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
Oct 26, 2016, 1:13 pm
#886
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
I was on PEK-SFO, and the plane was on its way to the runway for take off, but experienced some mechanical issues and had to return to the gate.
Pilot annouced that maintenance will check the plane and it should not take too long. Moments later, a GS agent came on board and whisper in my ears to gather my belongings and follow her. As soon as we left the jet bridge, she told me the flight will be cancelled and she had booked me on the PEK-EWR flight, and wanted to escort me back to immigration (re-enter China) and then depart China to take the PEK-EWR flight. She wanted to give me a headstart before a 747 planeful of 300+ angry passengers going through immigration and process through United to get on alternative flights.
Pilot annouced that maintenance will check the plane and it should not take too long. Moments later, a GS agent came on board and whisper in my ears to gather my belongings and follow her. As soon as we left the jet bridge, she told me the flight will be cancelled and she had booked me on the PEK-EWR flight, and wanted to escort me back to immigration (re-enter China) and then depart China to take the PEK-EWR flight. She wanted to give me a headstart before a 747 planeful of 300+ angry passengers going through immigration and process through United to get on alternative flights.
Oct 26, 2016, 1:20 pm
#887
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
Edit: I think I misinterpreted your point. That the Chinese gov't won't know ultimate destinations after leaving the country, not arriving in it. I guess they just want to be sure you actually leave the country when you say you are, and can at least trace you to your next international point if need be.
Last edited by 1015-1k; Oct 26, 2016 at 1:43 pm
Oct 26, 2016, 2:26 pm
#888
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
Pilot annouced that maintenance will check the plane and it should not take too long. Moments later, a GS agent came on board and whisper in my ears to gather my belongings and follow her. As soon as we left the jet bridge, she told me the flight will be cancelled and she had booked me on the PEK-EWR flight, and wanted to escort me back to immigration (re-enter China) and then depart China to take the PEK-EWR flight. She wanted to give me a headstart before a 747 planeful of 300+ angry passengers going through immigration and process through United to get on alternative flights.
Oct 26, 2016, 3:01 pm
#889
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lahaina, HI & Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,403
I was on PEK-SFO, and the plane was on its way to the runway for take off, but experienced some mechanical issues and had to return to the gate.
Pilot annouced that maintenance will check the plane and it should not take too long. Moments later, a GS agent came on board and whisper in my ears to gather my belongings and follow her. As soon as we left the jet bridge, she told me the flight will be cancelled and she had booked me on the PEK-EWR flight, and wanted to escort me back to immigration (re-enter China) and then depart China to take the PEK-EWR flight. She wanted to give me a headstart before a 747 planeful of 300+ angry passengers going through immigration and process through United to get on alternative flights.
Pilot annouced that maintenance will check the plane and it should not take too long. Moments later, a GS agent came on board and whisper in my ears to gather my belongings and follow her. As soon as we left the jet bridge, she told me the flight will be cancelled and she had booked me on the PEK-EWR flight, and wanted to escort me back to immigration (re-enter China) and then depart China to take the PEK-EWR flight. She wanted to give me a headstart before a 747 planeful of 300+ angry passengers going through immigration and process through United to get on alternative flights.
Exact same happened to me last year in SYD with the (infamous) Annie - aircraft was about to go technical. She quietly escorted me off, back through immigration, and across the street to the Rydges hotel. She handed me a boarding pass for the following day, as all other connections had left. I learned later that everyone else was released from aircraft another 30 minutes after me, then waited 1.5 hours to get rebooked and go through immigration.
Oct 26, 2016, 10:32 pm
#890
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Will i qualify?
So it looks like next year my mostly domestic travel (a mix of economy and cheap P fares) will add a significant TPAC trip.
I currently do about 165k PQM a year with $25k in spend.
next year i'll do 6 TPAC's in business at around 6-7k each + about 10 EWR-LAX/SNA/SFO trips in a mix of economy and cheap P fares + 5 EWR-LAS trips + some shorter hops i'm sure.
i think next year may be my best chance-- but i don't want to get my hopes up-- and if people think i may still miss GS with that travel i may look elsewhere for my travel needs...
what do you think?
I currently do about 165k PQM a year with $25k in spend.
next year i'll do 6 TPAC's in business at around 6-7k each + about 10 EWR-LAX/SNA/SFO trips in a mix of economy and cheap P fares + 5 EWR-LAS trips + some shorter hops i'm sure.
i think next year may be my best chance-- but i don't want to get my hopes up-- and if people think i may still miss GS with that travel i may look elsewhere for my travel needs...
what do you think?
Oct 26, 2016, 11:35 pm
#891
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
jp12687:
you might want to have your post moved here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...2016-a-80.html
you might want to have your post moved here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...2016-a-80.html
Oct 27, 2016, 7:53 am
#892
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,894
Hello,
A colleague of mine currently has Global Services status. Since he didn't fly much UA this year he was wondering, after probably losing the status next year - what would his new status be? Would he be downgraded to Platinum (since he didn't meet the 1K requirements)? Or would he lose Premier status at all since he didn't fly UA or S* this year?
Thanks
A colleague of mine currently has Global Services status. Since he didn't fly much UA this year he was wondering, after probably losing the status next year - what would his new status be? Would he be downgraded to Platinum (since he didn't meet the 1K requirements)? Or would he lose Premier status at all since he didn't fly UA or S* this year?
Thanks
So it looks like next year my mostly domestic travel (a mix of economy and cheap P fares) will add a significant TPAC trip.
I currently do about 165k PQM a year with $25k in spend.
next year i'll do 6 TPAC's in business at around 6-7k each + about 10 EWR-LAX/SNA/SFO trips in a mix of economy and cheap P fares + 5 EWR-LAS trips + some shorter hops i'm sure.
i think next year may be my best chance-- but i don't want to get my hopes up-- and if people think i may still miss GS with that travel i may look elsewhere for my travel needs...
what do you think?
I currently do about 165k PQM a year with $25k in spend.
next year i'll do 6 TPAC's in business at around 6-7k each + about 10 EWR-LAX/SNA/SFO trips in a mix of economy and cheap P fares + 5 EWR-LAS trips + some shorter hops i'm sure.
i think next year may be my best chance-- but i don't want to get my hopes up-- and if people think i may still miss GS with that travel i may look elsewhere for my travel needs...
what do you think?
Nov 4, 2016, 8:50 am
#893
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
So one of my flights today has an open first class seat open and for sale. I called GS asking to get upgraded into it.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
Nov 4, 2016, 11:58 am
#894
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
So one of my flights today has an open first class seat open and for sale. I called GS asking to get upgraded into it.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
Nov 4, 2016, 11:58 pm
#895
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,894
So one of my flights today has an open first class seat open and for sale. I called GS asking to get upgraded into it.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
Nov 5, 2016, 8:18 am
#896
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAD
Programs: UA Gold + 1MM; HHonors Gold; Marriott Plat
Posts: 747
So one of my flights today has an open first class seat open and for sale. I called GS asking to get upgraded into it.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
First she tells me that they can't upgrade anyone into first class within 3 hours of the flight. Ok fine, that flight is at least 6 hours out. Then she tries to explain to me how it's within 3 hours. So I had to do some simple math over the phone with her.
Then she says she is unable to upgrade me since there are no seats for sale, and it may be blocked (even though it's for sale). So I thanked her for her help and called back and got it done with someone else.
Seems like the representatives are terrible lately and wait times longer to speak to one. The first person asked for my reservation number and name where the second rep had the info pulled up.
The agent competence on the GS line is definitely going south (and I don't mean outsourced to Costa Rica
)
Nov 5, 2016, 9:44 am
#897
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
I used to hate getting a certain GS agent who had a Caribbean(?) accent. Not sure if I can post her name. She seemed short and halfway rude.
Lately though, I actually hope she would answer, because she got the job done quickly without the excuses.
Lately though, I actually hope she would answer, because she got the job done quickly without the excuses.
Nov 5, 2016, 9:50 am
#898
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
I know exactly to whom you are referring. I had reservations (pun intended) at first with her. She is one of the best now. Always treated me right.
Nov 5, 2016, 10:12 am
#899
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I was UG'ed into FC for a domestic flight. I had a seat and everything. However, when I tried to check-in would not let me. I called the GS line and the agent said I was in two seats as my economy seat assignment had not been removed. She then said 'done' and I was ready to go. I hang up (big mistake) and try checking in - she had deleted my FC seat. I was checked into economy. I immediately called back and the next agent was the 2/3 clueless ones. She insisted I was never upgraded. I called back again. This agent was not as clueless, however, by now the last FC seat was gone. I asked to speak with a supervisor. She (after several minutes of insisting that I was actually upgraded) finally looked at my reservation record and agreed that I was indeed upgraded and this was a mistake on their part. HOWEVER, she said not only was there nothing she could do about it, as I was still on the waitlist I was not going to get any compensation. I never got upgraded...
The agent competence on the GS line is definitely going south (and I don't mean outsourced to Costa Rica )
The agent competence on the GS line is definitely going south (and I don't mean outsourced to Costa Rica
)
Nov 5, 2016, 10:42 am
#900
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SOW
Programs: UA GS 5 MM, Delta 1.6MM & Hilton Diamond, Avis Chairman, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 768
I also know exactly who both of you are talking about because of her distinctive accent, as soon as I hear her say Global Services, I immediately HUCA. Been doing it for a few years after having less than stellar interactions with her on multiple occasions. Perhaps I'll give her a chance next time I get her if she has actually improved.