Has anyone else noticed the glitch booking Lufthansa flights with Aeroplan miles lately?
The glitch occurs when one attempts to book available Lufthansa First or Business class space using the Aeroplan website.
Finding Availability
When you first find availability using Aeroplan’s website or ExpertFlyer, all looks well.
Spotting The Glitch
When you click “select” you are directed to the booking page. The “Book” option is shown but is not available to select the flight.
Aeroplan Agent’s Response
The first Aeroplan agent responded that their system is showing phantom availability on Lufthansa. So I hung up and called back. The second agent responded with the same phantom availability issue. Then I checked into using Aeroplan miles for flights with Swiss the Aerplan agent came back with the same response, no availability due to phantom availability.
Bottom Line
I contacted Aeroplan and they are aware of the issue. They stated they are “working” on fixing it as we speak and stated they’ll have it fixed soon.
It used to be a lot more fun to use Aeroplan miles than it is now.
Has anyone else, that still has Aeroplan miles, run into this problem lately with Aeroplan?
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This has been ongoing. If what you’re seeing is Aeroplan matching Expertflyer… Do know that Expertflyer shows availability FOR MILES & MORE MEMBERS only and not partner availability. If Aeroplan displays what Expertflyer displays that would suggest it is somehow getting the Point of Sale wrong, but is unable to actually ticket as a result. Make sense?
United has been showing phantom availability for Lufthansa for awhile as well.
When you see Phantom Inventory, its likely seats that will open inside 7 days prior to departure. You can ask the Aeroplan agent to do whats called a “Long Sell” request to LH. This process requires a willing agent, but will get the most accurate and realtime inventory for award seats.
No LX F available anymore at all these last months (even from YUL)on AE and LH only T-7to14. Check all flights with ANA tool otherwise it’s phantom availability. BTW it is called a “direct-sell” at AE. Go here for the sad truth:http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-canada-aeroplan/1361370-ap-reward-seats-lh-first-thing-past.html
Hi The Weekly Flyer,
This is Valerie from Aeroplan. We’re working hard to rectify this issue as soon as possible. As the issue is complex and involves different technology vendors as well as airline partners, it may still take several weeks or longer to fully resolve. Be assured that the “phantom” availability issue does not affect all first class Lufthansa bookings; in fact, many are still being made successfully through Aeroplan’s website and our call centre. Business class bookings are unaffected; and this issue seems to be restricted to first class bookings only.
Thank you.
Not sure the above response was but as of September 12 this is still an issue and affects both Business and First now.
I’m not sure how hard Aeroplan is working on it, as its OVER A YEAR later and the problem very much still exists!
These have been THE most frustrating weeks trying to book a ticket. Lufthansa’s phantom inventory is driving me crazy.
How are others handling this?
Is there a way to see accurate availability? Another website, perhaps?
FYI, three years later this still has not been fixed. After encountering the same glitch on Aeroplan.com, I called customer service. The agent said, balefully, that they had been having this problem with Lufthansa for years.
I guess they decided they didn’t care about fixing this problem.