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 7, 2018, 1:20 pm
#586
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IAD
Programs: UA GS, 1MM; Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 561
they do that boarding pass trick often in LAX. one time they came on to confirm i boarded, cuz they hadnt scanned the copy of my boarding pass that they printed for themselves.
Jun 8, 2018, 6:23 pm
#587
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: UA GS, MM
Posts: 165
Has this happened to anyone else? Just got an email from Marriott telling me I now have Silver status! When the program linkage began I started at Platinum, then quietly slipped to Gold last year, now this. Ah well. When I was Platinum, I got breakfast AND a special gift at check-in (in one case, an ice cream bar). No more special gift for me! 
Jun 8, 2018, 6:59 pm
#588
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 90
On the last flight from ORD to PVG I was in global first and the captain came back to talk to me and recognized me as GS. He talked about the approximate time it would take, how the weather was looking and whether he expected any turbulence. First time that has happened and I really appreciated it.
Compare that to the flight from PVG to ORD, also in global first, and no one recognized me as GS, not even one of the FAs.
Compare that to the flight from PVG to ORD, also in global first, and no one recognized me as GS, not even one of the FAs.
Jun 10, 2018, 3:59 pm
#589
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,543
Had a day trip from PHL-IAH and back yesterday. Morning crew at Philly, who are normally always awesome, came on board and thanked me personally in addition to the pre-boarding thanks and escort I normally get. At IAH evening flight was delayed an hour; I received a phone call from a GS agent who met me with a $20 food voucher which was nice (and a first for me).
Jun 12, 2018, 12:20 pm
#590
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: New York
Posts: 9
Hi, I am looking for economy award flights to upgrade with GPU. From the wiki, I can upgrade if PN is available. I found a few flights that have PN9 but T0 and XN0. So there is no economy award flights. Is there another code to open up an economy award flight?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jun 12, 2018, 12:42 pm
#591
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: 4,392
You can always get a standard coach award now, upgrade it, and keep an eye out for T or XN. As a GS, you can "refund" and reissue to the saver level at no cost. And a good GS agent will be able to keep your PN space in the process.
Jun 13, 2018, 4:54 pm
#592
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO/TPE
Programs: UA GS slavery, *A Gold, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 281
Had a day trip from PHL-IAH and back yesterday. Morning crew at Philly, who are normally always awesome, came on board and thanked me personally in addition to the pre-boarding thanks and escort I normally get. At IAH evening flight was delayed an hour; I received a phone call from a GS agent who met me with a $20 food voucher which was nice (and a first for me).
Lucky I was sitting in AMEX lounge with a load of food and drinks.
Jun 14, 2018, 8:05 pm
#593
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: UA GLOBAL SERVICES - 1.2 million miles
Posts: 25
GS agent just told me I couldn't use a GPU on a ticket paid for with miles from another person's account even though I have been able to do this before with no issue. Is this true?
Jun 14, 2018, 8:10 pm
#594
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Westchester NY
Programs: UA GS 4+ MM
Posts: 373
True. I have been able to use my gpu/rpu on GS miles from my wife's account, but the agent let me know she was making an exception.
Jun 15, 2018, 1:08 am
#595
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Even though Mrs. Limeyflyer is GS, the agent wanted to make sure both the miles and the instrument came from the same MP account, which the agent told me was the policy.
Jun 15, 2018, 1:18 am
#596
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
I spoke to a GS agent a couple of weeks ago about a saver economy award I made for Mrs. LimeyFlyer and wanted to use a GPU upgrade on.
Even though Mrs. Limeyflyer is GS, the agent wanted to make sure both the miles and the instrument came from the same MP account, which the agent told me was the policy.
Even though Mrs. Limeyflyer is GS, the agent wanted to make sure both the miles and the instrument came from the same MP account, which the agent told me was the policy.
Jun 15, 2018, 6:07 am
#597
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,257
I don't know if it's policy or not, but I've done it about 5 times without question. You had a lame agent.
Jun 15, 2018, 7:04 am
#598
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Jun 16, 2018, 2:23 am
#599
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 570
The official policy is that miles and GPU must come from the same GS account. Rule does not apply to RPU. This has been official policy for years; though some agents have made exceptions but I am finding the trend is that this rule is enforced increasingly frequently as time goes by.
Jun 17, 2018, 8:00 pm
#600
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Mileage Plus Global Services 2MM
Posts: 1,200
P9 PN0 clearing ?
I hope this is timing or a 1 off thing, but I've been waitlisted for UG with P9 PN0 for a couple of weeks with no clearing. Route is 9-15 NRT-SFO. Anyone with similar recent experience? Thanks.