Jan 3, 2016, 12:15 pm
Last edit by: wxguy
GS/Global Services is the highest tier of elite status. It is by invitation -- the invite criteria is not public but seems to require substantial annual spending with UA both in terms of absolute dollar amounts and purchasing higher fare classes (higher cpm - cents per mile). There are also reports of GS status being comped by UA Marketing to VIPs in companies who sign corporate travel deals with UA. The sole published way to qualify is to become a 4MM, having flown 4 million BIS miles on UA metal (plus additional grandfathered credits at the time of the UA/CO merger).
GS have significantly enhanced services / benefits over 1Ks. There is little said publicly by UA on GS benefits and/or qualification.
Last years's thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2015]
Thread on qualifying for 2016, Global Services 2016 Notifications (ONLY)
Known facts from United:
Global Services recognizes the extraordinary dedication of our top flyers. We consider a number of factors beyond the usual Premier-qualifying criteria.
We look at your travel spend on United-operated flights relative to that of other top Premier flyers over recent consecutive years.
Usually, members invited to Global Services tend to consistently purchase premium cabins or fully refundable tickets.
Known Award and Upgrade Benefits:
All benefits noted below require calling a GS agent:
GS have significantly enhanced services / benefits over 1Ks. There is little said publicly by UA on GS benefits and/or qualification.
Last years's thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2015]
Thread on qualifying for 2016, Global Services 2016 Notifications (ONLY)
Known facts from United:
Global Services recognizes the extraordinary dedication of our top flyers. We consider a number of factors beyond the usual Premier-qualifying criteria.
We look at your travel spend on United-operated flights relative to that of other top Premier flyers over recent consecutive years.
Usually, members invited to Global Services tend to consistently purchase premium cabins or fully refundable tickets.
Known Award and Upgrade Benefits:
All benefits noted below require calling a GS agent:
- GS can create saver economy award space (XN) if T inventory is available.
- GS can create saver business award space (IN) if R inventory is available.
- GS can upgrade economy awards (XN or YN) into Business First with a GPU if PN inventory is available.
- GS can upgrade business awards (IN or JN) into Global First with a GPU if ON inventory is available.
- GS are entitled to one saver award seat in the same class of service with their purchase of any premium fare. GS agents can open space if it is not available.
- GS can upgrade a companion from coach to biz when flying on a paid biz fare, even if R or PN is not available.
- GS cannot double upgrade. Economy -> PN -> ON is not allowed. *Some reports of TOD being offered at OLCI.
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions 2016
Aug 24, 2016, 1:33 pm
#677
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K 1.45MM, Marriott+SPG Plat, Clear, Nexus, Global Entry and MEX Viajero Confiable
Posts: 1,777
Sep 8, 2016, 5:02 pm
#678
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,264
Is there a day the GS agents all take off?
I had a record day today -- talked to no less than 5 agents on the GS line. Everyone was an idiot who needed to have the rules explained to them. Every one made sure to ask me about a rental car (yeah, I need a rental car in Hong Kong!). So I'm pretty sure none was an actual GS agent.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
Sep 8, 2016, 5:19 pm
#679
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 72
I had a record day today -- talked to no less than 5 agents on the GS line. Everyone was an idiot who needed to have the rules explained to them. Every one made sure to ask me about a rental car (yeah, I need a rental car in Hong Kong!). So I'm pretty sure none was an actual GS agent.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
Sep 8, 2016, 6:49 pm
#680
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I had a record day today -- talked to no less than 5 agents on the GS line. Everyone was an idiot who needed to have the rules explained to them. Every one made sure to ask me about a rental car (yeah, I need a rental car in Hong Kong!). So I'm pretty sure none was an actual GS agent.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
Sep 8, 2016, 7:10 pm
#681
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,741
Never. I must be lucky.
Sep 8, 2016, 7:19 pm
#682
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
I had a record day today -- talked to no less than 5 agents on the GS line. Everyone was an idiot who needed to have the rules explained to them. Every one made sure to ask me about a rental car (yeah, I need a rental car in Hong Kong!). So I'm pretty sure none was an actual GS agent.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
I'm wondering if Thursday is a training day for the real GS agents or if it was just my luck today.
Sep 8, 2016, 8:10 pm
#683
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 605
It's been a struggle for me to call in within 24 hours of the flight to get upgraded to first when I haven't automatically cleared, and there are seats available. I've had major resistance the last two flights when I haven't gotten upgraded to first.
Sep 8, 2016, 8:34 pm
#684
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 429
As GS, can I use my RPUs to upgrade (at time of purchase) someone who is not on the same itinerary as me if PN is available (but not R)?
I am sorry, if this has been addressed in this thread already. My search did not find it.
I am sorry, if this has been addressed in this thread already. My search did not find it.
Sep 8, 2016, 8:44 pm
#685
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
You can with PN or RN. Lately sometimes RN is available but not PN. 
Sep 9, 2016, 6:42 am
#687
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 521
Is that a stated benefit?
Sep 9, 2016, 7:39 am
#688
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,458
Sep 9, 2016, 7:55 am
#689
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MCO, DCA, IAD
Programs: UA GS 1MM, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,134
Sep 9, 2016, 8:01 am
#690
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Yes... I do this for my better half all the time.