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]
Jan 7, 2018, 10:18 pm
#61
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,410
Because the booking code is part of the PNR itself, I think this should work like E+ seat assignments: you keep them after you lose status but you can't get it restored if anything goes wrong.
If anyone has specific experience, feel free to correct me.
If anyone has specific experience, feel free to correct me.
Jan 7, 2018, 11:12 pm
#62
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
No - provided the partner award inventory is already there, you’ll have no problem. Check the award prices correctly, though - lately there have been a few gremlins.
Jan 8, 2018, 3:55 am
#63
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Related situation but different - I’m traveling at the same time as my spouse, but we are on different flights. I’m departing off on a business trip with a carryon and he needs to check a bag (he’s Silver and in First). Would they have an issue if we check in together and he checks his bag in the lobby (at ORD)
Jan 8, 2018, 4:23 am
#64
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Related situation but different - I’m traveling at the same time as my spouse, but we are on different flights. I’m departing off on a business trip with a carryon and he needs to check a bag (he’s Silver and in First). Would they have an issue if we check in together and he checks his bag in the lobby (at ORD)
Jan 8, 2018, 11:55 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
On a couple of occasions I checked in a family member at GS as well, without me flying. I just show my GS card, politely asked and was never denied.
However, in each case the GS lobby/counter was empty with the agents not busy, so it did not affect any other GS folks. I would have hesitated, if there
was a line or agents were occupied with other tasks.
However, in each case the GS lobby/counter was empty with the agents not busy, so it did not affect any other GS folks. I would have hesitated, if there
was a line or agents were occupied with other tasks.
Jan 8, 2018, 1:43 pm
#66
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: UA Global Services 3MM, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 2,927
On a couple of occasions I checked in a family member at GS as well, without me flying. I just show my GS card, politely asked and was never denied.
However, in each case the GS lobby/counter was empty with the agents not busy, so it did not affect any other GS folks. I would have hesitated, if there
was a line or agents were occupied with other tasks.
However, in each case the GS lobby/counter was empty with the agents not busy, so it did not affect any other GS folks. I would have hesitated, if there
was a line or agents were occupied with other tasks.
Jan 8, 2018, 3:47 pm
#67
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Two questions:
1. Can a GS upgrade an economy award (X/XN) with miles (+copay)?
2. When a GS has a paid premium cabin ticket, does the companion rule apply if the companion uses their own upgrade instrument? For example another 1K member using RPU / GPU.
Thanks in advance
1. Can a GS upgrade an economy award (X/XN) with miles (+copay)?
2. When a GS has a paid premium cabin ticket, does the companion rule apply if the companion uses their own upgrade instrument? For example another 1K member using RPU / GPU.
Thanks in advance
2. I believe yes.... for int'l only though.
Jan 9, 2018, 9:15 am
#68
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: UA Global Services - 1 MM, AA Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 122
Has United sent anything out to 2017 GS members telling them that they have been renewed for 2018? I was GS in 2017 but have not seen anything from United yet about 2018. Concerned that I have been demoted.
Jan 9, 2018, 9:25 am
#69
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
Many received email notifications - some received phone calls for 2018 renewal. It is possible that UA has not yet notified all renewed GS people
Jan 9, 2018, 9:44 am
#70
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Jan 9, 2018, 10:04 am
#71
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: UA Global Services - 1 MM, AA Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 122
What does it say at http://mystatus.united.com?
Jan 9, 2018, 11:48 am
#72
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Jan 9, 2018, 1:59 pm
#74
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K 1.45MM, Marriott+SPG Plat, Clear, Nexus, Global Entry and MEX Viajero Confiable
Posts: 1,777
Jan 9, 2018, 2:49 pm
#75
Join Date: Dec 2016
Programs: United Global Services
Posts: 22
Can someone explain the million miler companion benefit in relation to GS?
If I'm million mile lifetime and obtain GS status for 2018.....and my wife only has 200,000 lifetime miles and Premier silver status (let's say).......am I able to nominate her to be GS status? So that means we both have GS then for 2018?
Thanks!
If I'm million mile lifetime and obtain GS status for 2018.....and my wife only has 200,000 lifetime miles and Premier silver status (let's say).......am I able to nominate her to be GS status? So that means we both have GS then for 2018?
Thanks!