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United award flight on Lufthansa

I am trying to book a last minute (for me, who books far in advance) award trip from Los Angeles to Venice for April 11-25. There is a flight using Lufthansa that could work for me. I only have miles for an economy seat. The only thing that is concerning is the inability to pick a seat before check-in. Has anyone been able to book an award seat and use the Lufthansa locator number to prebook a seat (I'm willing to pay for the seat!) I really don't want to get stuck in a middle seat. Thanks for any thoughts.

A second question is - if I decide to pay for a flight - I'm looking at the ITA software and it shows a Virgin flight to LHR and then a BA flight to Venice. If I want to book this, do I have to book two separate tickets? I am a bit risk adverse and like to book a flight all on one ticket so if something goes wrong I'm covered.

Posted by
2299 posts

Yes, to your first question - we have done that. Pretty sure I called them, but I really can't remember the details. You might trying calling them with this question before booking.

Posted by
5604 posts

My experience using a code-share from United involving Lufthansa was that I could not pick my seat, and I was paying for it, and it was Business Class. I was very surprised that I could not chose a seat, but with the Code-Share seems to complicate the affair. I called, e-mailed, checked at the gate- no results.
Good luck!

Posted by
2141 posts

We are using United FF miles out of LAX to Frankfurt in September. 2020 on Lufthansa. Once I got my reservation, I called Lufthansa and reserved my seats.

Posted by
5837 posts

We used USD for our United flight to Milan where the Frankfort-Milan legs are United codeshares operated by Lufthansa. I could select seats on the the flights operated by United. I can select the Lufthansa flight seats 23 hours before departure.

Posted by
89 posts

I frequently fly Lufthansa out of SFO using United points . My last flight was this past December. I have always been able to book a seat online using the Lufthansa locator number. There is a charge but it is very reasonable. You can also call them to book a seat.

Posted by
5604 posts

Boy, now I'm really frustrated with my experience this past December. Glad that you all had a better experience.

Posted by
584 posts

Thanks for all the great info! I'm feeling better about the seat issue now.