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]
Nov 11, 2018, 12:19 pm
#1006
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO/TPE
Programs: UA GS slavery, *A Gold, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 281
San Francisco seems like a major global service hub. Sfo to ewr always has like 5-10 GS in line for upgrade using regional, that should play role right? Also I figured getting one main card and two under authorized users.
Last edited by twkidM3; Nov 11, 2018 at 12:25 pm
Nov 11, 2018, 1:06 pm
#1007
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
Recently boarding SFO-HKG the GA said there were 13 GSs and 61 (yes SIXTY-ONE) 1Ks. Indeed, the pre-board area was a mob-scene.
Nov 11, 2018, 1:37 pm
#1008
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 622
Club card does not factor in GPU W fare scrum priority? Does gate list still use time of request as tie break?
Nov 16, 2018, 8:41 am
#1009
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Had two flights CXed today due to that fast moving storm. Did not receive any email notice or text message from UA (found info on website) and I was not offered any rebooking options. Was basically left to fend for myself. Anyone else experience something similar? Erosion of an IRROPS "benefit"?
Nov 16, 2018, 8:44 am
#1011
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Had two flights CXed today due to that fast moving storm. Did not receive any email notice or text message from UA (found info on website) and I was not offered any rebooking options. Was basically left to fend for myself. Anyone else experience something similar? Erosion of an IRROPS "benefit"?
Last edited by Kleinnaf; Nov 16, 2018 at 8:49 am
Nov 16, 2018, 8:55 am
#1012
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot LT Titanium/Hertz PC/UA 1MM 1K
Posts: 131
Wait was long, but once I got through they made magic happen. Canceled at ord to ewr as well as the backups last night. Stayed the night and they put me on a direct to lga today. Felt bad as folks were literally breaking down in the lounges trying to get home and nothing was avail.. where I called and she was like, want a window or an aisle?! I’ll cry when I lose this service!
Nov 16, 2018, 8:59 am
#1013
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Reminds me of the time the GS desk put me and 4 companions on the last flight out of Newark during a snow storm a few years back
47 ppl were on the waitlist/standby to get on this flight! ( a bunch of flights were cancelled)! I was do to fly the next day
47 ppl were on the waitlist/standby to get on this flight! ( a bunch of flights were cancelled)! I was do to fly the next day
Nov 16, 2018, 11:20 am
#1014
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
Arrived this morning BOS-SFO, with an anticipated three-hour layover for HKG. A GS agent was in the jetway waiting for me. Uh, oh, IRROPS! Nope, "Would you like a Mercedes ride to the Polaris Lounge, wxguy?" #Stunned .
Nov 17, 2018, 11:40 pm
#1015
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
We are scheduled to go back from TPE to SFO tomorrow, but because of the camp fire induced smog, we hope to leave two days later. UA has special travel waiver in place, namely, no change fee and no fare difference charges. I am on a GPU PZ ticket and my wife on a IN ticket. The flight we hope to take is booked 43/60 in Polaris, so that looks pretty empty with only three days go go. However expert mode shows lowest available fare is Z. (P0 PN0 I0 IN0).
When I called a GS agent, she said that both of us have to be put on waitllist, there is nothing else she can do. Any comments?
When I called a GS agent, she said that both of us have to be put on waitllist, there is nothing else she can do. Any comments?
Nov 17, 2018, 11:43 pm
#1016
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Why are you on a PZ and not PN?
huca.
regardless once you're in the 72hr before flight the desk should be able to clear both seats and long as it's J2+ which your flight is.
huca.
regardless once you're in the 72hr before flight the desk should be able to clear both seats and long as it's J2+ which your flight is.
Nov 18, 2018, 3:17 am
#1017
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
I received some amazing GS service as I was flying home DFW-SFO-SYD this week. Due to low visibility, SFO had low visibility (forest fire smoke?), so I received a notification many hours in advance that my flight was 60 min delayed due to ATC. With a 90 min connection, that didn't sound too good. When I got to DFW, I found out I was rebooked via LAX. A lot of UA folks seemed to know who I was: "Mr. flyerbjorn, we've been looking for you. You've been rebooked via LAX.". GS agent met me at the LAX gate and drove me in the Mercedes (first time!). They kept one of my carry on items (that I didn't need at LAX) and delivered it to my gate at boarding. The DFW-SFO flight was further delayed: I would have missed the SFO connection by about an hour and had to spend a day in SF.
I didn't ask for any of this, it just happened. They literally made sure I got me home and I'm very grateful.
I didn't ask for any of this, it just happened. They literally made sure I got me home and I'm very grateful.
Nov 18, 2018, 11:51 pm
#1018
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
That was indeed at about -72 h, and I was so anxious I forgot about the -72 hr J>2 rule. I called back later, and the second GS agent did not waste any time to confirm both of us.
All the first agent said was that it is holiday travel period and that I have to be waitlisted behind many people already on the upgrade RQ list. Do all GS agents know the rules? Do you think even a true GS agent might not know?
Nov 19, 2018, 7:32 am
#1019
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Thank you, I meant PN.
That was indeed at about -72 h, and I was so anxious I forgot about the -72 hr J>2 rule. I called back later, and the second GS agent did not waste any time to confirm both of us.
All the first agent said was that it is holiday travel period and that I have to be waitlisted behind many people already on the upgrade RQ list. Do all GS agents know the rules? Do you think even a true GS agent might not know?
That was indeed at about -72 h, and I was so anxious I forgot about the -72 hr J>2 rule. I called back later, and the second GS agent did not waste any time to confirm both of us.
All the first agent said was that it is holiday travel period and that I have to be waitlisted behind many people already on the upgrade RQ list. Do all GS agents know the rules? Do you think even a true GS agent might not know?
IME most GS agents do know the "rules" (perks) but wont offer them to you,
if/when you do ask for it they are very helpful and get it done.
And always remember especially with the GS desk
Being nice > aggressive/entitled.
Nov 20, 2018, 2:44 pm
#1020
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: sfo
Programs: United GS, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 594
i called GS today for help creating T space, the agent(who i have had before and is excellent) proactively moved 2 expiring upgrades to april expiration today, not sure if this has been noted yet
