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
Nov 28, 2016, 4:53 pm
#961
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: united
Posts: 2
Yeah for some reason the cost of the trip over to India dropped this year....significantly....hopefully they give me some credit for all the changed fare spend and the giant pain in the rear it is out of PHX....
Nov 28, 2016, 4:57 pm
#962
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 361
If they going to group 1k and GS together does that mean we Gs lost the pre boarding perk ?
Nov 28, 2016, 5:58 pm
#965
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: LA,NYC
Programs: AA-EXP 2.8 MM,UA-GS 1.3 MM,DL-PL,HH-DM,LH-SEN,Bonvoy-GL
Posts: 296
Nov 28, 2016, 6:00 pm
#966
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: USA
Programs: UA Global Services, TSA Pre✓, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,116
I have GS as a companion and I got the email too.
Nov 28, 2016, 6:03 pm
#967
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,981
No email - GS lifer
Nov 28, 2016, 6:11 pm
#968
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,951
On domestic itineraries I typically use the ORD GS lounge to skirt the TSA pre check line. Usually checked in online via the app and have no need for an agent. While in stride I am often being greeted by one or more agents, and I smile and say "already checked in" or something. But lots of times I feel like they're questioning the legitimacy of my status. A couple times they ask to see it. Does anyone else have awkward situations like this? Seems like they're trying to enforce the access rules and I wonder if it will help or hurt these situations.
For me the only change is the no colleagues checking in with you. This is useful for me at SFO when coming in from Asia and we want to get through TSA quickly. But not a huge thing. Actually sounds like very little will change for now.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:35 pm
#969
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
Ditto- when arriving on intl flights and going through the domestic check in for GS in SFO and ORD I always have my boarding pass in my hand and there is no problem at all. Sometimes they offer to check the gate for me which is thoughtful.
Have not gotten my email either, but am still waiting for my acceptance back into GS for 2016! Did get the package in the mail.
I just flew IAD-CDG and had a chat with a GS agent at check-in. I never knew this was a benefit but the initial change is that non-GS status family members or colleagues cannot check in with a GS member at the GS desk. The special check in counters are not going away. Something better will probably be done at EWR and IAH but at IAD they have too many constraints on changing the appearance of the building so they will keep the current counter for now. Pre-boarding for GS will continue but they are looking at ways to achieve it without GS and Group 1 lumped together.
For me the only change is the no colleagues checking in with you. This is useful for me at SFO when coming in from Asia and we want to get through TSA quickly. But not a huge thing. Actually sounds like very little will change for now.
Have not gotten my email either, but am still waiting for my acceptance back into GS for 2016! Did get the package in the mail.
I just flew IAD-CDG and had a chat with a GS agent at check-in. I never knew this was a benefit but the initial change is that non-GS status family members or colleagues cannot check in with a GS member at the GS desk. The special check in counters are not going away. Something better will probably be done at EWR and IAH but at IAD they have too many constraints on changing the appearance of the building so they will keep the current counter for now. Pre-boarding for GS will continue but they are looking at ways to achieve it without GS and Group 1 lumped together.
For me the only change is the no colleagues checking in with you. This is useful for me at SFO when coming in from Asia and we want to get through TSA quickly. But not a huge thing. Actually sounds like very little will change for now.
So the once a year I get to take a vacation with my kids I can't check in at the GS desk? This will never work. I totally get not allowing non-family or extended family, but they should definitely allow your kids.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:53 pm
#970
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
The original premise of this was someone dropping off a college kid and they used the GS desk because their GS parent bought the ticket and that is probably the only way to check in that they know about. This should stop, not the previous.
Nov 28, 2016, 7:57 pm
#971
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
I would speculate that the line is drawn at non-GS customers being allowed to join you only if on your same PNR. No coworkers or family members on other reservations. Pure speculation, but seems like a reasonable method of enforcement.
Nov 28, 2016, 8:04 pm
#972
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,814
Will they do that for boarding too?
Nov 28, 2016, 8:55 pm
#973
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Nov 28, 2016, 9:19 pm
#974
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,981
Will be at ORD on Dec 1 and will talk to one of the managers there about it. I can't tell you how many families check in together in the GS room at ORD. Tons!
And if I travel with someone, I always take them in the GS room to check in with me.
Won't go over very well if true.
Then again, it's all speculation (until Dec 1st).