Jan 5, 2017, 4:24 pm
Last edit by: getagb
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' thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2016]
Thread on 2017 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2017 Qualifying Discussion
Known facts from United:
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' thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2016]
Thread on 2017 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2017 Qualifying Discussion
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.
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.
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 Polaris First with a GPU if ON inventory is available.
- GS can confirm any waitlisted instrument-supported upgrade under T-72 hours provided 2 seats remain for sale afterwards and they are at the top of the waitlist
- GS can create saver Polaris First (O) space at T-72 hours if they are already booked in saver business (IN), provided one seat remains for sale after
- 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. UPDATE: as of 7/21/17 must have >2 for sale within 72hrs of flight
- GS can upgrade a companion from coach to biz when flying on a paid biz fare, even if R or PN is not available, as long as J/F>1. Companion needs to be W or greater intl.
- (Only ONE of the two above options can be exercised per premium fare.)
- GS cannot double upgrade. Economy -> PN -> ON is not allowed. *Some reports of TOD being offered at OLCI.
- GS can buy up from Basic Economy fares, which is usually forbidden
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions 2017
Jan 10, 2017, 9:12 am
#76
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,888
I'd like to get everyone's input on the downgrades that are hitting the GS program. So far, It's:
1. Elimination of GS check-in lines
2. Elimination of GS/First Lounges and intro of the Polaris lounge
3. Potential elimination of GS pre-boarding (like other GS's on FT, I've been told this in GRU multiple times but the GS reps deny it will happen at the moment)
4. Significantly longer hold times (I waited 5-10 minutes yesterday to talk to a rep which is consistent with a few other posts. I'm hopeful that the grumpiness of her attitude was a one time event...but notably that was rare last year. The GS reps are almost universally fantastic.)
Please post any other changes that you are experiencing.
It's seems clear to me that this is all designed to placate the 1Ks. They make up the bulk of UA's revenue so they are getting bump in their benefits package at the expense of the GS's. Even GS signage is being wholesale eliminated with 1K is replacing it. Seems odd to have an airline downgrade it's most valuable fliers.
1. Elimination of GS check-in lines
2. Elimination of GS/First Lounges and intro of the Polaris lounge
3. Potential elimination of GS pre-boarding (like other GS's on FT, I've been told this in GRU multiple times but the GS reps deny it will happen at the moment)
4. Significantly longer hold times (I waited 5-10 minutes yesterday to talk to a rep which is consistent with a few other posts. I'm hopeful that the grumpiness of her attitude was a one time event...but notably that was rare last year. The GS reps are almost universally fantastic.)
Please post any other changes that you are experiencing.
It's seems clear to me that this is all designed to placate the 1Ks. They make up the bulk of UA's revenue so they are getting bump in their benefits package at the expense of the GS's. Even GS signage is being wholesale eliminated with 1K is replacing it. Seems odd to have an airline downgrade it's most valuable fliers.
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.
3. Everyone at UA is denying this.
4. This is a downgrade but you missed another part of it, the previously dedicated GS agents are now assigned to everyone as are general agents. The lack of knowledge of some of the agents is astounding. All my calls are for international itineraries. I've had agents answer the phone as a GS agent and suggest if I call back I could get an agent more knowledgeable with international fares.
Jan 10, 2017, 9:22 am
#77
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lahaina, HI & Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,403
I think we need to wait a bit before we know how much of a downgrade we experience:
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.
3. Everyone at UA is denying this.
4. This is a downgrade but you missed another part of it, the previously dedicated GS agents are now assigned to everyone as are general agents. The lack of knowledge of some of the agents is astounding. All my calls are for international itineraries. I've had agents answer the phone as a GS agent and suggest if I call back I could get an agent more knowledgeable with international fares.
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.
3. Everyone at UA is denying this.
4. This is a downgrade but you missed another part of it, the previously dedicated GS agents are now assigned to everyone as are general agents. The lack of knowledge of some of the agents is astounding. All my calls are for international itineraries. I've had agents answer the phone as a GS agent and suggest if I call back I could get an agent more knowledgeable with international fares.
Jan 10, 2017, 9:22 am
#78
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
I think we need to wait a bit before we know how much of a downgrade we experience:
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.
3. Everyone at UA is denying this.
4. This is a downgrade but you missed another part of it, the previously dedicated GS agents are now assigned to everyone as are general agents. The lack of knowledge of some of the agents is astounding. All my calls are for international itineraries. I've had agents answer the phone as a GS agent and suggest if I call back I could get an agent more knowledgeable with international fares.
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.
3. Everyone at UA is denying this.
4. This is a downgrade but you missed another part of it, the previously dedicated GS agents are now assigned to everyone as are general agents. The lack of knowledge of some of the agents is astounding. All my calls are for international itineraries. I've had agents answer the phone as a GS agent and suggest if I call back I could get an agent more knowledgeable with international fares.
Jan 10, 2017, 4:57 pm
#79
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 981
Yesterday I received a schedule change on an international flight returning to the US from a European city thru Munich. Instead of a 2 hour connection the connection was only 40 minutes. No way would it be possible to make that connection given the need to go thru immigration and possibly security if my initial flight had a remote parking spot. After waiting 10 minutes on hold, the "GS" agent initially spent 15 minutes trying to figure out alternatives and came back with suggested changes that would require me to pay a change fee plus a large fare difference despite having the record on the agents screen. After explaining my expectations, the agent went off for another 20 minutes and came back with another silly schedule change when all I needed was a change to an early morning flight from the initial departure city. The agent then told me that was not possible because the fare basis was not available on that early flight. I hung up, checked fare bases and determined that "A" fares were available on all segments including the flight from the departure city. Called in again, reached a real GS agent who made the change in a few minutes.
i'm new to GS. but even as a 1k, in the last 2 years, i think they would have made the change you requested regardless of inventory without a huge fight. In 2012/13 they would not have (that's when i left for AA) but since i've been back, i haven't had any major issues on schedule change reroute requests.
the only reroute request i had denied that they never would have denied pre 2012 was a VDB situation when i asked for DL, but they would rather put me in a hotel and go the next morning on UA. i finally budged and said yes but that still bugs me that i couldn't take the delta red eye.
Jan 10, 2017, 5:06 pm
#80
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SOW
Programs: UA GS 5 MM, Delta 1.6MM & Hilton Diamond, Avis Chairman, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 768
Jan 10, 2017, 6:01 pm
#81
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
I think we need to wait a bit before we know how much of a downgrade we experience:
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.u
3. Everyone at UA is denying this
1. I've heard this too but has anyone seen it yet? What airports?
2. This is a concern to me, too, but we need to wait and see if the Polaris lounges really are a downgrade from the old GF lounges.u
3. Everyone at UA is denying this
On 3, when boarding at SFO last week to EWR, there was no GS. Agent did Families, Military, then straight to Group 1.
Jan 10, 2017, 6:28 pm
#82
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: KDEN
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, BA GGL
Posts: 110
MAJOR downgrade as I've always found this small courtesy useful in order to get myself situated before the overhead bins are filled (I'm looking at you, A319 front cabin). This is particularly valuable when seated in the bulkhead.
UA lurkers, please remind the agents of the proper process - or tell your customers that this is not happening any longer.
Jan 10, 2017, 6:34 pm
#83
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DEN/OGG
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 1,482
No more GS check in in PEK either,
But today the GA in DEN called GS together with handicapped ^
But today the GA in DEN called GS together with handicapped ^
Jan 10, 2017, 7:13 pm
#84
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NC
Programs: UA ,Qantas ,Southwest
Posts: 172
I am in my 15th year as a GS, in the early years 1-3 on TATL was the norm,only heavy ones consistently were out of Syd 7ish, new 1K me thinks....that said there was no pre boarding for GS until several years after the program started
Last edited by rduer; Jan 10, 2017 at 7:19 pm
Jan 10, 2017, 7:56 pm
#85
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
This past week(thru monday) in IAD, SJC, DEN and IAH GS was invited on during preboarding.
Jan 10, 2017, 8:03 pm
#86
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Texas
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 22
you know who you are, and you know what you are entitled to. just go up too board when you are ready.
Jan 10, 2017, 8:24 pm
#87
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 200
Jan 10, 2017, 8:45 pm
#88
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD, LHR
Programs: UA GS/2M Miles, AA 1M Miles
Posts: 58
The flight was on the jetway for boarding. I've talked with other GS's who have heard similar rumblings from other gate agents.
Jan 10, 2017, 8:50 pm
#89
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Jan 10, 2017, 9:00 pm
#90
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 94
Long hold times
What's going on with the "super long" (yes I know I got spoiled) hold times...? Based on my time with GS status:
<2012: No ring, straight to agent pick up with them saying, "Mr. xxxxx"
2012-2016: A few rings with an automated message but very quick
2017: 5-10 minutes
Also, took 17 minutes on the phone today for an agent to add a RPU to an award ticket.... this used to take minutes.
<2012: No ring, straight to agent pick up with them saying, "Mr. xxxxx"
2012-2016: A few rings with an automated message but very quick
2017: 5-10 minutes
Also, took 17 minutes on the phone today for an agent to add a RPU to an award ticket.... this used to take minutes.