Can I Use United PlusPoints To Upgrade On Lufthansa? | Mileage Magic Explained

Understanding United PlusPoints and Their Scope

United Airlines introduced PlusPoints as a new upgrade currency for its elite MileagePlus members, replacing the old Regional and Global Premier Upgrades. These PlusPoints offer a flexible way to upgrade flights operated by United and select partner airlines. However, the system’s nuances can be tricky, especially when it comes to using them on international partners like Lufthansa.

PlusPoints are earned based on your MileagePlus status level and can be used primarily for upgrading United-operated flights in premium cabins. The program’s design aims to simplify upgrades by consolidating various upgrade instruments into one currency. Still, it doesn’t mean these points are universally accepted across all Star Alliance partners.

Can I Use United PlusPoints To Upgrade On Lufthansa? The Core Reality

The short answer is no: you cannot directly use United PlusPoints to upgrade Lufthansa flights. While United and Lufthansa are both part of the Star Alliance network, the upgrade policies between these carriers differ significantly. Lufthansa does not recognize United’s PlusPoints as a valid upgrade currency on its own flights.

Lufthansa operates its own frequent flyer program, Miles & More, which manages upgrades internally using miles or paid upgrades. Even though you can book Lufthansa flights with United miles or earn miles on Lufthansa flights credited to United MileagePlus, the ability to use PlusPoints for upgrades is not extended beyond United-operated segments.

Why Does This Restriction Exist?

This limitation stems from how airlines manage their loyalty programs independently despite alliance partnerships. Each airline sets its own rules for upgrades, award redemptions, and partner benefits. While Star Alliance allows mileage earning and redemption across carriers, upgrade instruments like PlusPoints are often restricted to the issuing airline’s own flights.

Lufthansa’s premium cabin availability and upgrade inventory are controlled exclusively through Miles & More or paid upgrades purchased directly through the airline. Allowing external currencies like PlusPoints would complicate inventory management and revenue strategies.

Alternative Ways to Upgrade Lufthansa Flights via United MileagePlus

Even though direct use of PlusPoints on Lufthansa is off the table, there are indirect methods worth considering if upgrading your Lufthansa experience is a priority.

1. Redeem United Miles for Lufthansa Award Seats in Premium Cabins

United MileagePlus members can redeem miles for award tickets on Lufthansa-operated flights in business or first class. Booking an award seat outright in a premium cabin is often more straightforward than attempting an upgrade with points that aren’t accepted.

This method requires flexibility in travel dates and booking well in advance since premium award availability on Lufthansa can be limited.

2. Book a Flexible Fare Eligible for Paid Upgrades

When purchasing a Lufthansa ticket through United or directly with Lufthansa, selecting a fare class that qualifies for paid upgrades might allow you to buy an upgrade closer to departure. These paid upgrades don’t use PlusPoints but can be an option if you want premium seating without full award bookings.

3. Use Miles & More Miles If You Have Access

If you hold status or miles in Lufthansa’s Miles & More program (or transfer points from partner programs), you can leverage those miles for upgrades within Lufthansa’s system. This approach requires managing two separate loyalty accounts but offers more direct control over upgrades on Lufthansa flights.

The Role of Star Alliance Status in Upgrades

Star Alliance Gold status offers certain perks like lounge access and priority boarding across alliance members but does not inherently grant free or easy upgrades on partner airlines’ premium cabins. Your ability to upgrade still depends largely on each airline’s policies.

United Premier status holders may receive better chances at clearing paid upgrades or award seats but still cannot convert their PlusPoints into confirmed upgrades on partners like Lufthansa.

Comparing Upgrade Options: United vs. Lufthansa

To clarify how these two airlines handle upgrades differently, here’s a table comparing key elements:

Feature	United Airlines (PlusPoints)	Lufthansa (Miles & More)
Upgrade Currency	PlusPoints earned via elite status	Miles earned via flying or partners
Eligible Flights	United-operated flights only	Lufthansa-operated flights only
Upgrade Scope	Mainly domestic & international premium cabins on United planes	Lufthansa business & first class upgrades within Europe & long haul
Partner Upgrade Acceptance	No direct use of PlusPoints on partners like Lufthansa	No acceptance of external upgrade currencies like PlusPoints

This comparison highlights why relying solely on United PlusPoints for upgrading Lufthansa segments isn’t feasible.

The Booking Process: What Happens When You Try?

If you attempt to apply your United PlusPoints toward upgrading a flight segment operated by Lufthansa during booking or after purchase:

• The system will typically block such requests.
• You’ll receive notifications stating that the fare class or carrier is not eligible.
• Customer service representatives will confirm that only United metal flights qualify for such upgrades.

This means you must carefully check which segments are operated by which carrier before applying any points toward an upgrade.

The Importance of Flight Segments and Codeshares

Sometimes flights marketed by one airline but operated by another (codeshare) cause confusion about eligibility:

• If you book through United but fly a segment operated by Lufthansa (a codeshare), your ability to use PlusPoints depends entirely on who operates the flight.
• Only segments actually flown by United aircraft qualify for upgrades with PlusPoints.

Always verify the operating carrier when planning your itinerary if using these points for upgrades.

The Impact of Fare Classes on Upgrade Eligibility

Fare classes play a crucial role in whether an upgrade is possible at all:

• For United-operated flights, certain fare classes are eligible for PlusPoint upgrades; discount economy fares often aren’t.
• On Lufthansa, fare classes determine whether tickets qualify for mileage-based or paid upgrades—but again, this is managed solely through Miles & More.

Understanding fare classes helps avoid wasted attempts at upgrading tickets that aren’t eligible under either program’s rules.

How Elite Status Affects Upgrade Chances Across Both Airlines

Elite status levels influence how many points you earn and your priority when requesting upgrades:

• Higher-tier MileagePlus members earn more PlusPoints annually.
• Elite members may also enjoy better waitlist priority when applying those points.
• Similarly, Miles & More elites get preferential treatment in mileage redemptions and paid upgrade offers.

However, elite status doesn’t bridge the gap between programs—PlusPoints remain non-transferable for upgrading non-United flights like those of Lufthansa.

The Role of Award Travel vs Upgrades With Points

Sometimes travelers confuse award travel with point-based cabin upgrades:

• Award travel means redeeming miles for an entire ticket in business or first class.
• Upgrades mean converting an existing economy or premium economy ticket into business/first using points.

With United PlusPoints not valid on Lufthansa-operated legs for upgrading purposes, booking outright award seats using miles becomes the best option when flying with Lufthansa under MileagePlus redemption rules.

A Word About Partner Award Availability

Finding open award seats on popular routes with major carriers like Lufthansa can be challenging due to demand and limited inventory:

• Booking early increases chances.
• Flexibility with dates helps secure awards.

Patience pays off if you want luxury seating without paying full price in cash fares.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use United PlusPoints to upgrade on Lufthansa flights directly?

No, you cannot directly use United PlusPoints to upgrade Lufthansa flights. Although both airlines are in the Star Alliance, Lufthansa does not accept United’s PlusPoints for upgrades on its own flights.

Why can’t I use United PlusPoints to upgrade on Lufthansa?

This restriction exists because each airline manages its loyalty programs independently. Lufthansa controls upgrades through its Miles & More program and does not recognize United’s PlusPoints as valid for upgrades.

Are there alternative ways to upgrade Lufthansa flights using United MileagePlus?

While you can’t use PlusPoints directly, you may book Lufthansa flights with United miles or earn miles on Lufthansa segments credited to MileagePlus. However, upgrades with PlusPoints remain limited to United-operated flights only.

Does the Star Alliance partnership allow using United PlusPoints to upgrade on Lufthansa?

Star Alliance allows mileage earning and redemption across partners but does not extend upgrade currencies like PlusPoints universally. Upgrade privileges remain restricted to the airline that issued the currency.

Can I combine United PlusPoints with other methods to upgrade on Lufthansa?

United PlusPoints cannot be combined with Lufthansa’s Miles & More upgrades. To upgrade Lufthansa flights, you must use Miles & More miles or purchase paid upgrades directly through Lufthansa.