Consolidated "Lufthansa Upgrade With UA SWU Questions/Experiences" Thread [2010/11]
#1
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,187
Consolidated "Lufthansa Upgrade With UA SWU Questions/Experiences" Thread [2010/11]
had trouble using a friend's UA-LH upgrade certificate to upgrade my LH flight this weekend. the check-in agent insisted my friend be present or show ID, and wouldn't budge. even asked the supervisor (at BOS).
1) is having a friend sign the voucher over to me okay usually to use it?
2) should i have gone to the GA or lounge agent and ask them instead of front ticket agent?
its a long thread- maybe answered before, but assistance welcome. thanks.
1) is having a friend sign the voucher over to me okay usually to use it?
2) should i have gone to the GA or lounge agent and ask them instead of front ticket agent?
its a long thread- maybe answered before, but assistance welcome. thanks.
There's no where on the voucher to sign it over. Some people do include a signed letter authorizing the transfer. I suppose in BOS it would have to come with a notarized copy of ones ID with a signature.
The check-in agent was wrong. The SWU clearly says it is fully transferable. Yes, when you fail to get upgraded at check in you try the lounge, and then you try to GA. Eventually you find someone, even if an American, who understands English. Your friend should complain to UA and LH.
That said I've never attempted to use a paper SWU much less a paper SWU from a friend for flights ex-U.S., but on this thread you run into lots of U.S-based LH personnel who make up rules as they go along. I once had quibbling in the FRA FCL, but I pointed out the "full transferable" language, and all was well.
The check-in agent was wrong. The SWU clearly says it is fully transferable. Yes, when you fail to get upgraded at check in you try the lounge, and then you try to GA. Eventually you find someone, even if an American, who understands English. Your friend should complain to UA and LH.
That said I've never attempted to use a paper SWU much less a paper SWU from a friend for flights ex-U.S., but on this thread you run into lots of U.S-based LH personnel who make up rules as they go along. I once had quibbling in the FRA FCL, but I pointed out the "full transferable" language, and all was well.
A little update:
Tried to use SWUs to go C->F at SEA on Sunday. The incident at BOS mentioned above is true. LH NYC (HQ Americas) has sent a circular to all 17 stations in N. America instructing DMs to only approve upgrades using the paper SWU issued by UA if the sponsoring member is physically present and approves the use of the instrument (the same procedure as if you would sponsor a M&M miles upgrade at the airport for someone else). The reason cited in the circular was that United noticed an active trading of the paper SWUs on ebay. The statement on the SWU clearly says 'Certificate is transferable but void if bartered or sold.' The DM said they have no way of verifying the statement unless the owner of the cert approves its use in person.
It seems the inflation of SWUs in last years DEQM promo has caused a flood of these to be used.
[Moderator's Note - Older posts on this topic may be found here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...d-archive.html
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; Nov 10, 2010 at 8:08 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York, NY
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Krk - muc -ewr :
I'm flying LH on a CO ticket number. Hoping to use a UA SWU to upgrade both legs. Question is - Will they be able to process this in KRK or will I have to wait until I reach MUC (which is a tight connection)? Also, will I have any issues because it's a CO ticket?
Thanks!
AZ
Thanks!
AZ
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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The terms and conditions clearly say that flights on LH metal marketed by other airlines are applicable to the UA paper SWU for LH.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2004
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#5
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Tampa, FL, USA
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A little update:
Tried to use SWUs to go C->F at SEA on Sunday. The incident at BOS mentioned above is true. LH NYC (HQ Americas) has sent a circular to all 17 stations in N. America instructing DMs to only approve upgrades using the paper SWU issued by UA if the sponsoring member is physically present and approves the use of the instrument.
Tried to use SWUs to go C->F at SEA on Sunday. The incident at BOS mentioned above is true. LH NYC (HQ Americas) has sent a circular to all 17 stations in N. America instructing DMs to only approve upgrades using the paper SWU issued by UA if the sponsoring member is physically present and approves the use of the instrument.
Is there any way to get a LH PNR comment entered in advance to avoid this?
#6
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It is unlikely they will process MUC->EWR at the KRK station because it is a standby at the station instrument.
#8
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: United 1K, HH Diamond, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 732
A little update:
Tried to use SWUs to go C->F at SEA on Sunday. The incident at BOS mentioned above is true. LH NYC (HQ Americas) has sent a circular to all 17 stations in N. America instructing DMs to only approve upgrades using the paper SWU issued by UA if the sponsoring member is physically present and approves the use of the instrument (the same procedure as if you would sponsor a M&M miles upgrade at the airport for someone else). The reason cited in the circular was that United noticed an active trading of the paper SWUs on ebay. The statement on the SWU clearly says 'Certificate is transferable but void if bartered or sold.' The DM said they have no way of verifying the statement unless the owner of the cert approves its use in person.
It seems the inflation of SWUs in last years DEQM promo has caused a flood of these to be used.
Tried to use SWUs to go C->F at SEA on Sunday. The incident at BOS mentioned above is true. LH NYC (HQ Americas) has sent a circular to all 17 stations in N. America instructing DMs to only approve upgrades using the paper SWU issued by UA if the sponsoring member is physically present and approves the use of the instrument (the same procedure as if you would sponsor a M&M miles upgrade at the airport for someone else). The reason cited in the circular was that United noticed an active trading of the paper SWUs on ebay. The statement on the SWU clearly says 'Certificate is transferable but void if bartered or sold.' The DM said they have no way of verifying the statement unless the owner of the cert approves its use in person.
It seems the inflation of SWUs in last years DEQM promo has caused a flood of these to be used.
That's unfortunate. But what if you 'suddenly remembered' at the gate you had an LH SWU, and ask the GA to apply the upgrade? your companion obviously can't be present post-security to be next to you. Lounge agents and GAs should be able to apply it right?
In Europe at least, they never had a probably applying it at the gate. Hope N.Am. agents can do it gate-side.
#9
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United doesn't know about this yet, if true
Just got off the phone with both Mileage Plus and the 1K desk. They told me they have no such news about the in-person requirement for printed SWU's. The 1K agent said her supervisor called LH while I was on hold, and was told there was nothing like this in effect. All they suggested is that the name of recipient be written on the certificate.
However, since it sounds like this might be a very new policy, they simply may not have disseminated it yet.
Pretty ridiculous policy if it's true, and thoroughly impractical for those us that don't reside in an LH gateway city!
However, since it sounds like this might be a very new policy, they simply may not have disseminated it yet.
Pretty ridiculous policy if it's true, and thoroughly impractical for those us that don't reside in an LH gateway city!
#10
Join Date: Jul 2010
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I gave my 2 most recent SWU's to my dad for LH C > F and he successfully used one for ORD-FRA-SIN on Monday. I gave a note with my signature just in case they had that requirement and he said the LH person heard a rumor of a new policy but said my note with my signature would be good enough for them.
I'll hear on his return tomorrow afternoon on his return to ORD whether it worked or not.
I'll hear on his return tomorrow afternoon on his return to ORD whether it worked or not.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: United 1K, HH Diamond, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 732
Just got off the phone with both Mileage Plus and the 1K desk. They told me they have no such news about the in-person requirement for printed SWU's. The 1K agent said her supervisor called LH while I was on hold, and was told there was nothing like this in effect. All they suggested is that the name of recipient be written on the certificate.
However, since it sounds like this might be a very new policy, they simply may not have disseminated it yet.
Pretty ridiculous policy if it's true, and thoroughly impractical for those us that don't reside in an LH gateway city!
However, since it sounds like this might be a very new policy, they simply may not have disseminated it yet.
Pretty ridiculous policy if it's true, and thoroughly impractical for those us that don't reside in an LH gateway city!
#12
Join Date: Apr 2004
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I gave my 2 most recent SWU's to my dad for LH C > F and he successfully used one for ORD-FRA-SIN on Monday. I gave a note with my signature just in case they had that requirement and he said the LH person heard a rumor of a new policy but said my note with my signature would be good enough for them.
I'll hear on his return tomorrow afternoon on his return to ORD whether it worked or not.
I'll hear on his return tomorrow afternoon on his return to ORD whether it worked or not.
If he was upgraded all the way, is this a change or did he get lucky?
#13
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
Any other recent reports from US gateways would be appreciated.
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Such a rule is getting a little to zealous. So if that rule was in place and I wanted to upgrade my parents flying to or from somewhere, I am not, I wouldn't be able to do it. Or if my wife is flying in after a conference that I'm attending, we can't use the SWUs. How nice...Thanks United/LH. I would also suggest as customers, we don't pay you for your services, until they are rendered. Seems like a good mtching principle. I've seen a lot of cancelled flights, delayed, etc. That's really not what I entered into the deal expecting. So I'd like the right not to pay you until after the flight.
Seriously, United needs to loosen up a little bit. I personally think they can cut back on the number of SWUs but need to loosen all the rules around them. They should appy to all fares. SWUs are supposed to be a perk - United needs to make them appear to be a perk.
Seriously, United needs to loosen up a little bit. I personally think they can cut back on the number of SWUs but need to loosen all the rules around them. They should appy to all fares. SWUs are supposed to be a perk - United needs to make them appear to be a perk.
#15
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for instance in the MP Rules it states
...Members, in accumulating mileage or certificates, may not rely upon the continued availability of an award or award level, and members may not be able to obtain all offered awards or use awards to all destinations or on all flights.
... Participation in the Mileage Plus Program (the "Program") is subject to any terms and conditions, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures ("Program Rules") that United may, at its discretion, adopt from time to time.
... Participation in the Mileage Plus Program (the "Program") is subject to any terms and conditions, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures ("Program Rules") that United may, at its discretion, adopt from time to time.