Aug 14, 2017, 6:18 pm

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Quote:

Seamless travel, defined. Depart effortlessly. Arrive stylishly.

United Signature ServiceSM, provided by Global Airport Concierge, offers you an elevated level of assistance during your time at the airport. This option is currently available for United customers traveling to, from or through Amsterdam, Chicago O'Hare, Frankfurt, Houston, London Heathrow, Los Angeles, Munich, New York/Newark, Paris Charles de Gaulle or San Francisco.

A United Signature Service concierge will be there to help throughout your time at the airport. Your concierge will monitor your flight, guide you to or from your gate, assist with check-in and arrange any travel changes or airport accommodations that you might need. If you want to relax before your flight, you will have access to one of our United ClubSM locations. We can also arrange for special services such as language assistance, if requested in advance.

Our concierges manage all of your travel details at the airport, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

More info

Quote:

VIP Meet & Assist

Departure service

Your United Signature Service concierge will:

Meet you curbside or at a designated point of arrival
Monitor your flight
Assist with priority check-in
Expedite security screening through the Premier Access® lane (where available).
Arrange United Club access (United Club access is not available outside of USA)
Guide you to your departure gate
Coordinate special requests
Help you rebook or reschedule travel if your flight is delayed or canceled
Provide language assistance (if requested at the time of booking)

Connection service
Your United Signature Service concierge will:

Monitor your flight
Meet you at the jet bridge (or at another designated point)
Assist with terminal transfers
Arrange United Club access (United Club access is not available outside of USA)
Guide you to your departure gate
Coordinate special requests
Help you rebook or reschedule travel if your flight is delayed or canceled
Provide language assistance (if requested at the time of booking)

Arrival service

Your United Signature Service concierge will:

Monitor your flight
Meet you at the jet bridge (or at another designated point)
Arrange United Club access (United Club access is not available outside of USA)
Assist you with baggage claim
Coordinate with prearranged transportation (optional)
Guide you to your preferred mode of transportation
Provide language assistance (if requested at the time of booking)

related: Private Suite @ LAX for UA

Introducing United Exclusive Assistance "United Signature Service" [Q&A-Experiences]

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Jan 20, 2016, 3:13 pm

#16

milepig

FlyerTalk Evangelist

Join Date: Nov 2004

Location: ORD

Programs: UA 1K

Posts: 16,901

Quote:

Originally Posted by EWRMAN

http://united.globalairportconcierge...x.php/services

Departure service

Your United Exclusive Assistance concierge will:

Meet you curbside or at a designated point of arrival
Monitor your flight
Assist with priority check-in
Expedite security screening through the Premier Access® lane (where available).
Arrange United Club access (an additional charge may apply)
Guide you to your departure gate
Coordinate special requests
Help you rebook or reschedule travel if your flight is delayed or canceled
Provide language assistance (if requested at the time of booking)

OK - it turns out you can price before you enter personal information, so I clicked through. Fairly annoying to fill out the form. At the end the basic package was $325 for 2 pax, Lounge access added another $100. That's as far as I went.

Last edited by milepig; Jan 20, 2016 at 3:28 pm

Jan 20, 2016, 3:19 pm

#17

dank0014

Join Date: Jan 2013

Location: LA

Posts: 1,281

Ugh, so I tried to book to see what we would price out at to get a quote. Super annoying to have to fill in all that information. Why no feed once you enter the PNR or ticket number from United and the flow makes no sense. I selected departure option and then it gives me only options to select car service from the airport to downtown or one of the burbs??? Umm I want to depart not get car service to stay in the city. Looks like there are still tons of bugs and honestly lost my attention after having to fill out 100s of fields of passenger information (eg passport is a required traveler field for a domestic flight??)

Jan 20, 2016, 3:43 pm

#18

cova

Join Date: Oct 2003

Location: DCA

Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold

Posts: 9,658

Quote:

Originally Posted by riphamilton

Unclear whether this is a mobility assistance program, or a VIP scheme.

I'm assuming this is the result of the survey questions that asked about things like having your carry-on baggage loaded for you.

Sounds like this is a mobility assistance program and also a feature to help new travelers who do not know airport procedures.

This is different than AA's Five Star Service which is a VIP service that includes Flagship Check In (GS check not included in UA program), free admission to Admiral's Club (UA Club is additional if desired), and escort for privacy, etc - for celeb's and other VIPs.

I suspect the UA program is cheaper than AA Five Star. But I think this is a nice new service particularly for seniors, children traveling alone, non-English speaking travelers, etc. and others that need help to find their way.

Last edited by cova; Jan 20, 2016 at 3:57 pm

Jan 20, 2016, 3:46 pm

#19

worldtrav

Join Date: May 2001

Posts: 4,772

Quote:

Originally Posted by milepig

I can see the uptake rate on this as < 0.1%

Jan 20, 2016, 3:51 pm

#20

cova

Join Date: Oct 2003

Location: DCA

Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold

Posts: 9,658

Quote:

Originally Posted by worldtrav

I can see the uptake rate on this as < 0.1%

Wow - that is high. AA VIP service is $250 for one ($75 for additional person), and you get treated like a celeb. So same for 2 but, includes:

As a Five Star Service customer, you also have access to American's Flagship®Check-In service, now available at Chicago O’Hare International Aiport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The discreet and exclusive check-in process offers personal access to agents for assistance with check-in, bag check and an expedited security line so you can be on your way.

All this, plus you’ll receive access to the Admirals Club lounge where you can enjoy a host of personalized amenities like our complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected or simply relax before your flight.

Five Star Service Departure Assistance includes:
Coordinate with Car Service
Curbside Meet & Greet
Assist with Check-in
Expedite through Security Queue*
Admirals Club Lounge Access
Pro-active Flight Monitoring and Priority Re-Accommodation during Delays
Escort to Gate
Coordinate Special Requests with In-Flight Crew
Pre-Boarding Assistance

Jan 20, 2016, 4:03 pm

#21

tarheelnj

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: New Jersey

Programs: UA MM 1K, AA MM Gold, Marriott LT Platinum

Posts: 3,236

Definitely has bugs. Like date in the non-US format (DD/MM/YYYY).

I wonder how IRROPS would affect this? Will they hold a connection if your incoming flight is late arriving? What about cancelations? I notice they charge you if you change your mind less than 48 hours in advance. If you misconnect and have to wait until the next morning, then what? Do they get you a hotel? Does the agent take you home with him/her?

Jan 20, 2016, 4:10 pm

#22

sbm12

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Apr 2001

Location: PSM

Posts: 69,232

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelnj

Do they get you a hotel? Does the agent take you home with him/her?

No. They help you book a hotel. It says so on the site.

I see minimal value to it but I feel the same way about the AA 5 Star service which is basically what this is copying.

Jan 20, 2016, 5:47 pm

#23

yul36

Join Date: Jan 2008

Location: YYZ/YUL

Programs: UA 1K, AC nadda, DL, WS-Nadda

Posts: 1,476

What happens if due to an irop you get rerouted, and never pass through ORD do you get your money back if you signed up for the connection service.

Jan 20, 2016, 8:21 pm

#24

gene2632

Join Date: Mar 2007

Programs: United Mileage Plus Premier

Posts: 782

My 17 month old granddaughter often says "oh boy". It usually means something went wrong...but sometimes it means she is excited by something. Anyone care to guess her reaction if I could explain this new money grab to her? Mine is Oh BOY, thanks United for once again putting your hand in my pocket for things you used to just do.....maybe I should start charging them for tagging my own bags in LAS?

Jan 20, 2016, 8:55 pm

#25

riphamilton

Join Date: Mar 2013

Location: BDL/NYC/BOS

Programs: UA/*A Gold, Global Entry, Marriott Plat, Hilton+IHG Gold, Hertz PC, DL

Posts: 1,752

Quote:

Originally Posted by milepig

At the end the basic package was $325 for 2 pax, Lounge access added another $100.

sheesh.... making people pay retail price for a club pass after shelling out hundreds for the assistance.

Last edited by goalie; Jan 20, 2016 at 9:03 pm Reason: Off topic comments removed

Jan 20, 2016, 9:23 pm

#26

mike1968

Join Date: Sep 2004

Location: Chicago

Programs: UA1MM*GL/1K, AA, BnVy PlatL, HH Silver,

Posts: 681

Aaaahhh memories of the golden age of air travel...you know, the 1990s...when checking in for your international F flight on UA and you were greated by your personal concierge who helped you get checked-in; escorted you through security; and walked you down to the F lounge making sure you were set for your trip... those were the days

Or flash forward to today with the LH concierges who still get you from lounge to seat...or whisk you around FRA in a car.

I'm sure the service might be of some value, but sadly just another reminder how far UA service levels have fallen.

Jan 20, 2016, 9:29 pm

#27

matrixwalker2012

Suspended

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: LAX

Programs: AAdvantage EXPLAT, Hilton Diamond, SPG/Marriott Gold, IHG Platinum, Citi Exec MC, Amex Plat

Posts: 1,443

And the rest of us just use the free concierge service: our smartphone and the United app...

Jan 20, 2016, 10:53 pm

#28

mahasamatman

A FlyerTalk Posting Legend

Join Date: Apr 2004

Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)

Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis

Posts: 52,140

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelnj

Definitely has bugs. Like date in the non-US format (DD/MM/YYYY).

Why would you consider that a bug? United is an international carrier.

Jan 20, 2016, 10:55 pm

#29

JC5280

Join Date: Mar 2003

Location: SAN

Programs: AS MVP 100K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, UA 1MM,

Posts: 1,709

Quote:

Originally Posted by cova

This is different than AA's Five Star Service which is a VIP service that includes Flagship Check In (GS check not included in UA program), free admission to Admiral's Club (UA Club is additional if desired), and escort for privacy, etc - for celeb's and other VIPs.

UA has always had that. A friend who is a well known TV personality books travel through a talent management company and this is all arranged. The agents who work with VIPs alreay know the private numbers at the airline to arrange this. And its much more private that what Exclusive Access offers.