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Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions [2018]

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Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions [2018]

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Old Jan 15, 19, 3:13 am   -   Wikipost
Please read: This is a community-maintained wiki post containing the most important information from this thread. You may edit the Wiki once you have been on FT for 90 days and have made 90 posts.
  
Last edit by: flyerbjorn
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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.


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)
Additional Known Award and Upgrade Benefits (many unpublished)

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.
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Old Jan 1, 18, 6:38 am
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.1MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak S+; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 3,897
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions [2018]
Happy 2018 everyone! Time to start the $0 PQD counter clicking up to GS for '19. Here's the 2018 thread continued from the 2017 thread.
wxguy is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 10:46 am
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Global Services 2.8MM, AAdvantage, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,328
Kind of a random question but called GS to book a saver F award CDG-ORD to accompany my paid F on the same flight (986, 11 Mar). Checked the cablepick tool first and it showed F as booked only 3/6. GS agent said, however, that F was zeroed out, and indeed, when I checked expert mode while on hold (she offered to book saver Y then open up C space for a GPU, which seemed like a good alternative), all the F classes were zeroed out. Anyone know why the cablepick tool would show 3/6 when no F seats are available for sale or awards? I know 1 is blocked for crew rest but that should leave 2 for sale. It's not an oversale situation as plenty of availability in C and Y. Thanks.
st530 is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 10:57 am
  #3  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 1.9MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 638
Originally Posted by st530 View Post
Kind of a random question but called GS to book a saver F award CDG-ORD to accompany my paid F on the same flight (986, 11 Mar). Checked the cablepick tool first and it showed F as booked only 3/6. GS agent said, however, that F was zeroed out, and indeed, when I checked expert mode while on hold (she offered to book saver Y then open up C space for a GPU, which seemed like a good alternative), all the F classes were zeroed out. Anyone know why the cablepick tool would show 3/6 when no F seats are available for sale or awards? I know 1 is blocked for crew rest but that should leave 2 for sale. It's not an oversale situation as plenty of availability in C and Y. Thanks.
This is likely prepping for an equipment switch as the 767 conversions to 2-Class Polaris are underway - I’ve seen this situation before where some seats in F were sold before revenue management / ops decided to zero out inventory to prevent further sales - that could account for the 3 seats you see currently occupied (including your own, from your comments above?). Nearer the time when the aircraft assignment is fixed, you will be contacted if there is no F cabin and offered some sort of restitution / fare difference.
greenpau is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 3:54 pm
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Global Services 2.8MM, AAdvantage, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,328
Originally Posted by greenpau View Post


This is likely prepping for an equipment switch as the 767 conversions to 2-Class Polaris are underway - I’ve seen this situation before where some seats in F were sold before revenue management / ops decided to zero out inventory to prevent further sales - that could account for the 3 seats you see currently occupied (including your own, from your comments above?). Nearer the time when the aircraft assignment is fixed, you will be contacted if there is no F cabin and offered some sort of restitution / fare difference.

That's an interesting thought. Wouldn't be the worst outcome if that's the case. Would also explain why only 3 of 5 available F seats are bookable, because the 3 F seats plus the 1 crew rest plus 26 C on the 3-class bird equals the 30 C on the reconfigured Polaris bird.
st530 is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 4:14 pm
  #5  
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA GS/Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 172
First time gate clearing an upgrade on an award ticket and wondering what the priority is. We are down at the teens, the gate explanation is that it goes by price paid rather than status. I know I was #1 in line for PN (requested months ago) which never opened up. Any idea if this is accurate? There can’t be a dozen or so GS members on SYD-SFO waiting for upgrades, can there?
eric.chen3742 is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 4:35 pm
  #6  
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Join Date: Nov 2014
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Posts: 11,289
Originally Posted by eric.chen3742 View Post
First time gate clearing an upgrade on an award ticket and wondering what the priority is. We are down at the teens, the gate explanation is that it goes by price paid rather than status. I know I was #1 in line for PN (requested months ago) which never opened up. Any idea if this is accurate? There can’t be a dozen or so GS members on SYD-SFO waiting for upgrades, can there?
At this time of January leaving SYD? I'd believe it.

A GS agent would probably be willing to peek at the list and give you an explanation though.
findark is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 6:24 pm
  #7  
 
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium
Posts: 194
Is there any GS presence at AMS? Does anyone have any advice on navigating it as painlessly as possible as far as getting through security/immigration?
Lawyerneering is offline  
Old Jan 2, 18, 6:30 pm
  #8  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,035
Originally Posted by Lawyerneering View Post
Is there any GS presence at AMS? Does anyone have any advice on navigating it as painlessly as possible as far as getting through security/immigration?
No GS presence in AMS
aCavalierInCoach is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 5:15 pm
  #9  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 1.9MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 638
Originally Posted by st530 View Post
That's an interesting thought. Wouldn't be the worst outcome if that's the case. Would also explain why only 3 of 5 available F seats are bookable, because the 3 F seats plus the 1 crew rest plus 26 C on the 3-class bird equals the 30 C on the reconfigured Polaris bird.
Bingo ... agree with your math. Lately I am seeing F on some routes consistently price out at ~$500 over the Business fare offered on the website, with fare code rules showing them as J-UP fares ... basically during the phase out of Polaris First revenue management seem to are look at the total inventory of Premium seats for sale.
greenpau is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 5:18 pm
  #10  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 1.9MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 638
Originally Posted by findark View Post
At this time of January leaving SYD? I'd believe it.

A GS agent would probably be willing to peek at the list and give you an explanation though.
I waitlisted two family members who flew this week on SYD-SFO months ago, and never cleared ... flight was oversold in J. When is your flight?
greenpau is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 6:14 pm
  #11  
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA GS/Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 172
Originally Posted by greenpau View Post
I waitlisted two family members who flew this week on SYD-SFO months ago, and never cleared ... flight was oversold in J. When is your flight?
it was today, of course never cleared sitting down in the double digits on the list. No one cleared on the flight. I guess Jan must be a pretty busy time for this route.
eric.chen3742 is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 6:31 pm
  #12  
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Originally Posted by eric.chen3742 View Post


it was today, of course never cleared sitting down in the double digits on the list. No one cleared on the flight. I guess Jan must be a pretty busy time for this route.
US-Australia-US placing you in Australia over New Years' is an insanely high-demand route.
findark is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 7:14 pm
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA GS/MM, AA Plat/MM, Bonvoy Platinum, IHG Spire
Posts: 13
Can GS upgrade Z to F on 3 class with GPU? Or is D minimum still required?
Seat8F is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 7:23 pm
  #14  
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BOS<>NYC<>BKK
Programs: UA 4.1MM LT-GS; AA1MM; Amtrak S+; MAR LT TITAN; PC Plat; HIL DIA; HYA GLOB
Posts: 3,897
Originally Posted by Seat8F View Post
Can GS upgrade Z to F on 3 class with GPU? Or is D minimum still required?
Nope. P or Z needs miles + $. For a GPU, D or C is required. No exceptions for GS
wxguy is offline  
Old Jan 3, 18, 8:56 pm
  #15  
 
Join Date: Mar 2013
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Originally Posted by findark View Post
US-Australia-US placing you in Australia over New Years' is an insanely high-demand route.
This situation doesn't surprise me a bit, considering was booked in W with RPU to and from SIN, and I was several deep on the wait-list according to multiple GS agents that peeked for me on an itinerary a month ago (luckily I cleared, but it was a nail-biter). I couldn't imagine how bad my chances would be on peak season travel dates for anywhere in the Austraila / NZ / Asia markets.....
jjmoore is offline  

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