It started in 2003 (before that, there was the VIP program, which was station-specific, as I recall) as a way to recognize (and cultivate the continued loyalty and lagresse of) United's absolute best customers. Like the VIP program, it is invite-only and lasts one standard year. You may be re-invited.

Based on UA's own information, it is revenue-based, roughly the top 1% of UA's total flying base. However, there are people who have been invited who, on the surface, do not meet this revenue criteria. They may be old VIPs who have been added (this happened in 2003, at least, when UGS replaced the VIP program), they might influence a great deal more revenue then they themselves generate (travel director of a Fortune 50 company, for example), or for some reason or another, UA feels they are worth inviting into the program.

There is no published criteria, so our information is both incomplete and conflicting.

Basic benefits include:

• 120 Hour Upgrade Window when using 500 mile certificates
• Ability to open upgrade First and Business seats when none are available (not a guaranteed benefit)
• Ability to use the International Arrivals Lounge, regardless of ticketed cabin (normally restricted to revenue and award First and Business passengers)
• Ability to use the First Class check-in counter, regardless of ticketed cabin
• Ability to board first, regardless of assigned Seating Area
• Ability to use the International First Lounge if an RCC member (not a guaranteed benefit)
• Access to private Customer Service offices at most hub and gateway airports (similar to the old "1K Rooms")
• Access to a private reservations number
• Access to special conciereges at many international gateways and hubs