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
Nov 27, 2018, 8:36 am
#301
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
In thinking about the 3-year spend. Do any of you have a trailing 3-year spend >$100K where you consistently don't make GS? Looking for people that would be consistently at low $40s who don't make it even if they have consecutive years at that level?
Nov 27, 2018, 9:00 am
#302
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Westchester NY
Programs: UA GS 4+ MM
Posts: 373
2016 PQD $18.5K
2017 PQD $32.9K
2018 PQD $52.1K, but PQM is high at 501K; BIS 300K (majority of flights cheap P and Z fares)
(all UA metal)
Only made GS in 2017 and 2018 due to Pass Plus purchase.
Hoping against hope I don't have to pony up for Pass Plus again to get GS in 2019, but with my high PQM I suspect I should re-read post #291 . At 17 CPM in 2018, I don't think UA will care that I spent over $100K the last three years.
Thoughts?
2017 PQD $32.9K
2018 PQD $52.1K, but PQM is high at 501K; BIS 300K (majority of flights cheap P and Z fares)
(all UA metal)
Only made GS in 2017 and 2018 due to Pass Plus purchase.
Hoping against hope I don't have to pony up for Pass Plus again to get GS in 2019, but with my high PQM I suspect I should re-read post #291 . At 17 CPM in 2018, I don't think UA will care that I spent over $100K the last three years.
Thoughts?
Nov 27, 2018, 9:45 am
#303
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
2016 PQD $18.5K
2017 PQD $32.9K
2018 PQD $52.1K, but PQM is high at 501K; BIS 300K (majority of flights cheap P and Z fares)
(all UA metal)
Only made GS in 2017 and 2018 due to Pass Plus purchase.
Hoping against hope I don't have to pony up for Pass Plus again to get GS in 2019, but with my high PQM I suspect I should re-read post #291 . At 17 CPM in 2018, I don't think UA will care that I spent over $100K the last three years.
Thoughts?
2017 PQD $32.9K
2018 PQD $52.1K, but PQM is high at 501K; BIS 300K (majority of flights cheap P and Z fares)
(all UA metal)
Only made GS in 2017 and 2018 due to Pass Plus purchase.
Hoping against hope I don't have to pony up for Pass Plus again to get GS in 2019, but with my high PQM I suspect I should re-read post #291 . At 17 CPM in 2018, I don't think UA will care that I spent over $100K the last three years.
Thoughts?
You have definitely found some great biz class fares if there are less than $0.20/mile ... reminds me of some of the rare P class fares I saw and purchased a couple years ago between SFO-HKG that were pricing around $3200 r.t.
Good luck (even though I don't think you're going to need any luck to requalify).
Nov 27, 2018, 4:01 pm
#304
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: JAX
Programs: United Lifetime 1K, Global Service, Marriott LTTE, Hyatt GLobalist, AA MM,Hertz PC, Global Entry
Posts: 110
I am at 45k PQD on United metal and 54k total PQD booked through United. Segments 123.
Where do I stack up to make GS? Most Y&B.fares
Life miles 2,991,640 miles. Will make life 1K in January when I pass 3,000,000 miles.
At 220,000 PQM this year.
Fly out of Jacksonville
Was a GS from 2012-2016 then lost it.
Think I will be back?
Where do I stack up to make GS? Most Y&B.fares
Life miles 2,991,640 miles. Will make life 1K in January when I pass 3,000,000 miles.
At 220,000 PQM this year.
Fly out of Jacksonville
Was a GS from 2012-2016 then lost it.
Think I will be back?
Nov 27, 2018, 4:50 pm
#305
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
I am at 45k PQD on United metal and 54k total PQD booked through United. Segments 123.
Where do I stack up to make GS? Most Y&B.fares
Life miles 2,991,640 miles. Will make life 1K in January when I pass 3,000,000 miles.
At 220,000 PQM this year.
Fly out of Jacksonville
Was a GS from 2012-2016 then lost it.
Think I will be back?
Where do I stack up to make GS? Most Y&B.fares
Life miles 2,991,640 miles. Will make life 1K in January when I pass 3,000,000 miles.
At 220,000 PQM this year.
Fly out of Jacksonville
Was a GS from 2012-2016 then lost it.
Think I will be back?
Nov 27, 2018, 9:03 pm
#306
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: UA MileagePlus 2MM
Posts: 1,567
I will have the following UA numbers by mid-December:
PQM 155,000
PQD 45,000
PQS 41
BIS 65,000
Last year I had 64K PQD and year before 84K PQD so I hope GS looks at past years as some state, otherwise I will probably lose it. MY CPM are decent but seems like they don't count it. I could do a last minute mileage run Dec 29-30 to get closer to 50K PQD if I miss first cut but I am really missing the UA HKG-SIN tag which made my trips to Singapore faster and all UA. If I lose GS I won't need to worry about taking the 77W EWR to Narita and connecting onward to Asia on ANA which I prefer. EWR based.
PQM 155,000
PQD 45,000
PQS 41
BIS 65,000
Last year I had 64K PQD and year before 84K PQD so I hope GS looks at past years as some state, otherwise I will probably lose it. MY CPM are decent but seems like they don't count it. I could do a last minute mileage run Dec 29-30 to get closer to 50K PQD if I miss first cut but I am really missing the UA HKG-SIN tag which made my trips to Singapore faster and all UA. If I lose GS I won't need to worry about taking the 77W EWR to Narita and connecting onward to Asia on ANA which I prefer. EWR based.
Last edited by adambrau; Nov 28, 2018 at 7:14 pm Reason: Found another $2k PQD so I am up to $45k!!
Nov 28, 2018, 3:42 pm
#307
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bay Area
Programs: UA 2MM 1k, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 154
I have the following currently:
ORD
PQM 178,000
PQD $32,000
PQS 92
BIS ~160,000
Guess I am way too low on the PQD?
ORD
PQM 178,000
PQD $32,000
PQS 92
BIS ~160,000
Guess I am way too low on the PQD?
Nov 28, 2018, 4:40 pm
#308
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
I will have the following UA numbers by mid-December:
PQM 150,000
PQD 43,000
PQS 41
BIS 65,000
Last year I had 64K PQD and year before 84K PQD so I hope GS looks at past years as some state, otherwise I will probably lose it. MY CPM are decent but seems like they don't count it. I could do a last minute mileage run Dec 29-30 to get closer to 50K PQD if I miss first cut but I am really missing the UA HKG-SIN tag which made my trips to Singapore faster and all UA. If I lose GS I won't need to worry about taking the 77W EWR to Narita and connecting onward to Asia on ANA which I prefer. EWR based.
PQM 150,000
PQD 43,000
PQS 41
BIS 65,000
Last year I had 64K PQD and year before 84K PQD so I hope GS looks at past years as some state, otherwise I will probably lose it. MY CPM are decent but seems like they don't count it. I could do a last minute mileage run Dec 29-30 to get closer to 50K PQD if I miss first cut but I am really missing the UA HKG-SIN tag which made my trips to Singapore faster and all UA. If I lose GS I won't need to worry about taking the 77W EWR to Narita and connecting onward to Asia on ANA which I prefer. EWR based.
Nov 28, 2018, 4:45 pm
#309
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: 4,392
Nov 29, 2018, 2:22 pm
#310
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
Nov 29, 2018, 3:58 pm
#311
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
Nov 30, 2018, 6:07 am
#312
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Feeling better about my qualification chances for 2019 ... now looking to end the year (based on all current bookings) at:
$52K PQD
143K BIS
250K PQM
150 PQS
DEN/MCO based (MCO is my new permanent address as of Oct. 1).
Glad a couple last minute bookings came in to boost me well over the $50K mark.
The only thing I am concerned about is an $800 booking I had (last minute B fare) from STL-ATL via IAD that took a delay due to mx, and UA immediately put me on a DL flight that had an open seat. I did get ORC, which included the PQD, but not sure if those REALLY count towards GS status since I didn't actually fly the UA metal flight.
5 more weeks and we will see. Good luck everyone!
$52K PQD
143K BIS
250K PQM
150 PQS
DEN/MCO based (MCO is my new permanent address as of Oct. 1).
Glad a couple last minute bookings came in to boost me well over the $50K mark.
The only thing I am concerned about is an $800 booking I had (last minute B fare) from STL-ATL via IAD that took a delay due to mx, and UA immediately put me on a DL flight that had an open seat. I did get ORC, which included the PQD, but not sure if those REALLY count towards GS status since I didn't actually fly the UA metal flight.
5 more weeks and we will see. Good luck everyone!
Nov 30, 2018, 12:38 pm
#313
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 13
Hi all, what is the typical timing for communications from UA? From the thread it sounds like there are two rounds: Dec and Jan. This right?
SFO flyer closing the year around $69K PQD, all UA metal
SFO flyer closing the year around $69K PQD, all UA metal
Nov 30, 2018, 1:42 pm
#314
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
Each round can take a week or so.
Seems very likely
Nov 30, 2018, 4:41 pm
#315
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
I think that this year possibly or next year probably in the same way the 1k spend bar has been raised the same will apply to GS, so the good feel factor of $50k may not apply soon.
For WIW I move my long haul spend every couple of years to cleanse my body of balsamic vinaigrette but never fall out of 50's
I have never not got in, but I was reviewed one year at $57k,but not reviewed at $54k and $55k in others even though the years in between were $80-120k. I have flow with UA since 2002 and with the exception of a couple of years based at NRT
have never been based at UA hub.
Trying to predict anything in the lower $50's will only give you heartburn
For WIW I move my long haul spend every couple of years to cleanse my body of balsamic vinaigrette but never fall out of 50's
I have never not got in, but I was reviewed one year at $57k,but not reviewed at $54k and $55k in others even though the years in between were $80-120k. I have flow with UA since 2002 and with the exception of a couple of years based at NRT
have never been based at UA hub.
Trying to predict anything in the lower $50's will only give you heartburn