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]
Sep 14, 2018, 1:13 pm
#811
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Seconded... and a smile to the person there to open up the barrier thingy.... funny, they never seem to really check you are GS...
Sep 20, 2018, 11:39 am
#812
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, SPG PLT, Marriott PLT, Shangri-La Diamond
Posts: 187
Does anyone know if they have started admitting into the Lufthansa First Class Lounge if ticketed in business on 2-cabin A/C at FRA/MUC? With the elimination of true first class, I would think that they would need to start looking at either removing the benefit to access the FCL or admit those ticketed in J.
Sep 21, 2018, 11:48 am
#813
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 94
Does anyone know if they have started admitting into the Lufthansa First Class Lounge if ticketed in business on 2-cabin A/C at FRA/MUC? With the elimination of true first class, I would think that they would need to start looking at either removing the benefit to access the FCL or admit those ticketed in J.
Sep 21, 2018, 2:21 pm
#814
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
They are not. I was in the MUC Lufthansa FCL in terminal 2 on Friday (flew SFO-MUC in F on LH... serious champagne hangover but that's beside the point) and saw somebody get denied entry bc on 2-class in J. I don't think they will... one of the great things about the LH F lounge in MUC is there are always <10 people in it at anytime.... opening it up to J would make it overrun.
Sep 21, 2018, 2:51 pm
#815
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
Well, FCLs are technically available to LH HON anytime. I don't know how many GS passengers depart FRA/MUC in UA J every day, but I'm assuming it's a certain number, although only at particular times.
As a wishlist item, I'd rather UA open up Polaris and/or UC access when flying domestic F.
As a wishlist item, I'd rather UA open up Polaris and/or UC access when flying domestic F.
Sep 21, 2018, 8:04 pm
#816
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: West
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 221
Well, FCLs are technically available to LH HON anytime. I don't know how many GS passengers depart FRA/MUC in UA J every day, but I'm assuming it's a certain number, although only at particular times.
As a wishlist item, I'd rather UA open up Polaris and/or UC access when flying domestic F.
As a wishlist item, I'd rather UA open up Polaris and/or UC access when flying domestic F.
Sep 24, 2018, 1:43 pm
#817
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: DC
Programs: united GS, Airfrance Platinum FL, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum FL
Posts: 16
Hello,
i have a question question...i understand that United can clear up an upgrade T-72 if seats are still available to sell.
My flight looks like this
thanks for your help!
i have a question question...i understand that United can clear up an upgrade T-72 if seats are still available to sell.
My flight looks like this
- Available fare classes:
- J3, JN3, C3,D3,Z2,ZN2
thanks for your help!
Sep 24, 2018, 1:50 pm
#818
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
I think so.
GS agent cleared a GPU supported upgrade for me 96 hours out last week with J4 D3 - P3.
Obvious questions are 1. Are you first on the list or is another GS in front of you? And 2. Are you within T-72hrs of departure?
GS agent cleared a GPU supported upgrade for me 96 hours out last week with J4 D3 - P3.
Obvious questions are 1. Are you first on the list or is another GS in front of you? And 2. Are you within T-72hrs of departure?
Sep 24, 2018, 2:09 pm
#819
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: UA, AA
Posts: 212
Upgrade to GF
I am flying on a 3-class 777-200 SFO to FRA. I have requested upgrade with GPU from C to F. How soon prior to departure could these clear for a GS?
Sep 24, 2018, 2:55 pm
#820
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: SEA, WAS, PEK
Programs: UA 3K UGS 3MM
Posts: 2,176
My experience is about 90-120 minutes before the flight out of SFO. Very annoying when they know the plane will likely be 3-cabin 24 hours before.
Sep 24, 2018, 3:37 pm
#821
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: DC
Programs: united GS, Airfrance Platinum FL, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum FL
Posts: 16
Thanks! Yes i was 1st on list and within the 72 hours... I just called another agent and she was able make it work.
Sep 24, 2018, 3:39 pm
#822
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lahaina, HI & Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,403
Agent went outside on policy with the T-96 clearance. As the second part of your post seems to imply that T-72 is the correct cutoff.
Sep 24, 2018, 10:41 pm
#823
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Hello,
i have a question question...i understand that United can clear up an upgrade T-72 if seats are still available to sell.
My flight looks like this
thanks for your help!
i have a question question...i understand that United can clear up an upgrade T-72 if seats are still available to sell.
My flight looks like this
- Available fare classes:
- J3, JN3, C3,D3,Z2,ZN2
thanks for your help!
Sep 26, 2018, 8:47 am
#824
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: DC
Programs: united GS, Airfrance Platinum FL, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum FL
Posts: 16
Sep 26, 2018, 1:13 pm
#825
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
FWIW I've had upgrades quasi-instant clear with wide open cabins and far out (J9, D9, ... P9, PN0). Some GS agents are aware of this and request I stay on the line for a few seconds to see if the computer auto-clears it (the two data points I've got seem to suggest it really is the computer, not the agent) and if it does come through, it usual dose in less than a minutes.
Also cleared SFO > SIN with a similar inventory spread for a flight near NYE within 16 hours of booking. Bought LAS > SFO > SIN through the website around 8pm or so CST and got the waitlist confirmation email ~10am CST the following morning. Should also note while the long-haul sector cleared, the domestic one did not. Go figure.
The point here is I suspect UA's got some logic where if PN = 0, P is greater than [ X ], and the flight is more than [ Y ] days out, then clear [ Z ] GS's into PN.
Originally Posted by jmgkl
Thanks! Yes sorry just updated my profile. Yes it cleared as GS.