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 9, 2018, 2:50 pm
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,395
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!
Jan 9, 2018, 4:10 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: UA Global Services, AA PltPro, Marriott Ambassador, National Executive,
Posts: 35
thanks!
ed
Jan 9, 2018, 4:48 pm
#78
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,025
Flights operated by UA on UA metal only ... unfortunately!
Jan 12, 2018, 7:52 am
#79
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
I'm going to be checking in at EWR Thursday (not just passing through) for the first time since November. Can anyone tell me which "door" upstairs to use on the departures level for the Global Services Checkin Lobby? Sorry if this has been answered a million times, I'm struggling w/ Flyertalk's search.
Jan 12, 2018, 8:00 am
#80
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,388
I'm going to be checking in at EWR Thursday (not just passing through) for the first time since November. Can anyone tell me which "door" upstairs to use on the departures level for the Global Services Checkin Lobby? Sorry if this has been answered a million times, I'm struggling w/ Flyertalk's search.
United Global Services® members and accompanying travel companions are invited to check in at our new dedicated Global Reception area at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in our Premier® Lobby. For easiest access, we recommend entering through Door 2 on Level 3.
Upon arrival, you'll step into an enhanced lobby experience with the familiar hospitality you’ve come to expect from us. And to make your airport experience as smooth as possible, we offer members with TSA Pre-Check direct access to the dedicated Pre-Check security line after your personalized check-in. Learn more and sign up for TSA Pre-Check on United.com.
Jan 12, 2018, 8:18 am
#81
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 400
Enjoy exceptional service from the moment you start your journey.
United Global Services® members and accompanying travel companions are invited to check in at our new dedicated Global Reception area at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in our Premier® Lobby. For easiest access, we recommend entering through Door 2 on Level 3.
Upon arrival, you'll step into an enhanced lobby experience with the familiar hospitality you’ve come to expect from us. And to make your airport experience as smooth as possible, we offer members with TSA Pre-Check direct access to the dedicated Pre-Check security line after your personalized check-in. Learn more and sign up for TSA Pre-Check on United.com.
United Global Services® members and accompanying travel companions are invited to check in at our new dedicated Global Reception area at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in our Premier® Lobby. For easiest access, we recommend entering through Door 2 on Level 3.
Upon arrival, you'll step into an enhanced lobby experience with the familiar hospitality you’ve come to expect from us. And to make your airport experience as smooth as possible, we offer members with TSA Pre-Check direct access to the dedicated Pre-Check security line after your personalized check-in. Learn more and sign up for TSA Pre-Check on United.com.
Jan 12, 2018, 8:28 am
#82
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
Any recent reports of GS being "op-upped" to F, on a 3-class bird, as long as seats available after NRSA? My understanding is they are not selling the F seats any longer?
Jan 12, 2018, 8:40 am
#83
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,388
F seats are still being sold, and supported (GPU, miles, etc.) being processed. Op-ups are most likely only if business is oversold; in that case GSs will get the bump based on fare paid.
A quick check of UA895 ORD-HKG shows F available for sale through August 2018.
Jan 12, 2018, 8:49 am
#84
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
Thanks!
Jan 12, 2018, 7:13 pm
#85
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,783
Instead of repeating the discussions, GS qualification for 2018 are covered in
2018 GS Qualifying Discussion
Global Services 2018 Notifications (ONLY) (Note only explicit notification, no have not heard)
2018 GS Qualifying Discussion
Global Services 2018 Notifications (ONLY) (Note only explicit notification, no have not heard)
Jan 13, 2018, 6:53 am
#86
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Enjoy exceptional service from the moment you start your journey.
United Global Services® members and accompanying travel companions are invited to check in at our new dedicated Global Reception area at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in our Premier® Lobby. For easiest access, we recommend entering through Door 2 on Level 3.
Upon arrival, you'll step into an enhanced lobby experience with the familiar hospitality you’ve come to expect from us. And to make your airport experience as smooth as possible, we offer members with TSA Pre-Check direct access to the dedicated Pre-Check security line after your personalized check-in. Learn more and sign up for TSA Pre-Check on United.com.
United Global Services® members and accompanying travel companions are invited to check in at our new dedicated Global Reception area at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), located in our Premier® Lobby. For easiest access, we recommend entering through Door 2 on Level 3.
Upon arrival, you'll step into an enhanced lobby experience with the familiar hospitality you’ve come to expect from us. And to make your airport experience as smooth as possible, we offer members with TSA Pre-Check direct access to the dedicated Pre-Check security line after your personalized check-in. Learn more and sign up for TSA Pre-Check on United.com.
Jan 13, 2018, 2:00 pm
#87
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: UA Global Services, AA PltPro, Marriott Ambassador, National Executive,
Posts: 35
1) I can hypothetically make a reservation for 3 months from now in paid business, and they can open up saver business space for my companion today, if business class is wide open?
2) I can make a reservation for three months from now in paid business, book a W fare for my companion, and upgrade my companion into business today, even if R or PN is unavailable?
Or in both instances, can these only occur within 72 hours of departure?
Jan 13, 2018, 2:10 pm
#88
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
I just want to make sure I understand correctly:
1) I can hypothetically make a reservation for 3 months from now in paid business, and they can open up saver business space for my companion today, if business class is wide open?
2) I can make a reservation for three months from now in paid business, book a W fare for my companion, and upgrade my companion into business today, even if R or PN is unavailable?
Or in both instances, can these only occur within 72 hours of departure?
1) I can hypothetically make a reservation for 3 months from now in paid business, and they can open up saver business space for my companion today, if business class is wide open?
2) I can make a reservation for three months from now in paid business, book a W fare for my companion, and upgrade my companion into business today, even if R or PN is unavailable?
Or in both instances, can these only occur within 72 hours of departure?
72 hrs rule n/a in this case.
Jan 13, 2018, 4:02 pm
#89
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.3MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak SE; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 4,388
Jan 13, 2018, 5:59 pm
#90
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 659
You can, however, ask them to convert any R space into a saver business award (IN), regardless if you book a premium cabin revenue ticket or not.