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}
#1006
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
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.
Definitely fly UA then connect onto LH. 1) UA seat is much more comfortable and with the Polaris soft product the food etc. is comparable; 2) you'll get a chance to compare; 3) the UA 744 is being phased out soon and is personally my favourite in J.
#1007
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: UA 1K, SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 568
Thank you both. Unfortunately, I cannot take the 7pm on the Sunday. Was eying that one . I think I will take the advice and fly UA. Your success on Sundays in the summer has me encouraged. Will wait a day or two to see if other opinions come in. cheers! (Btw: booked Etihad F award for return, excited about that).
#1008
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: EWR/LHR/SFO
Programs: UA 1K 1MM
Posts: 574
Thank you both. Unfortunately, I cannot take the 7pm on the Sunday. Was eying that one . I think I will take the advice and fly UA. Your success on Sundays in the summer has me encouraged. Will wait a day or two to see if other opinions come in. cheers! (Btw: booked Etihad F award for return, excited about that).
#1009
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,384
Thank you both. Unfortunately, I cannot take the 7pm on the Sunday. Was eying that one . I think I will take the advice and fly UA. Your success on Sundays in the summer has me encouraged. Will wait a day or two to see if other opinions come in. cheers! (Btw: booked Etihad F award for return, excited about that).
Might not be an acceptable price though.
#1010
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 63
Another data point:
US-MUC E fare on a Tuesday night. I9 according to LH, and at least four saver biz award available through UA.com. Cleared at booking.
MUC-US E fare on a Friday. I9 according to LH, and at least four saver biz award available through UA.com. Waitlisted. Cleared 3 hours later.
So, no idea how the algorithm works, with one clearing immediately while one was waitlisted but cleared only hours later (but weeks before the flight). Just FYI to those keeping score. Any hypotheses out there?
US-MUC E fare on a Tuesday night. I9 according to LH, and at least four saver biz award available through UA.com. Cleared at booking.
MUC-US E fare on a Friday. I9 according to LH, and at least four saver biz award available through UA.com. Waitlisted. Cleared 3 hours later.
So, no idea how the algorithm works, with one clearing immediately while one was waitlisted but cleared only hours later (but weeks before the flight). Just FYI to those keeping score. Any hypotheses out there?
#1011
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,384
I would hypothesize that the clearing process is slow, and doesn't run continuously.
#1012
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
My personal theory is that the award and upgrade availability are different. I have cleared LH D->F upgrades immediately when no award tickets were available through UA and ANA.
#1013
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 63
Despite the GPUs clearing into I, the fact that one segment was I9 with saver awards available and yet still waitlisted, if even for a couple hours, while another cleared immediately, suggests that's absolutely correct. Some subset of I seems to be for upgrades and may not even be immediately available if it's I9. But perhaps strongly predictive of it at least clearing quickly? Who knows...
#1014
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 31,963
#1015
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 63
It's been awhile since I've had GPUs clear on LH stock. Quick question: today when I check the LH ticket, the original E fare segments have been added back in addition to the confirmed I segments. The seat assignments are in business. But is it normal to have the duplicate segments in the original fare class and I class when it's a 220 stock? Sorry if this has been answered before. I know this happens on 016 stock tickets, but 220 also?
#1016
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
It's been awhile since I've had GPUs clear on LH stock. Quick question: today when I check the LH ticket, the original E fare segments have been added back in addition to the confirmed I segments. The seat assignments are in business. But is it normal to have the duplicate segments in the original fare class and I class when it's a 220 stock? Sorry if this has been answered before. I know this happens on 016 stock tickets, but 220 also?
#1017
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
#1018
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 63
Can anyone confirm that this doesn't create issues? What's weird is that the duplicate economy segments showed up a day after the upgrades cleared and I had double checked seats etc. LH claims the travel agency resold the economy segments and that they must remove them or ticket risks being canceled; travel agency denies it touched it (and I believe them). If this is normal on 220 stock with GPUs I'll just let it be...
#1019
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Portland OR & Bangkok
Programs: United GS, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 662
Another GPU cleared today, this time J -> O (A380) 48 hours before flight.
6 out of 6 so far this year.
I noticed a pattern - if not confirmed right away, then it'll clear 48-72 hours before the flight (all had at least 2 seats for sale).
Did fare class (J, C, D) play a role? Maybe, but I had D cleared before J (at 72hrs vs 48hrs)
6 out of 6 so far this year.
I noticed a pattern - if not confirmed right away, then it'll clear 48-72 hours before the flight (all had at least 2 seats for sale).
Did fare class (J, C, D) play a role? Maybe, but I had D cleared before J (at 72hrs vs 48hrs)
#1020
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,127
Another GPU cleared today, this time J -> O (A380) 48 hours before flight.
6 out of 6 so far this year.
I noticed a pattern - if not confirmed right away, then it'll clear 48-72 hours before the flight (all had at least 2 seats for sale).
Did fare class (J, C, D) play a role? Maybe, but I had D cleared before J (at 72hrs vs 48hrs)
6 out of 6 so far this year.
I noticed a pattern - if not confirmed right away, then it'll clear 48-72 hours before the flight (all had at least 2 seats for sale).
Did fare class (J, C, D) play a role? Maybe, but I had D cleared before J (at 72hrs vs 48hrs)