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}
Jul 15, 2015, 11:20 am
#406
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
Very similar happened to me when I used a global in May. Agents in CDG couldn't see my onward FRA-IAD leg at all.
Ended up at the Biz lounge in FRA (eeeuw, riff-raff) where they have UA and LH agents together. They were very helpful (and most of all took ownership); after lots of typing/consulting/phone calls they eventually had United reissue the ticket and the BP popped right out.
PS: still waiting for the PQDs.
Ended up at the Biz lounge in FRA (eeeuw, riff-raff) where they have UA and LH agents together. They were very helpful (and most of all took ownership); after lots of typing/consulting/phone calls they eventually had United reissue the ticket and the BP popped right out.
PS: still waiting for the PQDs.
Jul 15, 2015, 11:41 am
#407
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
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jul 15, 2015 at 1:16 pm Reason: typo
Jul 16, 2015, 1:08 am
#408
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
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. [...]
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 17, 2015, 9:30 pm
#409
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 497
Has UA changed the process for 016 ticket?
Got notified yesterday that my upgrade to business on Lufthansa cleared. Hooray! Logged into LH and booked a seat.
Then late last night I get two eticket confirmation emails from United within minutes of each other. These show my now upgraded LH segment from M to I, but they ALSO HAVE REISSUED MY TICKET. I have a brand new and different ticket number.
I panicked at first as I know things can go awry upon checkin if the ticket number changes.
But checking he Saudia site all appears to be in I rder. Fare basis is still shown as "M" but fare class is shown as "I" just as Oliver2002 says it should.
So I think I'm ok. UA must have a new process that automatically reissues the ticket when the upgrade clears. I believe someone else recently paired about the reissue with two confirmation emails arriving within minutes of each other.
Thoughts?
Then late last night I get two eticket confirmation emails from United within minutes of each other. These show my now upgraded LH segment from M to I, but they ALSO HAVE REISSUED MY TICKET. I have a brand new and different ticket number.
I panicked at first as I know things can go awry upon checkin if the ticket number changes.
But checking he Saudia site all appears to be in I rder. Fare basis is still shown as "M" but fare class is shown as "I" just as Oliver2002 says it should.
So I think I'm ok. UA must have a new process that automatically reissues the ticket when the upgrade clears. I believe someone else recently paired about the reissue with two confirmation emails arriving within minutes of each other.
Thoughts?
Jul 27, 2015, 10:56 am
#410
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: ATL
Programs: UA:MM 1K HH:Diamond IHG:Plat Marriott:Plat
Posts: 652
I want to report some good news. Looks like the upgrade request sticks even past T-10hrs. I just cleared a battlefield upgrade (half the people had already boarded the flight) on LH metal using a GPU. If this is SOP and not some freak occurrence, then it is great news and it makes the electronic GPUs equally valuable and way more convenient than the paper GPUs.
Aug 5, 2015, 3:00 pm
#411
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: GEG
Programs: UAL 1K/1MM, Go Zags!
Posts: 404
PQM/PQD post- finally
I just wanted to follow up on my credit issue-
I flew SEA-FRA RT last April and used the new process. The upgrades cleared in both directions but the return leg required the usual gymnastics as described earlier in this string in the Senator Lounge- call, confused, eticket, stickers, blah blah blah. It eventually cleared up and I got my upgrade.
However once home the flight showed up as PQM/PQD ineligible. I appealed to the MP email three times to no avail (the flights actually dropped entirely off my activity list at one point).
Finally last week I took the advice of this board and called the MP desk and explained my situation. She was very helpful and just needed my original eticket number and said it would get cleared up in a week.
Today the credits finally showed up!^
Super-clumsy process though...
I flew SEA-FRA RT last April and used the new process. The upgrades cleared in both directions but the return leg required the usual gymnastics as described earlier in this string in the Senator Lounge- call, confused, eticket, stickers, blah blah blah. It eventually cleared up and I got my upgrade.
However once home the flight showed up as PQM/PQD ineligible. I appealed to the MP email three times to no avail (the flights actually dropped entirely off my activity list at one point).
Finally last week I took the advice of this board and called the MP desk and explained my situation. She was very helpful and just needed my original eticket number and said it would get cleared up in a week.
Today the credits finally showed up!^
Super-clumsy process though...
Aug 8, 2015, 2:41 am
#412
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PVG
Programs: SK*G, QR*G
Posts: 514
Upgrade premier economy to business
So we can't upgrade N class which is more expensive than Q class ? What's the logic behind that ?
Aug 8, 2015, 10:26 am
#413
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
a. It's a legacy of the fare structure before N became PE, and they haven't fixed it; or
b. It's a discount fare class (cheapest PE) and they don't want to make the discount fares upgradeable.
Aug 8, 2015, 11:52 am
#414
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
The answer is b. N is the low discount E fare bucket. Just like P in C. P is often lower than G/E/Y/B/M too 
Aug 8, 2015, 10:42 pm
#415
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K, NW forever
Posts: 1,390
I had a Z fare booked without any LH segments. A schedule change gave me an illegal connection, so UA rebooked me on an LH segment. There was no Z available on the LH flight so they booked me in D. I thought, "score!" and tried to upgrade with a GPU. The online system said "this segment is not ticketed" (which is different than the error you get when the data is just wrong), so I tried to call. The UA agent said that the upgrade eligibility goes by the fare basis code, not by the booking class code, so I'm not eligible even though I'm booked in D. Is this correct? Should I HUCA?
Aug 9, 2015, 6:06 am
#416
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Since the BoSox and ChiSox won it, now it is the Cubs turn to take the Series. Go Cubs Go!
Posts: 3,685
I had a Z fare booked without any LH segments. A schedule change gave me an illegal connection, so UA rebooked me on an LH segment. There was no Z available on the LH flight so they booked me in D. I thought, "score!" and tried to upgrade with a GPU. The online system said "this segment is not ticketed" (which is different than the error you get when the data is just wrong), so I tried to call. The UA agent said that the upgrade eligibility goes by the fare basis code, not by the booking class code, so I'm not eligible even though I'm booked in D. Is this correct? Should I HUCA?
Aug 10, 2015, 1:06 am
#417
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA 1K, NW forever
Posts: 1,390
Aug 10, 2015, 5:44 am
#418
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Since the BoSox and ChiSox won it, now it is the Cubs turn to take the Series. Go Cubs Go!
Posts: 3,685
Aug 10, 2015, 7:58 am
#419
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
dfreeman02, are you sure you have the correct ticket number? Perhaps in the rebooking they issued a new ticket. Had plenty of reissue tickets with new numbers, but could only find the old number on my reservation online. Use the saudi airline tool to check if in doubt and try calling to get the new ticket number.
Aug 12, 2015, 3:10 pm
#420
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: LAX IAH AMS
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 1,273
Anyway to tell in advance if there is F GPU availability on LH?
I know you can after booking... but I would tailor my trip to secure space from C to F.
