So you have to do nothing.
Just call at some point and change the ticket.
So I guess it may be possible, if UA uses the pricing scheme based on the date of the ticket, to book LH F months in advance for a mere change fee.
Can anyone confirm this is accurate?
Goal: Fly LH F on old rates on, say, 5/15/14.
Book LH F on 1/31 for 2/15.
In the days leading up to and following 2/15, do nothing and let the plane depart with rezzie intact.
On, say, 5/1/14, call UA and use the old PNR to pay a single change fee to change to 5/15/14 (if/when LH opens).