Oct 22, 2018, 3:44 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
GS Qualifying for 2019 Discussion
This will be a discussion thread, for discussing the needed qualifications and timing of notification.
For posing formal notifications (but no discussion), use this thread Global Services 2019 Notifications (ONLY)
2019 GS Timeline
First requal notifications came out on 6 Dec 2018
First-time notifications started about 3 Jan 2019
Numerous reports that all regular notifications will be out by 11 Jan 2019
Initial successful reconsideration appeals reported 15 Jan 2019
First reports of challanges15 Jan 2019
For discussion of GS benefits, please use Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions 2018First-time notifications started about 3 Jan 2019
Numerous reports that all regular notifications will be out by 11 Jan 2019
Initial successful reconsideration appeals reported 15 Jan 2019
First reports of challanges15 Jan 2019
For 2017 qualifications, see the 2017 thread and for 2018, see the 2018 thread
To find your PQDs if >than $12K
Go to
MileagePlus activity since my last statement and it is in the "Account summary" table at the top of the page.
Note this is not just the UA operated PQDs (which is commonly believed to be what matters for GS) but rather your total PQDs.
Definitions
BIS is actual scheduled flight distance (Great Circle Mileage Distance -- GCM) between airports with 500 mile minimum for elites. This is the standard used for Lifetime miles also. Those flying mostly sub-500 segments sometimes prefer to not use the minimum rule.
The definition for CPM is a bit vaguer, especially since CPM is used in multiple different situations.
Believe for the purpose of this thread, GS qualification, folks are using
PQD CPM = UA PQDs / UA BIS
Note there is no direct evidence UA uses this CPM number for GS Qualification but it is a number FTers like to use.
As for BIS, UA does not report this number your account and it needs to be manually tracked.
One way is to make use that PQMs are based on BIS but there may be a multiplier / bonus for high end fares. If always in 2x PQMs, you could divide by 2 to get BIS.
rwsteelers had a good method for determining UA BIS -- the change in Lifetime Miles from the first of the year.
Hello:
To help with collection of qualification metrics for global services, I created a Google Doc. This will be useful for future members. For ease of use, I created a form which feeds into a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet and form does not require a google account and is free to use.
Similar spreadsheets were created in years past, so I'm hoping to continue this tradition. Please take the time to enter your stats into the spreadsheet. Many thanks
LINK to entry form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SYm...xRKZ_EUD8/edit
View responses here ( read only ):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
To help with collection of qualification metrics for global services, I created a Google Doc. This will be useful for future members. For ease of use, I created a form which feeds into a spreadsheet. The spreadsheet and form does not require a google account and is free to use.
Similar spreadsheets were created in years past, so I'm hoping to continue this tradition. Please take the time to enter your stats into the spreadsheet. Many thanks
LINK to entry form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SYm...xRKZ_EUD8/edit
View responses here ( read only ):
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
GS Qualifying for 2019 Discussion / Questions
Oct 29, 2018, 4:13 am
#151
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
I read a lot of posts about looking back at past years to determine GS qualification but, do you think they will take into account a new usage pattern? I started a new job in July that has me flying UA out of IAD. I just made 1k, but will end the year with around $53k PQD on 155k PQM. Will they hold my last few years against me? Next year won't be a problem, as I expect to continue this relative pace, but I am wondering what my odds are for this year.
Where previous years will come into play is if you were, let's say, at $42,000 PQD this year, where it would be a much tougher sell for a first time qualification with low spend during previous years.... or ... if you were a first time GS, and had a $38,000 PQD year to follow up a first time qualification where there was no previous data prior to the first time qualification in your favor...
Nonetheless, this is all speculation, but I'm trying to put myself into the position of those that are looking to reward loyalty and determining what metrics they may look at for borderline qualifiers.
Last edited by jjmoore; Oct 29, 2018 at 4:18 am
Oct 30, 2018, 3:45 am
#152
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 80
Originally Posted by BrianSF 
SFO Based
2014: $23K - 1K for 2015
2015: $32K - 1K for 2016
2016: $62K - GS for 2017
2017: $70K - Requalified for GS 2018
2018: $54K - ??? for 2019
Wonder if the drop here is too much, but seems like 50K seems to get people in even for 1st timers.
Last year I got the early renewal notice in December. But I was sitting on $70K PQD. As I mentioned, I will probably finish at around $54K. Most of the fares are due to refundable C/D class international tickets. Only will have around 42 segments. It's not a high volume of flights like I see of others. I assume, the CPM is high, but I have never really tried to calculate. I guess we will see what happens. It's interesting to see al the data from the other members here.
SFO Based
2014: $23K - 1K for 2015
2015: $32K - 1K for 2016
2016: $62K - GS for 2017
2017: $70K - Requalified for GS 2018
2018: $54K - ??? for 2019
Wonder if the drop here is too much, but seems like 50K seems to get people in even for 1st timers.
I predict you will be fine ... I certainly hope so, sitting at $53k this year. Last year I received the early renewal notice, even though I had only $42k PQD at the time and had $67k the year prior. Not sure what your CPM looks like - all years my CPM has been high, but it was at its absolute highest last year - I do think yield / cost to serve really does play some sort of opaque role.
Oct 30, 2018, 4:11 am
#153
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Originally Posted by BrianSF
SFO Based
2014: $23K - 1K for 2015
2015: $32K - 1K for 2016
2016: $62K - GS for 2017
2017: $70K - Requalified for GS 2018
2018: $54K - ??? for 2019
Wonder if the drop here is too much, but seems like 50K seems to get people in even for 1st timers.
Last year I got the early renewal notice in December. But I was sitting on $70K PQD. As I mentioned, I will probably finish at around $54K. Most of the fares are due to refundable C/D class international tickets. Only will have around 42 segments. It's not a high volume of flights like I see of others. I assume, the CPM is high, but I have never really tried to calculate. I guess we will see what happens. It's interesting to see al the data from the other members here.
SFO Based
2014: $23K - 1K for 2015
2015: $32K - 1K for 2016
2016: $62K - GS for 2017
2017: $70K - Requalified for GS 2018
2018: $54K - ??? for 2019
Wonder if the drop here is too much, but seems like 50K seems to get people in even for 1st timers.
Last year I got the early renewal notice in December. But I was sitting on $70K PQD. As I mentioned, I will probably finish at around $54K. Most of the fares are due to refundable C/D class international tickets. Only will have around 42 segments. It's not a high volume of flights like I see of others. I assume, the CPM is high, but I have never really tried to calculate. I guess we will see what happens. It's interesting to see al the data from the other members here.
Oct 30, 2018, 6:03 am
#154
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Oct 30, 2018, 7:02 am
#155
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
My spend range as a 15 year GS has been between $53k-$120k - I tend to take time off UA as my primary long haul F/J carrier every few years,as I have this year and will most likely do next .I was reviewed a couple of times in the lower fifties but always re qualified. in January. I don't think it should lost that with the1k bar being raised that its not beyond the bounds of possibility that the same process be applied to GS going forward
Oct 30, 2018, 10:48 am
#156
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 11
Has it been confirmed that it's easier to re-qualify to GS vs getting there the first time? Made it last year on about $47K spend out of EWR. Looks to be a similar level of spend, but lower PQM (lots to travel EWR to LHR). I think I'll be at $47K PQD and 138K PQM all on United.
Oct 30, 2018, 2:38 pm
#157
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
Has it been confirmed that it's easier to re-qualify to GS vs getting there the first time? Made it last year on about $47K spend out of EWR. Looks to be a similar level of spend, but lower PQM (lots to travel EWR to LHR). I think I'll be at $47K PQD and 138K PQM all on United.
Oct 31, 2018, 9:24 am
#158
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 10
YTD stats for 2018 - based out of SFO. What do you guys think are my chances? Have never received GS and this is my second year flying united. Have mostly flown F/A/C domestic fares and coach international.
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
Oct 31, 2018, 9:28 am
#159
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,480
YTD stats for 2018 - based out of SFO. What do you guys think are my chances? Have never received GS and this is my second year flying united. Have mostly flown F/A/C domestic fares and coach international.
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
Oct 31, 2018, 9:41 am
#160
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: ORD | LGA | 2E
Programs: UA GS 1.6MM UC | AA CK 0.7MM AC | Bonvoy Ambassador | Hyatt Globalist | Hertz PC
Posts: 1,054
YTD stats for 2018 - based out of SFO. What do you guys think are my chances? Have never received GS and this is my second year flying united. Have mostly flown F/A/C domestic fares and coach international.
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
2018:
PQD: 57.5K (likely 5-10K more before 2019)
PQM: 227K
CPM: 0.53
2017:
PQD: 36K
PQM: 139K
Oct 31, 2018, 10:11 am
#161
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC, Global Entry, CLEAR
Posts: 285
Nov 1, 2018, 11:06 am
#162
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 13
Hi all, one more QQ: What is the typical announcement cadence? It sounds like they roll out in two waves: Dec & Jan. Is this right?
Nov 1, 2018, 11:15 am
#163
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
Nov 2, 2018, 9:00 am
#164
Join Date: May 2017
Programs: United GS & 1MM, Delta Silver, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Gold
Posts: 65
Currently sitting at:
PQM: 213,769
PQS: 112.5
PDQ: $57,507
I have one 10k trip to Australia plus a bunch of domestic trips left. Thinking I will end up just short of $70,000 PQD. I didnt qualify last year with $47,000 thousand of spend. Hoping my trend up helps this year.
PQM: 213,769
PQS: 112.5
PDQ: $57,507
I have one 10k trip to Australia plus a bunch of domestic trips left. Thinking I will end up just short of $70,000 PQD. I didnt qualify last year with $47,000 thousand of spend. Hoping my trend up helps this year.
Nov 2, 2018, 10:52 am
#165
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,621
Currently sitting at:
PQM: 213,769
PQS: 112.5
PDQ: $57,507
I have one 10k trip to Australia plus a bunch of domestic trips left. Thinking I will end up just short of $70,000 PQD. I didnt qualify last year with $47,000 thousand of spend. Hoping my trend up helps this year.
PQM: 213,769
PQS: 112.5
PDQ: $57,507
I have one 10k trip to Australia plus a bunch of domestic trips left. Thinking I will end up just short of $70,000 PQD. I didnt qualify last year with $47,000 thousand of spend. Hoping my trend up helps this year.