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]
Aug 24, 2018, 12:10 pm
#751
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I know UA is willing to oversell J on some routes... sounds to me like this is one of them (which was it, may I ask?).... My SFO-SIN last year fit this bill, and was oversold by 1 at check-in, only to upgrade 4 people due to missed connections at the gate.
Aug 24, 2018, 3:54 pm
#752
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: West
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 221
An odd datapoint here, I got the upgrade pushed through at T-72, but I did get one of the really good agents on the phone. The seat map showed only one seat free in J, website J3. It then switched to J as full in the seat map and app, but J2 remained on the website. Not sure if it was a glitch, but the agent did say she had to force it through. Maybe there is something there that they will open up F as J seating if there is sufficient demand, but that is, of course, complete speculation.
Aug 24, 2018, 10:48 pm
#753
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: NY
Programs: AA: ExPlat & 3MM; UA: 1k; KL: Plat 4 Life; Hyatt: Plat; SPG, Marriott, Hilton: Gold
Posts: 2,708
GS for foreign addresses
Understand that GS eligibility is determined by market and thus criteria different depending on home airport. How does this work for international addresses?
Aug 25, 2018, 3:59 pm
#754
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Lifetime Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 570
What happens to emails to GS desk with positive crew feedback?
For years I have made it a point to write a note to the GS voice whenever I experienced a flight with an excellent crew who went above and beyond. Previously, an agent would reply indicating she or he would pass on the feedback to the crew being referenced with thanks; however in the recent year, they have stopped acknowledging these messages altogether. It got me thinking...
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Aug 25, 2018, 4:26 pm
#755
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: West
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 221
For years I have made it a point to write a note to the GS voice whenever I experienced a flight with an excellent crew who went above and beyond. Previously, an agent would reply indicating she or he would pass on the feedback to the crew being referenced with thanks; however in the recent year, they have stopped acknowledging these messages altogether. It got me thinking...
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Aug 25, 2018, 4:28 pm
#756
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Aug 25, 2018, 4:39 pm
#757
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
For years I have made it a point to write a note to the GS voice whenever I experienced a flight with an excellent crew who went above and beyond. Previously, an agent would reply indicating she or he would pass on the feedback to the crew being referenced with thanks; however in the recent year, they have stopped acknowledging these messages altogether. It got me thinking...
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Some FAs even ask me to write in with positive or negative feedback, since "UA cares about the opinion of GS members".
Aug 25, 2018, 4:40 pm
#758
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
For years I have made it a point to write a note to the GS voice whenever I experienced a flight with an excellent crew who went above and beyond. Previously, an agent would reply indicating she or he would pass on the feedback to the crew being referenced with thanks; however in the recent year, they have stopped acknowledging these messages altogether. It got me thinking...
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
The times I have written criticism have resulted in a quicker response, usually with some sort of compensation even if I had not asked for it.
Aug 25, 2018, 6:51 pm
#759
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
SFO Global Reception
Traveling with a companion (on same PNR) SFO-ORD. I am GS, and have TSA Pre✓ / Global Entry / Clear. Companion has no status at all but is an experienced flyer. Neither of us have much experience with SFO.
If companion doesn't get randomly chosen to have TSA Pre✓ along with me, will Global Reception escort us both to the front of our respective security lines and we can meet up on the other side? Or should we both just use the non-Pre✓ Premier line (if there is one at SFO?)
If companion doesn't get randomly chosen to have TSA Pre✓ along with me, will Global Reception escort us both to the front of our respective security lines and we can meet up on the other side? Or should we both just use the non-Pre✓ Premier line (if there is one at SFO?)
Aug 26, 2018, 3:26 am
#760
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,404
I'm pretty sure same-PNR companions almost always receive Pre if you have a KTN.
Aug 26, 2018, 10:06 am
#761
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Did some booking at Marriott and noticed status as "Platinum Elite". Wondering if this a carryover from the old program or actually the status for GS going forward.
Last edited by cesco.g; Aug 26, 2018 at 3:11 pm Reason: orthographics
Aug 26, 2018, 10:28 am
#762
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,882
Traveling with a companion (on same PNR) SFO-ORD. I am GS, and have TSA Pre✓ / Global Entry / Clear. Companion has no status at all but is an experienced flyer. Neither of us have much experience with SFO.
If companion doesn't get randomly chosen to have TSA Pre✓ along with me, will Global Reception escort us both to the front of our respective security lines and we can meet up on the other side? Or should we both just use the non-Pre✓ Premier line (if there is one at SFO?)
If companion doesn't get randomly chosen to have TSA Pre✓ along with me, will Global Reception escort us both to the front of our respective security lines and we can meet up on the other side? Or should we both just use the non-Pre✓ Premier line (if there is one at SFO?)
Aug 26, 2018, 10:40 am
#763
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,689
For years I have made it a point to write a note to the GS voice whenever I experienced a flight with an excellent crew who went above and beyond. Previously, an agent would reply indicating she or he would pass on the feedback to the crew being referenced with thanks; however in the recent year, they have stopped acknowledging these messages altogether. It got me thinking...
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Does anything actually happen when customers praise crew via email?
Or, am I just wasting time and causing unnecessary burden to the email workflow and therefore should stop doing this?
The thought of having no elevated way to recognize really excellent crew other than thru the survey makes me sad, but maybe I’m just doing it wrong.
Aug 26, 2018, 11:31 am
#764
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Aug 26, 2018, 3:11 pm
#765
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 400
PN availability tracker
Is there any service to track flights for when PN availability opens up for upgrade? I couldn’t find an option on expert flyer and didn’t see a similar search function on KVS.