From what I can see, the UGS program is very similar to how the 1K program was operated just a few years ago. UA 1Ks had dedicated CSRs at the HUB airports (2 in ORD) and another set of agents in SEA to oversee the activity in and out of those airports. The service that some people rave about is what 1Ks were used to receive as standard operating procedure.

Anyhow, my favorite UGS moment has nothing to do with a flight or even at an airport or UA directly. I work with a person that is a 1K, and has been for several years. We are 2 of the most traveled people in my company's Colorado location. In March of 2003 he crossed over the million mile barrier becoming a 1K MM flyer (I was only at 840-860K). He came to me and proudly displayed his card asking me if I had crossed over the MM mark. He knew full well I had not and then proceeded to gloat that he had higher status than I did. However, he did not know I had been invited to UGS so I informed him that he really was not correct. He did not have higher status than I did. He asked how that was if I was not a MM flyer, but a mere 1K. I then took out my BLACK card for 2003 and showed him that. He had never seen the UGS card and asked me what that was and why my card was BLACK. I told him that UGS was an invitation only level and that this level was higher than 1K MM. Steamed, my fellow co-worker muttered something then walked off, realizing he had been stumped.

I have to say, that was a GREAT moment.