Dec 31, 2018, 7:21 am
Last edit by: Ocn Vw 1K
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.
Links to past/current threads on this topic and related GS threads:
2020 Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-airlines-mileageplus/2001958-consolidated-global-services-thread-benefits-questions-experiences-2020-a.html
Last years' thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2018]
Thread on 2019 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2019 Qualifying Discussion
Last years' thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2018]
Thread on 2019 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2019 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)Closed- 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. Update 12 Dec 2018: Only for GS member + 1 companion.
- 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.
- (Note: Only ONE of the two above options can be exercised per premium fare purchased. GS traveler must remain in same itinerary as companion)
- 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.
- Post 12/12/2018, agents have been instructed to grant only one "exception" when opening award space for a companion. Thus, you can open T->XN for a companion, or you can force a companion upgrade into PN, but you can't convert T->XN and then force clear an upgrade into PN. Some have reported success by requesting this in two separate calls.
- Some agents will allow GS to open economy award space for a companion to allow for an upgrade with an instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2019]
Feb 14, 2019, 1:07 pm
#286
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Somewhere in EWR
Programs: UA GS, HH Diamond
Posts: 858
Interesting. I had booked a friend an EWR-LHR roundtrip economy award, 30,000 miles each way, back in December when I wasn't GS and when I did get it in early January the agent asked me if I wanted to slap a couple of expiring GPU's on her trip as they would clear instantly. I think it took him all of a few minutes.
Feb 17, 2019, 12:13 am
#287
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Global Services real life experiences...
Mods, please consolidate this if there’s an existing thread appropriate but I thought it would be useful to allow GS members to recount actual real life stories across UA’s network independent of qualification, notifications, etc.
I’m SFO and TYO based and have been GS for a relatively short time. As a long term 1K and NH Diamond, I have been eager to see the difference. All in all, I can say so far, not so much during the actual travel experience, with one notable exception.
SFO has so many GS that other than the dedicated check in (which most of us wouldn’t use in lieu of the app), there’s literally nothing special in my experience (now a half dozen international and domestic flights outbound). The arrivals lounge in SF is decent but for those based there, hardly necessary.
In Tokyo, things are notable different. Greeted by name at the ticket counter by the GS rep before even handing over one’s passport. Utilization of the crew security lane (not the priority lane), a personal escort including carrying your bag, all the way to the NH lounge. They even come into the lounge to provide flight updates personally despite the announcements. GS special boarding lane and very personal attention. This is probably what United intended it to be. Sad one has to travel outside of America to experience it, but Japan is Japan.
Outaide of those experiences in Tokyo, the real benefits of GS have been opening award space, using GPU’s on awards, flexibility in changes, etc. I would give up NH Diamond if UA only included UC access for GS (I get it with NH Diamond ironically) and allowed reciprocity into NH F lounges in Japan. But no system is perfect.
Please share your real life GS experiences as well!
I’m SFO and TYO based and have been GS for a relatively short time. As a long term 1K and NH Diamond, I have been eager to see the difference. All in all, I can say so far, not so much during the actual travel experience, with one notable exception.
SFO has so many GS that other than the dedicated check in (which most of us wouldn’t use in lieu of the app), there’s literally nothing special in my experience (now a half dozen international and domestic flights outbound). The arrivals lounge in SF is decent but for those based there, hardly necessary.
In Tokyo, things are notable different. Greeted by name at the ticket counter by the GS rep before even handing over one’s passport. Utilization of the crew security lane (not the priority lane), a personal escort including carrying your bag, all the way to the NH lounge. They even come into the lounge to provide flight updates personally despite the announcements. GS special boarding lane and very personal attention. This is probably what United intended it to be. Sad one has to travel outside of America to experience it, but Japan is Japan.
Outaide of those experiences in Tokyo, the real benefits of GS have been opening award space, using GPU’s on awards, flexibility in changes, etc. I would give up NH Diamond if UA only included UC access for GS (I get it with NH Diamond ironically) and allowed reciprocity into NH F lounges in Japan. But no system is perfect.
Please share your real life GS experiences as well!
Feb 17, 2019, 2:52 am
#288
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,882
Yesterday leaving PVG they corralled the few of us GS' into a closed off pen at the front of BG1 so we were first to board with no hassle. Similar to NRT's handling of GS boarding and I find this works really well,
Also, at the check-in area they removed the Global Service logo where your first approach the check-in queues. You had to wait for someone to open the line and the couple of times I did try it they made me wait until business/gold has cleared and then came over and opened it. In fact the second time it happened the guy told me not to bother with it and just enter with Star Gold because it is always open. Anyway, it is gone now so you just enter through one premium entrance and then choose your appropriate queue.
Also, at the check-in area they removed the Global Service logo where your first approach the check-in queues. You had to wait for someone to open the line and the couple of times I did try it they made me wait until business/gold has cleared and then came over and opened it. In fact the second time it happened the guy told me not to bother with it and just enter with Star Gold because it is always open. Anyway, it is gone now so you just enter through one premium entrance and then choose your appropriate queue.
Feb 17, 2019, 3:08 am
#290
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 183
Yes but the walk from terminal 3 makes going there not worth it imo. I clear security at G every time,
Feb 17, 2019, 4:37 am
#292
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Relatively new GS after many years as 1k.
i would say the experience has been great at all aspects besides on the plane. On the plane nothing has really changed.
when I call in pre flight I seem to get agents who can actually do things and very helpful.
tight connections? They meet you and help you to your next flight (even internationally when a customs transfer is required and coming from another *A airline).
i wish it provided Polaris access when traveling in premium cabin domestically. Especially as Ann eWR flyer and the sad state of over crowded lounges there
i would say the experience has been great at all aspects besides on the plane. On the plane nothing has really changed.
when I call in pre flight I seem to get agents who can actually do things and very helpful.
tight connections? They meet you and help you to your next flight (even internationally when a customs transfer is required and coming from another *A airline).
i wish it provided Polaris access when traveling in premium cabin domestically. Especially as Ann eWR flyer and the sad state of over crowded lounges there
Feb 17, 2019, 6:25 am
#293
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
In Tokyo, things are notable different. Greeted by name at the ticket counter by the GS rep before even handing over one’s passport. Utilization of the crew security lane (not the priority lane), a personal escort including carrying your bag, all the way to the NH lounge. They even come into the lounge to provide flight updates personally despite the announcements. GS special boarding lane and very personal attention. This is probably what United intended it to be. Sad one has to travel outside of America to experience it, but Japan is Japan.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Feb 17, 2019 at 11:17 am Reason: repaired quote
Feb 17, 2019, 6:45 am
#294
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
The biggest thing UA can and does at least try to do for GS is to make interactions faster, more effective, and pleasant. For the vast majority of travel, an experienced traveler has minimum interaction with staff other than FA's onboard. Booking, checking, boarding and possible UC/Polaris access are all fairly automated.
But, when things go wrong is when UA (and any carrier) has to make some choices and making those in favor of higher value passengers is where status counts. Better and more knowledgeable IRROPS rebooking, acommodations, and connection assistance can make a great deal of difference.
But, when things go wrong is when UA (and any carrier) has to make some choices and making those in favor of higher value passengers is where status counts. Better and more knowledgeable IRROPS rebooking, acommodations, and connection assistance can make a great deal of difference.
Feb 17, 2019, 7:57 am
#295
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, UA 1k, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 109
Has anyone received their welcome package yet? Last year I got mine in January and I have yet to receive anything this year.
Feb 17, 2019, 8:05 am
#296
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,256
Feb 17, 2019, 4:35 pm
#298
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
Happened to me at check-in in CDG. I think I was the last GS to check in for the flight and it may have been the only UA flight leaving around that time. Granted I was going through there about once a month for a year.
Feb 18, 2019, 7:22 am
#299
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: 1,053
Feb 18, 2019, 7:43 am
#300
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: UA GS 1MM, CM PP
Posts: 689
This becomes more difficult as GS is more blurred with other premium travelers now.
On the Japan note, KIX was among my best GS service check-in experiences. The check-in agent followed my wife and I past security to make sure to escort us all the way to the proper lounge. And yes, they still had a GS lane despite the loss of it everywhere else. Japanese service is amazing all around.