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}
Apr 26, 2018, 8:31 am
#1351
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
@[MENTION];[/MENTION]
Not working for me. I have P class flights booked as LH flight numbers and it is giving errors on the UA request page. That is the issue.
Only think I can think of is the ticket date of like mid march or something perhaps is when this too effect and I ticketed before then.
Multiple reports here of successfully upgrading paid P fares to F with GPU. Note that the UA policy has not changed (however LH now permits its own members to upgrade P and Z), so this could potentially be considered a system glitch of sorts. The GPU request is 100% electronic, so it's all "computer says".
Only think I can think of is the ticket date of like mid march or something perhaps is when this too effect and I ticketed before then.
Apr 26, 2018, 1:12 pm
#1352
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: SRQ
Programs: UA Plat-Million Miler (1.6MM), IHG-Plat Amb; Amex Plat-P, Marriott-Gold;Hertz Gold; Hilton-Gold
Posts: 762
@[MENTION];[/MENTION]
Not working for me. I have P class flights booked as LH flight numbers and it is giving errors on the UA request page. That is the issue.
Only think I can think of is the ticket date of like mid march or something perhaps is when this too effect and I ticketed before then.
Not working for me. I have P class flights booked as LH flight numbers and it is giving errors on the UA request page. That is the issue.
Only think I can think of is the ticket date of like mid march or something perhaps is when this too effect and I ticketed before then.
Now the question for all the great FT Sages: If we can use GPUs to waitlist P Class tickets for F upgrades on LH, how come we can't do the same on UA ??
May 8, 2018, 3:55 pm
#1353
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Calgary, AB; Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 20
Looks like I'm SOL on the GPU and seat selection. Called into UA to try and get a GPU applied, but according to UA policy P is not up-gradable and therefore they won't convert the flight to a native LH number.
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
May 8, 2018, 8:04 pm
#1354
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,092
Looks like I'm SOL on the GPU and seat selection. Called into UA to try and get a GPU applied, but according to UA policy P is not up-gradable and therefore they won't convert the flight to a native LH number.
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
May 8, 2018, 8:11 pm
#1355
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: 66,861
Looks like I'm SOL on the GPU and seat selection. Called into UA to try and get a GPU applied, but according to UA policy P is not up-gradable and therefore they won't convert the flight to a native LH number.
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
May 8, 2018, 8:49 pm
#1356
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 52
DDD
Interesting issue this evening, I have no idea what's going on with my flights at this point.
Booked itenerary - booked as 016 united tickets, business throughout (i think was originally booked as a mix of C/D fares, though I'm not sure which fares applied to which segments)
ORD-FRA-BSL 5/17 - upgraded ORD-FRA via GPU, confirmed ~4/18
BSL-FRA-ORD 5/23 - attempted to apply GPU on 5/8 (looked at GPUs available, realized that some potential upcoming flights might get changed to polaris, rendering the GPUs less useful, figured I might as well use 'em now).
For my FRA-ORD flight - it's a LH codeshare, purchased on an 016 united ticket. Called the 1k line, they transferred me elsewhere, they said they had to "convert my ticket" in order to use a GPU - they told me that I would then be able to use the automated website (This one) to upgrade. Which didn't (initially) work, and someone from another call to the 1k line was able to fix it.
Now my final flight (FRA-ORD) is not showing at all in my united itinerary, but is showing (actually as confirmed 1st, not waitlisted) if I check it on Lufthansa. Should I assume that all is well and good, and I'll be on my flight? (Ugh the last time I did this, it was similarly messed up, and my second flight wasn't showing up for anyone - they couldn't check me in, and I nearly missed my first flight out)
(I'm already assuming that because for some reason UA has to switch an 016 codeshare to the LH flight info to use the GPU that I'll probably have to call in after the fact to get the proper PQD/resultant miles applied)
Booked itenerary - booked as 016 united tickets, business throughout (i think was originally booked as a mix of C/D fares, though I'm not sure which fares applied to which segments)
ORD-FRA-BSL 5/17 - upgraded ORD-FRA via GPU, confirmed ~4/18
BSL-FRA-ORD 5/23 - attempted to apply GPU on 5/8 (looked at GPUs available, realized that some potential upcoming flights might get changed to polaris, rendering the GPUs less useful, figured I might as well use 'em now).
For my FRA-ORD flight - it's a LH codeshare, purchased on an 016 united ticket. Called the 1k line, they transferred me elsewhere, they said they had to "convert my ticket" in order to use a GPU - they told me that I would then be able to use the automated website (This one) to upgrade. Which didn't (initially) work, and someone from another call to the 1k line was able to fix it.
Now my final flight (FRA-ORD) is not showing at all in my united itinerary, but is showing (actually as confirmed 1st, not waitlisted) if I check it on Lufthansa. Should I assume that all is well and good, and I'll be on my flight? (Ugh the last time I did this, it was similarly messed up, and my second flight wasn't showing up for anyone - they couldn't check me in, and I nearly missed my first flight out)
(I'm already assuming that because for some reason UA has to switch an 016 codeshare to the LH flight info to use the GPU that I'll probably have to call in after the fact to get the proper PQD/resultant miles applied)
May 9, 2018, 12:12 am
#1357
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,198
Looks like I'm SOL on the GPU and seat selection. Called into UA to try and get a GPU applied, but according to UA policy P is not up-gradable and therefore they won't convert the flight to a native LH number.
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
Has anyone had any luck with trying to get apply a GPU against a P fare on a UA code share / LH metal segment? Do I just need to keep rolling the dice and hope a willing agent picks up?
May 9, 2018, 7:27 am
#1358
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Calgary, AB; Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 20
I'm not - every time I give them the details on the segments I want to upgrade, they look up the details and notice the P fare. I'm not sure if the system prevents them from doing it, or they know off hand that according to UA, P fares are not eligible. Typically the dialogue goes along the lines of "Oh I don't think P fares are eligible, let me check the policy... Yes, according the stated policy only C,D, J fares are eligible, sorry we cannot convert the code share."
May 9, 2018, 8:18 am
#1359
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: LAX
Programs: UA:1k; MR: PLT; Hilton: Gold
Posts: 1,324
I'm not - every time I give them the details on the segments I want to upgrade, they look up the details and notice the P fare. I'm not sure if the system prevents them from doing it, or they know off hand that according to UA, P fares are not eligible. Typically the dialogue goes along the lines of "Oh I don't think P fares are eligible, let me check the policy... Yes, according the stated policy only C,D, J fares are eligible, sorry we cannot convert the code share."
May 9, 2018, 7:37 pm
#1360
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Calgary, AB; Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 20
I'll try again in the morning and hopefully get through to someone more eager / less familiar with UA's GPU fare class restrictions.
May 9, 2018, 8:10 pm
#1361
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: 66,861
Best when the agent says no is say "thanks, was not aware of that" and politely hang up -- then try again later. Make an agent angry and that may be the end of the road.
While you may think that isn't reasonable, it is reality--- and in fact, the agents are correct on what the posted UA policy is -- it is just out-of-date with LH's policy. None of the frontline agents are going to change UA's policy. You just need an agent willing to make the change anyway.
May 9, 2018, 11:49 pm
#1362
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: Calgary, AB; Canada
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 20
Be careful about pushing an agent too hard -- if one writes up in the PNR notes, you had called before and had been informed this was not possible, you might have created a brick wall for future agents.
Best when the agent says no is say "thanks, was not aware of that" and politely hang up -- then try again later. Make an agent angry and that may be the end of the road.
While you may think that isn't reasonable, it is reality--- and in fact, the agents are correct on what the posted UA policy is -- it is just out-of-date with LH's policy. None of the frontline agents are going to change UA's policy. You just need an agent willing to make the change anyway.
Best when the agent says no is say "thanks, was not aware of that" and politely hang up -- then try again later. Make an agent angry and that may be the end of the road.
While you may think that isn't reasonable, it is reality--- and in fact, the agents are correct on what the posted UA policy is -- it is just out-of-date with LH's policy. None of the frontline agents are going to change UA's policy. You just need an agent willing to make the change anyway.
Wondering if all the P/Z success stories are limited to flights originally booked with LH numbers, without the need for flight number conversion.
Fingers crossed for the next attempt!
May 17, 2018, 6:24 am
#1363
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA 1K MM,Marriott platinum,ihg spire
Posts: 146
higher possibility of clearing on E fare ?
Hi,
Looking at FRA - BKK on october 28 on A380 and return on november 3rd also on A380.
Price difference is only about 200€ between economy M class and premium economy class E. (E being the highest price of the two)
Which one of the two would have the higher chance of clearing ?
Looking at FRA - BKK on october 28 on A380 and return on november 3rd also on A380.
Price difference is only about 200€ between economy M class and premium economy class E. (E being the highest price of the two)
Which one of the two would have the higher chance of clearing ?
May 17, 2018, 7:47 am
#1364
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: FRA ✈️ SFO
Posts: 68
Hi,
Looking at FRA - BKK on october 28 on A380 and return on november 3rd also on A380.
Price difference is only about 200€ between economy M class and premium economy class E. (E being the highest price of the two)
Which one of the two would have the higher chance of clearing ?
Looking at FRA - BKK on october 28 on A380 and return on november 3rd also on A380.
Price difference is only about 200€ between economy M class and premium economy class E. (E being the highest price of the two)
Which one of the two would have the higher chance of clearing ?
May 17, 2018, 8:34 am
#1365
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,484
People need to realize that they are likely bumping into inventory restrictions when they try to do this. If you have a P/Z, there's a very good chance you bought a codeshare because it cost thousands less than the same flight booked under native flight number.