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}
#1246
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,424
#1247
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: Mileage Plus 1K \\ ConciergeKey
Posts: 531
Thanks again!
#1248
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: SQ Gold, UA Silver, DL Plat, AS MVP, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 76
Quick question, the sticky says that ticket stick doesn't matter for the GPU. Just to clarify, I have a ticket on Air Canada Stock on a full J ticket on LH metal that I would love to use a GPU on to jump to F. Can I use a GPU on that flight or does ticket stock not matter between UA and LH?
If I can use AC stock does it need an LH flight #?
It seems to good to be true so just wanted to clarify.
Thanks!
If I can use AC stock does it need an LH flight #?
It seems to good to be true so just wanted to clarify.
Thanks!
#1249
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,092
Quick question, the sticky says that ticket stick doesn't matter for the GPU. Just to clarify, I have a ticket on Air Canada Stock on a full J ticket on LH metal that I would love to use a GPU on to jump to F. Can I use a GPU on that flight or does ticket stock not matter between UA and LH?
If I can use AC stock does it need an LH flight #?
It seems to good to be true so just wanted to clarify.
Thanks!
If I can use AC stock does it need an LH flight #?
It seems to good to be true so just wanted to clarify.
Thanks!
#1250
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 949
FWIW my recent experience:
Booked AMS-FRA-BOS-DEN-MTJ-ORD-AMS in D. FRA-BOS was under a UA codeshare flight number on an LH operated flight. Called to get flight number changed so I could input GPU request online. Agent 1 after 12 minutes on hold couldn't get it done with the rate desk and suggested I either pay up from D to C or cancel the entire itinerary. Oh well, HUCA. Agent 2 had the flight number changed in 30 seconds but I later found couldn't apply a GPU and instead received the ''Error Code 523" message as it was not properly ticketed. Agent 3 understood thet problem, reticketed the segment. The GPU finally applied. Yay - now I'm looking forward to my LH F in the 747-8i!
ps the segment has dropped off of united.com. Entire itinerary is visible on LH.
All of the above is already covered in this thread. To anyone else having these problems: HUCA and call back until you get it right.
EDIT: - pps - segment re-appeared (1 day later) on united.com however showed departure and arrival times of 12:00am and 12:00am respectively.
Booked AMS-FRA-BOS-DEN-MTJ-ORD-AMS in D. FRA-BOS was under a UA codeshare flight number on an LH operated flight. Called to get flight number changed so I could input GPU request online. Agent 1 after 12 minutes on hold couldn't get it done with the rate desk and suggested I either pay up from D to C or cancel the entire itinerary. Oh well, HUCA. Agent 2 had the flight number changed in 30 seconds but I later found couldn't apply a GPU and instead received the ''Error Code 523" message as it was not properly ticketed. Agent 3 understood thet problem, reticketed the segment. The GPU finally applied. Yay - now I'm looking forward to my LH F in the 747-8i!
ps the segment has dropped off of united.com. Entire itinerary is visible on LH.
All of the above is already covered in this thread. To anyone else having these problems: HUCA and call back until you get it right.
EDIT: - pps - segment re-appeared (1 day later) on united.com however showed departure and arrival times of 12:00am and 12:00am respectively.
Last edited by onthesam; Feb 15, 2018 at 6:00 pm
#1251
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
Booked AMS-FRA-BOS-DEN-MTJ-ORD-AMS in D. FRA-BOS was under a UA codeshare flight number on an LH operated flight. Called to get flight number changed so I could input GPU request online. Agent 1 after 12 minutes on hold couldn't get it done with the rate desk and suggested I either pay up from D to C or cancel the entire itinerary. Oh well, HUCA. Agent 2 had the flight number changed in 30 seconds but I later found couldn't apply a GPU and instead received the ''Error Code 523" message as it was not properly ticketed. Agent 3 understood thet problem, reticketed the segment. The GPU finally applied. Yay - now I'm looking forward to my LH F in the 747-8i!
Not unique to UA, btw.
#1252
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,092
FWIW my recent experience:
Booked AMS-FRA-BOS-DEN-MTJ-ORD-AMS in D. FRA-BOS was under a UA codeshare flight number on an LH operated flight. Called to get flight number changed so I could input GPU request online. Agent 1 after 12 minutes on hold couldn't get it done with the rate desk and suggested I either pay up from D to C or cancel the entire itinerary. Oh well, HUCA. Agent 2 had the flight number changed in 30 seconds but I later found couldn't apply a GPU and instead received the ''Error Code 523" message as it was not properly ticketed. Agent 3 understood thet problem, reticketed the segment. The GPU finally applied. Yay - now I'm looking forward to my LH F in the 747-8i!
ps thethe segment has dropped off of united.com. Entire itinerary is visible on LH.
All of the above is already covered in this thread. To anyone else having these problems: HUCA and call back until you get it right.
Booked AMS-FRA-BOS-DEN-MTJ-ORD-AMS in D. FRA-BOS was under a UA codeshare flight number on an LH operated flight. Called to get flight number changed so I could input GPU request online. Agent 1 after 12 minutes on hold couldn't get it done with the rate desk and suggested I either pay up from D to C or cancel the entire itinerary. Oh well, HUCA. Agent 2 had the flight number changed in 30 seconds but I later found couldn't apply a GPU and instead received the ''Error Code 523" message as it was not properly ticketed. Agent 3 understood thet problem, reticketed the segment. The GPU finally applied. Yay - now I'm looking forward to my LH F in the 747-8i!
ps thethe segment has dropped off of united.com. Entire itinerary is visible on LH.
All of the above is already covered in this thread. To anyone else having these problems: HUCA and call back until you get it right.
#1253
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 69
I booked a flight CPH-FRA-EWR returning SFO-MUC-CPH in March and used GPUs on FRA-EWR and SFO-MUC that have both cleared. I booked the flight through Concur and applied GPUs using the United website tool (...presumably the only way to do so?).
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
#1254
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
I booked a flight CPH-FRA-EWR returning SFO-MUC-CPH in March and used GPUs on FRA-EWR and SFO-MUC that have both cleared. I booked the flight through Concur and applied GPUs using the United website tool (...presumably the only way to do so?).
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
#1255
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 need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
Regardless, you'll need to ask the agent to be sure and hold the upgraded segment while changing only the outbound. Then pray.
#1256
Join Date: Jul 2016
Programs: United MileagePlus
Posts: 69
I contacted Lufthansa on our corporate travel agency's recommendation and they couldn't do anything about it, so I'm having the corporate travel agent rebook and will have to reapply the GPUs Fingers crossed...
#1257
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,092
I booked a flight CPH-FRA-EWR returning SFO-MUC-CPH in March and used GPUs on FRA-EWR and SFO-MUC that have both cleared. I booked the flight through Concur and applied GPUs using the United website tool (...presumably the only way to do so?).
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
I need to change the outbound flight to leave two days earlier. Any recommendations on how to ensure that the GPU remains in force for SFO-MUC? I will be on my way home from what is consistently one of the most stressful weeks of my work year and v grateful for the lie-flat seat...
#1259
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,092
you are mistaken, there are 6 seats left in C and none in F. Looks like a tough situation, but Saturday is better than Sunday. Good luck.
Last edited by cfischer; Feb 18, 2018 at 10:38 am Reason: typo
#1260
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