Earlier today I wrote about Lufthansa first class awards being available Chicago – Frankfurt. That’s rare because Lufthansa usually only allows partner frequent flyer programs to book Lufthansa first class within two weeks of travel.
First we saw non-US routes become available a few weeks ago. Then a few days later a trickle of US space.
And now in fact we’re seeing it on myriad routes between the US and Germany. For instance Washington Dulles – Frankfurt:
And Newark – Frankfurt:
It appears that this space is bookable through several Star Alliance programs including Avianca LifeMiles (online, no fuel surcharges), Singapore Airlines Krisflyer (online, with fuel surcharges), and Aegean Miles & Bonus (phone, fuel surcharges) but not through United and Aeroplan. It seems that the North American frequent flyer programs — knowing Lufthansa doesn’t generally make this space available — have hard coded against it.
Many readers have Lifemiles because they sell miles cheap and are a Citi transfer partner. Singapore miles are more common and a phone agent can hold the space pending a transfer, though not all will.
This has gone on too long to think that it is any kind of mistake. If it were an error Lufthansa would have ended it in a few hours or a day, but they’ve been making first class award space available to partners for weeks. Perhaps this even suggests a thawing in their policy to withhold advance award space from partners, and it’s time for Aeroplan and United to remove any hard coding against bookings.
Still, I don’t know if this will last, I’d book right away if you are interested and you can.
(HT: One Mile at a Time)
Gary,
How far out are you seeing availability?
I’ve been checking space on the Lifemiles website to that on the Lufthansa website and the Lufthansa site doesn’t show a lot of these seats that are showing up on the Lifemiles site. I believe it’s phantom space. Tread lightly before transferring or buying miles….
Some of this is phantom space, some it is not. I agree with Kevin, be very careful before buying miles to book any of these seats.
How does one check actual Lufthansa space before transferring miles say to Lifemiles?
Seems as though FRA-DFW is plentiful next Spring. I was able to snag 2 F seats on LH, FCO-FRA-DFW. Same availability on Singapore, Lifemiles, and EF.
I really hope they don’t open it up for United miles, or all the availability will disappear instantly.
I’ve been Miles-and-more member for many years. This year there has been No FC availability for months for outbound flights from LAX/SFO/IAH/DFW to FRA or pMUC and No return flights from FRA or MUC. Actually had FC booking in July (made last July) cancelled due to aircraft change. Don’t understand LH changing 2-week policy for non miles-and more members. So much for brand loyalty. The only reason I keep MAM credit cared is for FC redemptions.