Originally Posted by
MeltingAlf
What I will say is:
1) Again, the British economy is not the American economy, and;
2) GS is invitation only, BA GGL isn't. An equivalent (to me) would be BA Premier, QF Chairman's Lounge, SAS Pandion, AA ConciergeKey. It is not advertised on their website and the airline reserves the right to offer it to whoever they deem fit.
There's an entire discussion if AA CK = BA GGL but experience across this forum board shows it maps out more to AA EXP than CK more often in recent years.
Considering these factors it would be remiss to say UA GS is equivalent to BA GGL. GS probably maps higher than GGL in the grand scheme of things and in that context, I'm of the view BA GGL is probably the most expensive published and non-invitation top-tier out there in the world.
I have experienced both for the last 2 years, each has their upsides over the other program but they've very similar in my mind - premier is the mythical chairman's circle with United.
GS gets me an occasional tarmac transfer, pre boarding before group 1 (aka group 0 and 1st on the plane), really helpful service in IRROPs, increased award availability, united club access if I'm on a US internal trip, top of upgrade list if i don't fly J or ability to upgrade my team using plus points that i'll never use.
GGL gets me group 0, really helpful service during IRROPs, increased award availability in Jokers, CCR access at LHR, upgrades myself from J to F.
£40k spend with £32k on BA metal is not outrageous based on that comparison but YMMV. With me close hitting million miler on UA and knowing that living in Scotland, i'm not going to hit anywhere near 4mm for lifetime GS, it is definitely a consideration to direct more travel to BA.