Does United status get you upgrades on Lufthansa?

You can make upgrade requests for Lufthansa-operated flights beginning 331 days before departure until 10 hours before departure. If upgrade space is available at the time of the request and you choose to confirm the upgrade, United will automatically deduct PlusPoints from your MileagePlus account.



As of 2026, having United Airlines Premier status does not qualify you for "complimentary" upgrades on Lufthansa flights. While both airlines are Star Alliance partners, complimentary upgrades are generally restricted to an airline's own "metal" (aircraft). However, you can use United PlusPoints to request upgrades on Lufthansa-operated flights, provided you are booked in eligible fare classes (typically Y, B, M, U, H, Q, or V for Economy to Premium Economy/Business). In early 2026, United and Lufthansa expanded their digital integration, allowing Premier 1K and Global Services members to confirm these PlusPoints upgrades instantly through the United app for many transatlantic routes. If you hold Premier Gold status or higher, you are recognized as Star Alliance Gold, which grants you "priority" on the standby list for seats, lounge access, and extra baggage on Lufthansa, but you will still need to use miles or upgrade certificates to move to a higher cabin.

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On flights that have premium economy seats, flyers who have booked a Premium Plus seat have first priority for upgrades over everyone else. Only once those upgrade requests have cleared will United begin to process upgrades from those in economy.

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You're automatically eligible for a Complimentary Premier Upgrade as long as you are a Premier member (the higher your status, the earlier you become eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades and are flying on an eligible ticket on any eligible United-operated flight.

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You can request a PlusPoints upgrade at booking or after you've been ticketed. To book a new reservation with a PlusPoints upgrade, go to advanced search on united.com and select PlusPoints upgrades from the Upgrade Type drop-down menu.

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Log in using your login details at My bookings. You will receive notification about whether you can submit an offer for an upgrade on your booking. Click on the relevant message if an upgrade is available for your booking. Then enter your credit card details, check your offer and submit it.

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Lufthansa's newest business class is so fresh that it's operating on a few flights only. However, if you can find them, they're worth taking. Not only is the seating configuration better — allowing those with a window to access the aisle without clambering over a neighbor — its seats are also larger.

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Yes it does, since United Gold status is also Star Alliance Gold status. This means you and one travel companion can enjoy lounge access on international itineraries, even when flying in economy class.

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Generally speaking, it is usually cheaper to upgrade your flight in advance online or over the phone than at the airport before checking in. However, if you wait until you get to the airport, there may be last-minute deals available that could save you money.

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The closer to the flight departing, the less likely the airline is to sell a cash fare in the upgraded cabin. Thus, they may be open to the idea of offering it to an existing passenger for a discounted price. The prices vary depending on the airline and route.

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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On almost every flight, the passengers who get upgrades are either the ones who pay for them (whether in dollars or miles) in advance or frequent fliers with elite status who receive complimentary upgrades as part of their perks. There are very few exceptions, so don't expect to score a free upgrade by just asking.

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Know When to Ask
Talk to a gate agent and let them know that you're interested in moving up. Once onboard there isn't anything we can do as a flight attendant, Kamalani said of her airline. Gate agents will typically have a list of frequent fliers who are first eligible for upgrades.

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Make a Skip Waitlist request during booking by selecting “Available only and Skip Waitlist” during the pick your view step when making a PlusPoints upgrade. You'll see a “Skip Waitlist” label on eligible flights.

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