jun 29, 2015, 7:43 am
#398
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS (South End)
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, TrueBlue, IHG Plat Amb, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Accor Platinum, National Exec Elite
Posts: 907
As a 1K I find this hard to believe that you've sent the data in three times and haven't received a favorable response assuming you have sent in a copy of your ticket and your BPs. First, make sure you are calling the 1K Mileageplus Service Center line and not the 1K Reservations desk. The latter can't help you. Second, if your data truly is in order, I've never had a problem with them manually adding entries to my account to fix issues like this. LH, by and far, is the biggest issue with *A and posting flights to UA. How this is not fixed considering they are the two 'closest' members in the alliance is beyond me. You will get it fixed but make sure you are calling the right people. If you don't have the data you need (e.g. BPs) you might be out of luck.
Right now I'm battling a different but related issue. Booked an all 016 UA-coded ticket (SEA-NY-Europe-SEA) with NY-Europe on LH but UA-coded. Flights posted as LH-coded and are therefore showing ineligible for PQD, which is wrong because they're booked on a UA ticket. Called the 1K MP Service Center and the agent said I had to wait until July 1 and that she'd manually correct them if they didn't post. Well, since I spoke to her they went from 'processing' to 'ineligible' but she has yet to correct them so I will likely have to call back after July 1 to get this problem fixed. I don't even need the PQD (I'm well over 1K PQD) but I want the RDM which are off by several thousand once those PQD post.
-RM
Right now I'm battling a different but related issue. Booked an all 016 UA-coded ticket (SEA-NY-Europe-SEA) with NY-Europe on LH but UA-coded. Flights posted as LH-coded and are therefore showing ineligible for PQD, which is wrong because they're booked on a UA ticket. Called the 1K MP Service Center and the agent said I had to wait until July 1 and that she'd manually correct them if they didn't post. Well, since I spoke to her they went from 'processing' to 'ineligible' but she has yet to correct them so I will likely have to call back after July 1 to get this problem fixed. I don't even need the PQD (I'm well over 1K PQD) but I want the RDM which are off by several thousand once those PQD post.
-RM
Jun 29, 2015, 2:20 pm
#399
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,044
Thanks for the input. i'll try calling again and speak with the right people.
I do have boarding passeses, but it says I booking code. but I also have etickets etc, so hope they can figure it out. I could maybe also include the United Upgrade confirmation email which states the ticket number and upgrade certificate number.
I do have boarding passeses, but it says I booking code. but I also have etickets etc, so hope they can figure it out. I could maybe also include the United Upgrade confirmation email which states the ticket number and upgrade certificate number.
Jul 2, 2015, 7:18 am
#400
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS (South End)
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, TrueBlue, IHG Plat Amb, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Accor Platinum, National Exec Elite
Posts: 907
This is a new one perhaps and has anyone experienced when checking in for their outbound flight(s) all on LH metal two separate ticket selection options in different cabins but same flights?? I'm flying BOS-FRA-LHR this afternoon and ATH-FRA-BOS on July 24 and while I confirmed over water segments in biz only the outbound shows as such...I was able to check in (selected that ticket) but called UA and they said since I've already checked in I'd need to sort out the return at the airport with LH. LH said it's a United issue and the ticket needs to be restickered and need to deal with UA...just shows the process is still rather finicky.
Jul 2, 2015, 5:35 pm
#401
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 397
Yes, that's happened to me before, and I lost my GPU because the gate agent checked me into economy. At that point it was not possible for anyone (gate agents from LH and UA, 1k line, LH lounge staff) to reinstate the GPU since we were past the T-10 hour window.
When checking in online, make sure to select your seat in business. I would suggest taking a screenshot and printing out those receipts.
When checking in online, make sure to select your seat in business. I would suggest taking a screenshot and printing out those receipts.
Jul 15, 2015, 9:04 am
#402
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
Where does the buck stop? How to fix?
Wife and I traveled EWR to Bucharest (UA to FRA then LH), and returned Prague to EWR, LH all the way, changing in FRA. Wife was on mileage business class ticket with no problems. On a separate reservation, booked with UA, I was confirmed for the Business on the FRA-EWR leg using a Global Certificate. At Prague, wife received all boarding passes. I was given a boarding pass to FRA and told to get my BP for EWR at FRA. Was in the transit area, and proceeded to the gate, more than an hour before departure. A very helpful GA was unable to produce a boarding pass. He made numerous calls, including to UA. He consulted with the other GAs, and no luck. End of boarding time came and went, and no BP. At the very last minute, I believe with the help of a supervisor at the gate, the machine printed a BP and I was told to hurry. The door closed behind me, heart still racing and stomach churning at the prospect of being left behind with noone knowing what to do next to get me home.
My question is, why did this happen, and since we occasionally do utilize some type of UA/LH combination through FRA or MUC, how can this be prevented in the future?
My question is, why did this happen, and since we occasionally do utilize some type of UA/LH combination through FRA or MUC, how can this be prevented in the future?
Jul 15, 2015, 9:08 am
#403
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: if it's Thursday, this must be Belgium
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 6,484
wasn't this similarly reported on another thread, just a few days ago? LH could not produce the boarding pass due to codeshare and passport / doc ID mismatch or something?
Jul 15, 2015, 10:00 am
#404
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: ewr pbi
Programs: Premier 1K (Former CO Plat)
Posts: 135
Not our error
I haven't found the report you mention, but the facts seem different, since all of our documents were in order. It was only that LH couldn't produce a BP. What to do so that this would not happen again remains an unanswered question. I reported it all to UA, and got a few bucks worth of travel voucher, but no explanation and no solution.
Jul 15, 2015, 11:12 am
#405
Join Date: Mar 2013
Programs: UA 1MM; Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 678
I haven't found the report you mention, but the facts seem different, since all of our documents were in order. It was only that LH couldn't produce a BP. What to do so that this would not happen again remains an unanswered question. I reported it all to UA, and got a few bucks worth of travel voucher, but no explanation and no solution.
Edit: Perhaps somehow your passport number was entered incorrectly in the LH system which would explain your wife getting all boarding passes and you have trouble