Jan 1, 2018, 6:41 am
Last edit by: flyerbjorn
United Global Services ("GS") is the highest tier of MileagePlus elite status. It is by invitation only, reviewed annually -- 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, and also to those individuals that purchase an annual PassPlus enrollment of $50k or greater. 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 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 [2017]
Thread on 2017 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2017 Qualifying Discussion
Known facts concerning qualification and eligibility 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.
Published Benefits
Full detail of published benefits can be found at https://mystatus.united.com/gs [MP credentials login required, existing GS only]
Shortlist (incremental/different to 1K):
- Dedicated phone number, usually answered on the first ring, and generally by specially-trained GS agents. Some exceptions occur, especially during busy periods (such as when weather waivers are in effect)
- Dedicated email address for MileagePlus and other inquiries, usually answered personally within hours
- Dedicated check-in at main airport stations, including private Global Reception centers at major hubs, providing priority TSA security access. May bring guests/companions into Global Reception areas or dedicated GS checkin lanes who are traveling on same itinerary as GS member.
- Instrument-supported upgrades (GPU/RPU) clear into PN class rather than PZ class for other elite tiers, which usually have much better availability. Instruments drawn from the GS member account and applied to other reservations will also clear into PN class.
- Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs) cleared beginning 120 hours prior to flight departure (versus 96 hours for 1K) for GS member and up to one other traveling on same PNR
- Highest-priority when waitlisted for Upgrades, Award Travel, and Sold-out Flight Availability. GS members clear before any other status level or full-fare customers.
- Priority Boarding, among the first to board the aircraft (currently after unaccompanied minors, people with disabilities and/or need more time boarding, Active-Duty Military, and now prior to families with children under age of 2)
- Priority handling in event of IRROPS, including next flight guarantee in case of re-accommodation, overseen by dedicated team of location-based GS Customer Service Agents (identified via gold scarves/ties)
- Mercedes-Benz Tarmac Transfer for tight connections between flights at major hubs (cannot be requested in advance)
- Access to United Arrivals Lounge at SFO when arriving from international flight, regardless of cabin class (no guests permitted)
- Access to Arrivals Lounge at LHR T2 when arriving from inbound UA-operated intercontinental flight, regardless of cabin (no guests permitted, must present Boarding Pass or physical GS card)
- Access to Lufthansa / Swiss Welcome (arrival) Lounges in FRA and ZRH for same-day inbound UA intercontinental flight, regardless of cabin (no guests permitted, must present physical GS card)
All benefits noted below require calling a GS agent:
- GS can create saver economy award space (XN) if T inventory is available. United-operated flights only. Update 12 Dec 2018: Only for GS member + 1 companion.
- GS can create saver business award space (IN) if PZ inventory is available. United-operated flights only.
- GS can upgrade economy awards (XN or YN) into Business / First with a GPU if PN inventory is available, provided both instrument and miles drawn from GS member account. United-operated flights only.
- GS can confirm any waitlisted instrument-supported upgrade within T-72 hours to flight departure provided at least 2 (two) J class premium seats remain for sale after the upgrade is processed and they are at the top of the waitlist.
- GS are entitled to one Saver Award seat in the same class of service with their purchase of any premium cabin fare. GS agents can open space if it is not available provided that at least 2 seats remain for sale afterwards. United-operated flights only.
- GS can upgrade a companion with an instrument (GPU/RPU) from Economy to Business / First when flying on a paid premium cabin fare, even if PZ or PN is not available, as long as J > 2 after upgrade processed. Companion needs to be ticketed in W class or higher on international cash fare itineraries, or ticketed in X/XN for upgrades from award tickets. GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable.
- (Note: Only ONE of the two above options can be exercised per premium fare purchased.)
- GS can buy up from Basic Economy fares, which is usually forbidden
- GS can access VIP Lounges (former Global First Lounges) in NRT, LHR, and HKG when booked in Polaris Business on an international itinerary. One guest permitted (two guests if a United Club member). Not accessed if booked in United Economy.
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions [2018]
Jun 17, 2018, 9:30 pm
#601
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
In chatting to the crews, I tend to be the only GS on SFO-SYD. SFO-Asia routes have more GS passengers. I'm guessing US-Europe routes have more GS passengers as well.
I'm writing this from UA 870 SYD-SFO, where the crew noticed an empty pair of seats and offered me to switch seats as the only GS on the plane. I love the little touches and crew attention to GS members. ^ ^
Jun 20, 2018, 9:44 am
#602
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 121
I think the answer is NO, but want to make sure.
Can I use a GPU to upgrade an ECONOMY SAVER flight operated by Lufthansa??
I know I can use a GPU on an economy saver UNITED flight if there is availability, and I know that I can use GPUs on Lufthansa flights... but what about both???
Can I use a GPU to upgrade an ECONOMY SAVER flight operated by Lufthansa??
I know I can use a GPU on an economy saver UNITED flight if there is availability, and I know that I can use GPUs on Lufthansa flights... but what about both???
Jun 20, 2018, 9:53 am
#603
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
GPUs can only be applied to award tickets on United, not Lufthansa.
Jun 20, 2018, 9:54 am
#604
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 121
Thanks... I figured.
Jun 20, 2018, 12:12 pm
#605
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
I need to fly ORD-LHR round trip next week in economy and would like to use GPUs. My outbound schedule is slightly flexible. I found a few options but nothing with PN open. Which of these is my best bet?
On all of these flights D is the lowest with a fare attached even though P>0 on some. (I think due to minimum time requirements?)
This is my first time using a GPU as a GS so all advice is welcome.
On all of these flights D is the lowest with a fare attached even though P>0 on some. (I think due to minimum time requirements?)
- F0FN0A0ON0O0J6JN6C5D4Z3ZN3P1PN0R0RN0 on Sunday (P1 and D4 looks promising — but all other flights this day are 100% sold out in Polaris)
- F0FN0A0ON0O0J5JN5C4D3Z2ZN2P1PN0R0RN0 on Monday (even though P1 is available)
- F0FN0A0ON0O0J6JN6C6D4Z2ZN2P0PN0R0RN0 on Monday (P0 but D4 instead of D3 above)
- F0FN0A0ON0O0J7JN7C7D6Z6ZN6P6PN0R0RN0 on Tuesday (P6 with no fare attached looks very promising — but this flight is farther out so more time for seats to get taken up)
This is my first time using a GPU as a GS so all advice is welcome.
Last edited by getagb; Jun 20, 2018 at 12:23 pm
Jun 20, 2018, 12:33 pm
#606
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,425
Tuesday is far and above your best shot, mostly for being a Tuesday. But with only 7 seats left, nothing is a sure thing.
Jun 20, 2018, 3:21 pm
#607
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: MP GS, MR/HH Silver
Posts: 8
New to GS
I must be the lowest level MP member ever to receive GS. No international flights in years, pretty regular Premier Silver, with 800K lifetime. I suppose I can thank my employer for this year's perk. Given that, I have six GPU and two RPU to burn this year. My gf and I are planning a DEN-LHR Dreamliner trip for October before the daily service ends. Can you walk me through the best strategy for upgrading? We haven't booked as of yet.
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
Jun 20, 2018, 4:41 pm
#608
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 98
I must be the lowest level MP member ever to receive GS. No international flights in years, pretty regular Premier Silver, with 800K lifetime. I suppose I can thank my employer for this year's perk. Given that, I have six GPU and two RPU to burn this year. My gf and I are planning a DEN-LHR Dreamliner trip for October before the daily service ends. Can you walk me through the best strategy for upgrading? We haven't booked as of yet.
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
If on award travel, book saver economy (look for X or XN space, or if you see a flight with T inventory you can call and have this converted to saver economy award as noted in the wiki). This should price out at 60k miles round trip per person. For the upgrade, you'll want to make sure the flight has PN inventory of 2+. You'll need to call (if you happen to book the initial award flight online) and have an agent apply the GPU.
If you're planning on purchasing the ticket, same as above, but look for space in W class or higher (YBMEUHQVW). In this case you should be able to apply the GPU online or over the phone.
Jun 20, 2018, 5:02 pm
#609
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,847
From a relatively small sample size of 15 GPU upgrades, I'm starting to believe that upgrades clearing is route and load specific, not directly related to P>0. Upgrades on SFO-SYD tend to clear within a day. We have a few upgrades pending on SFO-CDG and LHR-SFO with P>0. Those upgrades have been pending for weeks.
In chatting to the crews, I tend to be the only GS on SFO-SYD. SFO-Asia routes have more GS passengers. I'm guessing US-Europe routes have more GS passengers as well.
I'm writing this from UA 870 SYD-SFO, where the crew noticed an empty pair of seats and offered me to switch seats as the only GS on the plane. I love the little touches and crew attention to GS members. ^ ^
In chatting to the crews, I tend to be the only GS on SFO-SYD. SFO-Asia routes have more GS passengers. I'm guessing US-Europe routes have more GS passengers as well.
I'm writing this from UA 870 SYD-SFO, where the crew noticed an empty pair of seats and offered me to switch seats as the only GS on the plane. I love the little touches and crew attention to GS members. ^ ^
Jun 20, 2018, 6:20 pm
#610
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 622
I must be the lowest level MP member ever to receive GS. No international flights in years, pretty regular Premier Silver, with 800K lifetime. I suppose I can thank my employer for this year's perk. Given that, I have six GPU and two RPU to burn this year. My gf and I are planning a DEN-LHR Dreamliner trip for October before the daily service ends. Can you walk me through the best strategy for upgrading? We haven't booked as of yet.
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
As I've said, I'm not worthy...
/danno
Jun 21, 2018, 7:27 am
#611
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
Jun 21, 2018, 8:46 am
#612
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: MP GS, MR/HH Silver
Posts: 8
Lucky you! Are you planning to use your miles to buy award tickets and use GPUs, or pay for economy and apply the GPUs?
If on award travel, book saver economy (look for X or XN space, or if you see a flight with T inventory you can call and have this converted to saver economy award as noted in the wiki). This should price out at 60k miles round trip per person. For the upgrade, you'll want to make sure the flight has PN inventory of 2+. You'll need to call (if you happen to book the initial award flight online) and have an agent apply the GPU.
If you're planning on purchasing the ticket, same as above, but look for space in W class or higher (YBMEUHQVW). In this case you should be able to apply the GPU online or over the phone.
If on award travel, book saver economy (look for X or XN space, or if you see a flight with T inventory you can call and have this converted to saver economy award as noted in the wiki). This should price out at 60k miles round trip per person. For the upgrade, you'll want to make sure the flight has PN inventory of 2+. You'll need to call (if you happen to book the initial award flight online) and have an agent apply the GPU.
If you're planning on purchasing the ticket, same as above, but look for space in W class or higher (YBMEUHQVW). In this case you should be able to apply the GPU online or over the phone.
Jun 21, 2018, 8:50 am
#613
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: MP GS, MR/HH Silver
Posts: 8
Unrelated to your question, but I'd suggest accumulating 200k BIS miles as soon as possible. Not only will you get Gold lifetime, you'll be able to designate a companion to inherit your status (which will be your GS for now). 200k BIS miles as a GS is going to be a lot more comfortable than it would be as a Silver.
Jul 3, 2018, 5:52 am
#614
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: London
Programs: UA GS, BA Silver, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, A-Club Silver, Intercontinental Ambassador
Posts: 32
I think I know the answer here, but not 100% sure. I changed jobs recently and my new job has the unfortunate side effect of a chunk of my travel moving down fare classes, to H or at best M. For upgrades is it best to apply miles or a GPU in this case - does an instrument get priority?
Jul 3, 2018, 6:17 am
#615
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
I think I know the answer here, but not 100% sure. I changed jobs recently and my new job has the unfortunate side effect of a chunk of my travel moving down fare classes, to H or at best M. For upgrades is it best to apply miles or a GPU in this case - does an instrument get priority?