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}
May 20, 2017, 8:47 pm
#991
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,852
One more question... looks to me like booking a ticket through United is about twice the price of booking straight on LH. Searching for DEN-CPT round trip, seems like just over $1,100 for the whole ticket on LH and just over $1000 each way on United. Is that pretty normal?
May 21, 2017, 10:20 am
#992
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
Any clue where things are?
I'm about 19 hours out, flight shows F5 A4 O0, J5 C0 D0, etc, but 9s across the board for sale in Y. PE is also full.
I'm on a J fare, waitlisted for F with a GPU...still a chance it will clear? Seatmap seems to jive with the F5...
I'm about 19 hours out, flight shows F5 A4 O0, J5 C0 D0, etc, but 9s across the board for sale in Y. PE is also full.
I'm on a J fare, waitlisted for F with a GPU...still a chance it will clear? Seatmap seems to jive with the F5...
May 21, 2017, 10:25 am
#993
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,876
Good luck!
May 21, 2017, 10:25 am
#994
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
May 21, 2017, 10:32 am
#995
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Accor Plat, Htz PC, Natl ExEm, other random status
Posts: 2,876
I'm wondering if you're running into the issue I haven't seen for a really long time, where they used to (maybe still do) cater in sets of 4 passengers, and they were really reluctant to upgrade if it pushed them into another full set of 4 passengers.
I've cleared upgrades to F as close as boarding already underway.
May 21, 2017, 10:38 am
#996
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
I'm actually surprised you haven't cleared already.
I'm wondering if you're running into the issue I haven't seen for a really long time, where they used to (maybe still do) cater in sets of 4 passengers, and they were really reluctant to upgrade if it pushed them into another full set of 4 passengers.
I've cleared upgrades to F as close as boarding already underway.
I'm wondering if you're running into the issue I haven't seen for a really long time, where they used to (maybe still do) cater in sets of 4 passengers, and they were really reluctant to upgrade if it pushed them into another full set of 4 passengers.
I've cleared upgrades to F as close as boarding already underway.
May 21, 2017, 4:34 pm
#997
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: Continental
Posts: 1,589
For the past few years I have been able to use gpu's to upgrade to businessfirst in January, on the UA 747 from SFO-FRA.
Now that the 747 is gone, I'd like to try to go on LH on the A380.
I am very flexible on dates, and usually book it in May the year before.
Is there anyway to know the LH availability for instant upgrade at time of booking?
Now that the 747 is gone, I'd like to try to go on LH on the A380.
I am very flexible on dates, and usually book it in May the year before.
Is there anyway to know the LH availability for instant upgrade at time of booking?
May 22, 2017, 2:29 am
#998
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,169
If UA sells you an I award, the changes of instant clearing is rather high.
May 22, 2017, 6:32 pm
#999
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,040
I wasn't able to request it until about T-24. Was ticketed as UA codeshare, and over 10+ calls despite LH showing J9 UA wasn't able to get it changed to an LH flight number because "every time we request it, it comes back unable to confirm" - they called LH, and LH said they were blocking/not selling seats. Now finally, at about T-24, they were able to get an LH agent to "let" them have the J space. So, finally requested at T-24...
May 22, 2017, 10:16 pm
#1000
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: anywhere and everywhere
Programs: UA GS, AS MVP 100K, DL Diamond, Marriot Lifetime Titanium, AmEx Centurion
Posts: 5,525
May 27, 2017, 2:47 am
#1001
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, PC Plat, SPG Platinum, Marriott Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 159
Update: United Web support just told me Lufthansa is not allowing upgrades on these flights from IAH-FRA and FRA-IAH.
I just hope it is not true. And rudest 1K agent ever, very harsh tone and won't even listen to what I had to say
Trying to use GPUs with a LH issued ticket 220 stock.
Keep getting this on their website:
We have experienced a technical problem. If you have not received this message before, please try your request again. If you have received this error previously or are traveling on a codeshare flight with a United flight number, please call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) within the U.S. or Canada, elsewhere call your local Customer Contact Center. (Error code: 118)
1k desk transferred me to Web support for upgrades and the lady had no clue. Initially kept telling me I can only upgrade Y and B. :-(
I have a mix of E and U fare classes. United says everything is per rules (LH numbers, not within 24 hours, correct fare buckets).
She told me to try a few hours a later, but this has been like this for a day now. And they do not have access to tools and it is whatever the system does in the back end. :-)
Lufthansa even shows upgrade availability on one of the flights, if I had 30K M&M miles, I can just straight upgrade one of the flights, but unfortunately I am loyal to UA.
Thank god for 1K agents. There seem to be an issue with the system and they filed a support ticket.
On the other hand, Web support big thumbs down. Pretty much told me I called the wrong airline and that I need to call Lufthansa to upgrade the LH fights. Grrrr...
I just hope it is not true. And rudest 1K agent ever, very harsh tone and won't even listen to what I had to say
Trying to use GPUs with a LH issued ticket 220 stock.
Keep getting this on their website:
We have experienced a technical problem. If you have not received this message before, please try your request again. If you have received this error previously or are traveling on a codeshare flight with a United flight number, please call 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331) within the U.S. or Canada, elsewhere call your local Customer Contact Center. (Error code: 118)
1k desk transferred me to Web support for upgrades and the lady had no clue. Initially kept telling me I can only upgrade Y and B. :-(
I have a mix of E and U fare classes. United says everything is per rules (LH numbers, not within 24 hours, correct fare buckets).
She told me to try a few hours a later, but this has been like this for a day now. And they do not have access to tools and it is whatever the system does in the back end. :-)
Lufthansa even shows upgrade availability on one of the flights, if I had 30K M&M miles, I can just straight upgrade one of the flights, but unfortunately I am loyal to UA.
Thank god for 1K agents. There seem to be an issue with the system and they filed a support ticket.
On the other hand, Web support big thumbs down. Pretty much told me I called the wrong airline and that I need to call Lufthansa to upgrade the LH fights. Grrrr...
Last edited by nrjanga; May 28, 2017 at 4:48 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
May 29, 2017, 3:48 am
#1002
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,040
Flight in 3 weeks using a GPU to upgrade C --> O
May 29, 2017, 5:09 am
#1003
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, PC Plat, SPG Platinum, Marriott Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 159
Update: Tool is working now and I am confirmed on 2 flights and wait-listed on other 2.
Thank you, I guess I will keep calling, but this is becoming very frustrating. I am transferring my SPG points to LH as a back up.
The United upgrades on Lufthansa have become real casino play, I may have to ditch United after all these years if this continues. Earlier this year I had a GPU cleared on LH and seat assigned, but LH and UA together could not figure out how to make it go through at the airport after 2 hours of talking to each other.
They did give ma $400 comp cert, so I guess I can't complain too much.
I am not sure if the agent are simply incapable or the system is so screwed up that they are not allowed to do anything.
Thank you, I guess I will keep calling, but this is becoming very frustrating. I am transferring my SPG points to LH as a back up.
The United upgrades on Lufthansa have become real casino play, I may have to ditch United after all these years if this continues. Earlier this year I had a GPU cleared on LH and seat assigned, but LH and UA together could not figure out how to make it go through at the airport after 2 hours of talking to each other.
They did give ma $400 comp cert, so I guess I can't complain too much.
I am not sure if the agent are simply incapable or the system is so screwed up that they are not allowed to do anything.
Last edited by nrjanga; May 29, 2017 at 5:28 am Reason: Updated Information
May 29, 2017, 6:10 pm
#1004
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 568
Ho - I am flying SFO - FRA - DXB, Sunday July 9 (so high season). I have to book through UA for PQD. I want to apply a GPU at least to the transatlantic segment. I have 2 options - UA 747 and LH A380. Niether have saver awards available now that would suggest immeditate upgrade potential. Any recommendations on whether I should buy the UA flight and try upgrade that (perhaps on a U fare) or buy similar fare on LH codeshare and try upgrade that. Which is more likely to clear into C class given plane type and the GPU upgrade process on these airlines. All advice much appreciated.
May 29, 2017, 6:20 pm
#1005
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
Ho - I am flying SFO - FRA - DXB, Sunday July 9 (so high season). I have to book through UA for PQD. I want to apply a GPU at least to the transatlantic segment. I have 2 options - UA 747 and LH A380. Niether have saver awards available now that would suggest immeditate upgrade potential. Any recommendations on whether I should buy the UA flight and try upgrade that (perhaps on a U fare) or buy similar fare on LH codeshare and try upgrade that. Which is more likely to clear into C class given plane type and the GPU upgrade process on these airlines. All advice much appreciated.
I flew LH A380 in F (upgraded with GPU) last week and it was fantastic. One of my best flights ever in about 100 longhaul C/F flights across many airlines.