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]
Jan 3, 2019, 11:39 am
#31
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
I am currently looking at crossing 4 Mil in April 2019.
Jan 3, 2019, 12:22 pm
#32
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,668
I emailed GS CS about changes to T>XN and PZ>IN conversion. They won't confirm or deny anything 
Originally Posted by GS CS
Dear ctownflyer,
Thank you for being Global Services!
I apologize for the delay in responding back to you.
United does not have inventory conversion rules for award travel. However, we have company confidential guidelines our employees can use when considering making an exception for our Global Services customers. Please note that we do not publish or share those guidelines with our customers'.
We appreciate your valuable business, continued loyalty and support. We look forward in welcoming you on board a future United Airlines flight.
Best regards,.
Thank you for being Global Services!
I apologize for the delay in responding back to you.
United does not have inventory conversion rules for award travel. However, we have company confidential guidelines our employees can use when considering making an exception for our Global Services customers. Please note that we do not publish or share those guidelines with our customers'.
We appreciate your valuable business, continued loyalty and support. We look forward in welcoming you on board a future United Airlines flight.
Best regards,.
Jan 3, 2019, 12:28 pm
#33
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lahaina, HI & Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,403
Unbelievable. Do not take no for an answer. HUCA....rinse and repeat as necessary.
Jan 3, 2019, 3:56 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,087
Jan 3, 2019, 5:41 pm
#36
Join Date: May 1999
Location: JFK, LGA, EWR
Programs: AA Platinum (Lifetime), United GS, HHonors Diamond, Shangri-la Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 549
except when they do...
as reported in the 2018 thread, here is the response i got when i emailed them:
there were some changes made on december 12, to the mileageplus awards program.
as a traveler, we are still able to make the exception and convert T inventory to XN for you. we are able to do this for you and one companion. we are unable to do this if you are not traveling with the passenger. if you have any further questions, please call your dedicated global service [sic] number at --- - --- - ----.
i agree that the jury may still be out on this one.
as reported in the 2018 thread, here is the response i got when i emailed them:
there were some changes made on december 12, to the mileageplus awards program.
as a traveler, we are still able to make the exception and convert T inventory to XN for you. we are able to do this for you and one companion. we are unable to do this if you are not traveling with the passenger. if you have any further questions, please call your dedicated global service [sic] number at --- - --- - ----.
i agree that the jury may still be out on this one.
Jan 3, 2019, 6:42 pm
#37
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: mileagePlua
Posts: 3
Extension of 2018 GPUs for GS?
I have a bunch of expiring GPUs for 2018 (earned as a 1K) and am a newly minted (by companion status) GS. Is there any way UA would allow me to extend them further and, if so, by how long?
Jan 3, 2019, 6:57 pm
#38
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,025
You can call and have two of them changed to April expiration — this is possible as a GS or 1K.
Jan 4, 2019, 5:54 am
#39
Original Poster
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: 4,387
A friend who is a GS airport agent says that now through early February is the toughest time of the year for her: The number of GS pax is up, given new invitees as well as those whose status continues and/or ends this month. Then in early February, not being able to be as helpful to those who were not renewed.
I recall that last January, I was on a PVG-ORD flight that had 22 GS... at least two of whom I spoke with said it would be their last flight as GS as they were not renewed.
I recall that last January, I was on a PVG-ORD flight that had 22 GS... at least two of whom I spoke with said it would be their last flight as GS as they were not renewed.
Jan 4, 2019, 7:33 am
#40
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,668
except when they do...
as reported in the 2018 thread, here is the response i got when i emailed them:
there were some changes made on december 12, to the mileageplus awards program.
as a traveler, we are still able to make the exception and convert T inventory to XN for you. we are able to do this for you and one companion. we are unable to do this if you are not traveling with the passenger. if you have any further questions, please call your dedicated global service [sic] number at --- - --- - ----.
i agree that the jury may still be out on this one.
as reported in the 2018 thread, here is the response i got when i emailed them:
there were some changes made on december 12, to the mileageplus awards program.
as a traveler, we are still able to make the exception and convert T inventory to XN for you. we are able to do this for you and one companion. we are unable to do this if you are not traveling with the passenger. if you have any further questions, please call your dedicated global service [sic] number at --- - --- - ----.
i agree that the jury may still be out on this one.
Jan 4, 2019, 8:21 am
#41
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: EWR
Programs: United GS, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 37
This is more of a statement than a question, but I would love to see United grant GS access to the Polaris lounges in 2019, even when not flying in Polaris.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:26 am
#42
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: UA
Posts: 10
thanks for the info. Seems like I have a lot to learn
Jan 4, 2019, 10:49 am
#43
Original Poster
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: 4,387
The Polaris lounges are already very crowded at peak times. I can't see hub Polaris lounges accommodating dozens of more people, most of whom already have UC memberships or access.
Jan 4, 2019, 10:58 am
#44
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, SPG PLT, Marriott PLT, Shangri-La Diamond
Posts: 187
AA does that for CK with their flagship lounges. Agreed that this would be a very nice perk.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:05 am
#45
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,114
Do any specific fare classes need to be open for a companion ticket? I’m in paid business HNL-EWR and looking for a saver ticket for my wife
