Phantom Lufthansa First Class Award Space on StarNet

I became excited today while working on a client award request when some first class availability popped up on Lufthansa–it has been very rare lately, especially more than a few days before travel. One client was using Air Canada Aeroplan points, another United Mileage Plus points. Both Aeroplan and United showed first class availability:

But neither would ultimately book. Out of curiosity, I checked the ANA award tool (which I do not use too often anymore but may have to resume using) to see if showed as available there. It did not, and ANA typically offers the most accurate reflection of available award space.

This has happened to me a couple times in the past–the key will be to keep watching the ANA tool. If it doesn’t show up there, it will not be bookable.

I cannot explain what causes this discrepancy, though I have to think StarNet somehow mixes up award space made available exclusively to Miles & More members (the loyalty program of Lufthansa, Austrian, LOT, and Brussels) with award space made available to other Star Alliance carriers. Why ANA always seems to get it right is a mystery.

So don’t get your hopes up if you are noticing a lot of Lufthansa First Class space now showing as available–it appears to be phantom. And if my 25 May flights do become bookable, please don’t take them! 😉