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]
Feb 9, 2018, 4:32 pm
#211
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
Your GPUs / RPUs will clear into PN far easier than 1Ks needing R.
You will be able to use miles for award / upgrade tickets much easier.
There is a very substantial difference if support in case of irrops.
There is a huge difference
Feb 11, 2018, 10:02 pm
#212
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 94
Interesting experience
Had a very interesting experience on an ERJ tonight. Full flight but boarded on time, nothing unusual. Seated in seat 3A and FA comes up to me and asks if I’d like a pre-departure beverage - I order a gin and tonic. She serves it a few mins later and the proceeds to not ask anybody else if they’d like a drink... returns to the galley and hangs out with pilot. Felt extremely awkward.
Then, before flight pushes back she takes my coat to hang it up. Doesnt ask anybody else. Got a lot of glares.
“Nice” to feel special sometimes but not when I get normal service and everybody else gets poor service.
Then, before flight pushes back she takes my coat to hang it up. Doesnt ask anybody else. Got a lot of glares.
“Nice” to feel special sometimes but not when I get normal service and everybody else gets poor service.
Feb 11, 2018, 10:16 pm
#213
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
I've had this a few times too. Even more times, I've had the FAs give me the cold shoulder, and then suddenly be all smiles and good cheer after they look at the manifest. This does not make me feel good about United.
Feb 11, 2018, 10:20 pm
#214
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 575
Are we supposed to get priority meal choice on the landing breakfast service? Was on SFO-PEK and in the back of business. I ordered Congee but was told everyone wanted congee and they were out (he took orders front to back basically asking the order, then delivering the tray. so they literally had no congee by the time he got to my row). I didn't push hard or complain since i was on a free upgrade, but wondering if the procedure is different for the arrival service versus the main dinner?
Feb 11, 2018, 10:26 pm
#215
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA 1K; *G, AA Plat
Posts: 1,700
Are we supposed to get priority meal choice on the landing breakfast service? Was on SFO-PEK and in the back of business. I ordered Congee but was told everyone wanted congee and they were out (he took orders front to back basically asking the order, then delivering the tray. so they literally had no congee by the time he got to my row). I didn't push hard or complain since i was on a free upgrade, but wondering if the procedure is different for the arrival service versus the main dinner?
Feb 11, 2018, 10:27 pm
#216
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
I have found pro-active FAs asking, if I'd want to be awaken for breakfast and in this case asking, what my choice would be.
Feb 11, 2018, 11:19 pm
#217
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 575
Assuming you're GS, yes. GS/1K are supposed to get both (all?) meals prioritized. Sometimes this doesn't happen as it appears the FA was delivering the meals upon receiving the order instead of taking all the orders, then prioritizing the GS/1K to ensure they get their 1st choices, then delivering the meal service from front/back.
Feb 12, 2018, 1:59 am
#218
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,416
Had a very interesting experience on an ERJ tonight. Full flight but boarded on time, nothing unusual. Seated in seat 3A and FA comes up to me and asks if I’d like a pre-departure beverage - I order a gin and tonic. She serves it a few mins later and the proceeds to not ask anybody else if they’d like a drink... returns to the galley and hangs out with pilot. Felt extremely awkward.
Then, before flight pushes back she takes my coat to hang it up. Doesnt ask anybody else. Got a lot of glares.
“Nice” to feel special sometimes but not when I get normal service and everybody else gets poor service.
Then, before flight pushes back she takes my coat to hang it up. Doesnt ask anybody else. Got a lot of glares.
“Nice” to feel special sometimes but not when I get normal service and everybody else gets poor service.
If that's an E75 that is indeed just terrible service to everyone else.
Feb 12, 2018, 6:10 am
#219
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: EWR, GVA
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 78
FAs should be nice to everyone no matter what the status is but we are taking about United FAs here... we've had some awesome ones but some AWFUL ones...
Feb 12, 2018, 6:56 am
#220
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Yes, I'm GS. Now debating if I should send in a note. I feel like I've had problems the last few flights and don't want to be a serial complainer. And since it was a free upgrade, I shouldn't complain although the noodles in Y were probably better than the omlette I had in J. I should have asked for Y food.
Feb 12, 2018, 8:15 am
#221
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Has anyone ever seen "PN Class Requested" vs "upgrade requested" and actually had it cleared in advance? I have used a GPU SYD-IAH-LGA. SYD-IAH is cleared, but IAH-LGA shows "PN Class requested". I know in the "R class requested" thread people claim it is the same and agents say I'm waitlisted, but we know that United will clear upgrades waitlisted for PN even if PN doesn't open. Not sure if the system will detect and do the same for "PN class requested" or if that actually requires PN to open.
Right now there are 12 seats open and it's 2 1/2 weeks away so I'm hoping 4 will remain open to push it through at T-72, but wondering if there's a chance I'm also not waitlisted in the most optimal way possible.
Right now there are 12 seats open and it's 2 1/2 weeks away so I'm hoping 4 will remain open to push it through at T-72, but wondering if there's a chance I'm also not waitlisted in the most optimal way possible.
Feb 12, 2018, 8:18 am
#222
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,697
Has anyone ever seen "PN Class Requested" vs "upgrade requested" and actually had it cleared in advance? I have used a GPU SYD-IAH-LGA. SYD-IAH is cleared, but IAH-LGA shows "PN Class requested". I know in the "R class requested" thread people claim it is the same and agents say I'm waitlisted, but we know that United will clear upgrades waitlisted for PN even if PN doesn't open. Not sure if the system will detect and do the same for "PN class requested" or if that actually requires PN to open.
Right now there are 12 seats open and it's 2 1/2 weeks away so I'm hoping 4 will remain open to push it through at T-72, but wondering if there's a chance I'm also not waitlisted in the most optimal way possible.
Right now there are 12 seats open and it's 2 1/2 weeks away so I'm hoping 4 will remain open to push it through at T-72, but wondering if there's a chance I'm also not waitlisted in the most optimal way possible.
Feb 12, 2018, 8:35 am
#224
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,697
Would mention that long-haul leg has cleared, could they clear the first leg too...?
Feb 12, 2018, 8:59 am
#225
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
You are listed in the correct way — if it says “PN requested” that should give you more comfort - in fact, I call at times when it just lists “upgrade requested” to confirm it is indeed listed for PN. I frequently see this on Award itineraries where I have applied an instrument - I think the manual application procedure requires agents to list what class you are waitlisted for. Either way, you’re on the list. PN is cleared before R.