Slow Demise of Global Services (Yes? No?) ....
Jul 19, 2018, 5:21 pm
#106
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
Ironically, for all the years that I was childless, CO used to allow kids to pre-board. Then they eliminated the kids pre-board announcement for a while... during which I had kids. Literally as soon as my youngest turned 2, they revived the children under two pre-board. Now, even with GS, I STILL am stuck. I guess I need to wait till I'm a grandparent. 
I'm fine with Military first as well because:
1. There are almost never any on my flights
2. When there are, they are super fast & efficient.
3. Because they deserve it IMO.
I'm fine with Military first as well because:
1. There are almost never any on my flights
2. When there are, they are super fast & efficient.
3. Because they deserve it IMO.
Jul 19, 2018, 5:58 pm
#107
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
I went through CLEAR/pre-check at SFO this morning at 0430, before the GS reception opened. True, CLEAR lets you bypass the line for the ID checker, and I was past that point in seconds escorted by the CLEAR agent. But the queue *between* the ID checker and the X-ray machine was about 20 long! The WTMD seemed super-sensitive this morning; my belt made it alarm, and I've worn the same always-beep-free-belt for hundreds of flights. Taking off the belt removed the alarm.
On topic for this thread, the GS reception (and UC!) should open earlier, given the number of pre-dawn departures out of SFO.
On topic for this thread, the GS reception (and UC!) should open earlier, given the number of pre-dawn departures out of SFO.
What time does the GS check-in open at SFO. Being open by 04:30 seems very reasonable for SFO. Lots of flight departing around 6:00am. I think the BOS United Club is open by 4:30am.
Jul 19, 2018, 6:11 pm
#108
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: 4,393
The BOS UC opens at 4:00am.
I was told by a redcoat that the SFO GS reception opens at 5:00am, but I can't verify that.
Jul 19, 2018, 6:29 pm
#109
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
For what it's worth -- and this is one datapoint -- today at SFO gate 88, the agent was reading off her screen, and announced, "First we will board passengers with disabilities, our Global Services members, then military, and finally families with children two and under." And that's how she did it.
Jul 19, 2018, 8:10 pm
#110
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: USA
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,195
LOL, all the years I was active duty (even after 9-11), it was "military in uniform" ... of course, we were expressly told not to travel in uniform because it was an OPSEC and personal security issue so I never took advantage of that provision. After I retired, they changed (usually) to "active military" ... No matter, I'm glad to see the youngsters getting some kind of benny for their service.
Jul 19, 2018, 9:36 pm
#111
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Gold
Posts: 174
I think you're confusing CPUs with RPUs. Complimentary Premier Upgrades are freely distributed when space is available on North American flights. The problem is that the space is less and less available.
Agreed on your other points. There are certainly a few perks that are still exclusive to GS.
Agreed on your other points. There are certainly a few perks that are still exclusive to GS.
To another poster, they said CPUs were benefit only if the first cabin was not sold - to ride on the coat tails of UA when they somehow can't sell the first class cabin. But I had another thought, is there any reason for UA to account for a number of RPUs? Set aside capacity to absorb those instruments. Based on the post about a benefit, I can see the lean as being that these are only as available, and if they are never - then too bad for you.
It only hit me today because as GS, I'm sitting on a mountain of RPUs and looking to do some domestic US travel. I can already see that I'm likely to be on the outside looking in. No harm done, this is a relatively short flight. But part of me wonders if it is appropriate for UA to set aside inventory to absorb some instruments. Maybe they already do and I'm just late to the party based on when I book.
If this has been discussed, I apologize. I could not find it.
Jul 19, 2018, 10:08 pm
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: TOA
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott LTPP/Platinum Premier, Hyatt Lame-ist, UA !K
Posts: 20,061
Back to this thought - I was thinking about the comment about converting unused RPUs to miles. As someone who usually travels intl business, I rarely have a purpose for them. On occasion, I domestically travel and have found their success rate to be pretty sad. Alaska in summer, I know, is a pretty tough upgrade.
To another poster, they said CPUs were benefit only if the first cabin was not sold - to ride on the coat tails of UA when they somehow can't sell the first class cabin. But I had another thought, is there any reason for UA to account for a number of RPUs? Set aside capacity to absorb those instruments. Based on the post about a benefit, I can see the lean as being that these are only as available, and if they are never - then too bad for you.
It only hit me today because as GS, I'm sitting on a mountain of RPUs and looking to do some domestic US travel. I can already see that I'm likely to be on the outside looking in. No harm done, this is a relatively short flight. But part of me wonders if it is appropriate for UA to set aside inventory to absorb some instruments. Maybe they already do and I'm just late to the party based on when I book.
If this has been discussed, I apologize. I could not find it.
To another poster, they said CPUs were benefit only if the first cabin was not sold - to ride on the coat tails of UA when they somehow can't sell the first class cabin. But I had another thought, is there any reason for UA to account for a number of RPUs? Set aside capacity to absorb those instruments. Based on the post about a benefit, I can see the lean as being that these are only as available, and if they are never - then too bad for you.
It only hit me today because as GS, I'm sitting on a mountain of RPUs and looking to do some domestic US travel. I can already see that I'm likely to be on the outside looking in. No harm done, this is a relatively short flight. But part of me wonders if it is appropriate for UA to set aside inventory to absorb some instruments. Maybe they already do and I'm just late to the party based on when I book.
If this has been discussed, I apologize. I could not find it.
"Upgrade certificates (GPUs & RPUs) are useless nowadays"
David
Jul 19, 2018, 10:31 pm
#113
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Gold
Posts: 174
Well, for nomad420's and others who've had varying degrees of success and failure with RPUs (and GPUs), there's this thread:
"Upgrade certificates (GPUs & RPUs) are useless nowadays"
David
"Upgrade certificates (GPUs & RPUs) are useless nowadays"
David
I will read it - but at the same time I find reading a thread that is titled RPUs are useless as a disappointment waiting to happen. As a GS I have a spark of hope I can sneak a few through, but I guess in the end my question still stands for all the platinum folks. Thank you for your business. Here is a gift certificate that can be used at random leading to never times.
Jul 19, 2018, 10:42 pm
#114
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
I will read it - but at the same time I find reading a thread that is titled RPUs are useless as a disappointment waiting to happen. As a GS I have a spark of hope I can sneak a few through, but I guess in the end my question still stands for all the platinum folks. Thank you for your business. Here is a gift certificate that can be used at random leading to never times.
Jul 20, 2018, 6:28 am
#115
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
As a GS my upgrade success rate has been high. I work with others that are 1K and the difference in our success rates is very evident. My company has a coach only travel policy so I speak from long experience. The other consideration is family. I frequently use my miles for my wife and children, being GS I can upgrade them with RPU’s, which is a great benefit.
I'll use other RPUs for trips my wife takes on her own, or parents, or the occasional friend.
Jul 20, 2018, 2:40 pm
#116
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,026
In my opinion one of the best clam chowders I've ever had. Great lounge, good staff and good food selection. Makes the Centurion Lounge around the corner pale in comparison.
Jul 20, 2018, 3:34 pm
#117
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: 6 year GS, now 2MM Jeff-ugee, *wood LTPlt, SkyPeso PLT
Posts: 6,526
Jul 20, 2018, 5:04 pm
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
It would be interesting if they rolled this order out officially. I have only recently had the pleasure of pre-boarding simultaneously as GS and as a family traveling with an infant. I sense staredowns from GS/1K that don't realize i'm also deserved of preboarding as GS. Flipping this order would surely ruffle some feathers.
Jul 20, 2018, 5:59 pm
#119
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Jul 21, 2018, 8:34 am
#120
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K (2MM); AA LT Gold (1.9 MM); SQ; WN; DL; "Bonvoy Ambassador""
Posts: 398
Does anyone have any experiences to relate about attempting to board as a GS as soon as pre-boarding is announced (either trying it themselves or watching others)?