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]
Apr 5, 2019, 11:30 pm
#496
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
What is the difference between a saver award and an everyday award in the new regime? Seems like they would only need the singular flexing price per service class now and no need to "open" seats for us or our +1's since there is always a seat available at the prevailing mileage rate. I'm viewing this new policy as a massive devaluation to GS until i hear otherwise. The only useful benefit if T->XN is effectively gone would be the ability to stack a GPU onto an award coach booking and that ain't worth the loyalty given how infrequently those clear (for me).
I would expect clear answers to any consequences for GS now, as this for many might influence their current/2019 spending and decision, if they want to go for 2020 GS renewal or take their
$$ to other carriers.
Apr 6, 2019, 12:04 am
#497
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,824
What is the difference between a saver award and an everyday award in the new regime? Seems like they would only need the singular flexing price per service class now and no need to "open" seats for us or our +1's since there is always a seat available at the prevailing mileage rate. I'm viewing this new policy as a massive devaluation to GS until i hear otherwise. The only useful benefit if T->XN is effectively gone would be the ability to stack a GPU onto an award coach booking and that ain't worth the loyalty given how infrequently those clear (for me).
Apr 6, 2019, 3:36 am
#498
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA GS, Marriott (Plat Premier, LT Plat)
Posts: 257
I just sent the following email to United. Will let you all know once I hear back.
—————————-
Dear Team,
I’m writing to you guys to express my displeasure at the recent changes to the United Global Services Program.
In the last 12 months I have noticed the following negative changes:
1) Changes to RPU earning potential
2) Further restrictions on T->XN conversions
3) Zero tarmac transfers. Granted this is just my experience.
4) Elimination of LH first class Lounge access
5) Removal of forced GPU confirmations when J>2, 72 hours prior to departure.
6) Removal of Award Charts.
In the same 12 month period NOT one single new perk has been added for GS members.
I’m really concerned about the most recent change, #6 Removal of Award charts (Saver and Everyday Awards).
I wish you guys would have done a better job in communicating the implications for GS members. That said, I have two questions regarding that change:
1) Will I still be able to convert T to XN and PN/PZ to IN? If so, how many miles will those tickets cost?
2) When I’m booked in J, will I be able to open up a saver award for my souse / companion? If so, what will those award tickets cost?
Any devaluation to the above two perks will have a huge impact on the Global Services Program. There will effectively be NO difference between 1k and GS.
I’ll end by saying this. I am not a corporate sponsored GS. I choose to fly United and spend my hard earned $$s ($55k plus each year) on United. So It’s a shame that in the last 12 months United has been hell bent on eliminating perks for their most loyal customers and effectively copying everything that Delta does. What’s even more painful is the fact that United doesn’t copy any of the good things that Delta does (e.g., Rollover MQMs, Club access for Diamonds / 360, Better quality clubs with wider range of food / beverage options) and instead copies all the crappy things that people hate about Delta.
I look forward to your responses to my questions.
—————————-
Dear Team,
I’m writing to you guys to express my displeasure at the recent changes to the United Global Services Program.
In the last 12 months I have noticed the following negative changes:
1) Changes to RPU earning potential
2) Further restrictions on T->XN conversions
3) Zero tarmac transfers. Granted this is just my experience.
4) Elimination of LH first class Lounge access
5) Removal of forced GPU confirmations when J>2, 72 hours prior to departure.
6) Removal of Award Charts.
In the same 12 month period NOT one single new perk has been added for GS members.
I’m really concerned about the most recent change, #6 Removal of Award charts (Saver and Everyday Awards).
I wish you guys would have done a better job in communicating the implications for GS members. That said, I have two questions regarding that change:
1) Will I still be able to convert T to XN and PN/PZ to IN? If so, how many miles will those tickets cost?
2) When I’m booked in J, will I be able to open up a saver award for my souse / companion? If so, what will those award tickets cost?
Any devaluation to the above two perks will have a huge impact on the Global Services Program. There will effectively be NO difference between 1k and GS.
I’ll end by saying this. I am not a corporate sponsored GS. I choose to fly United and spend my hard earned $$s ($55k plus each year) on United. So It’s a shame that in the last 12 months United has been hell bent on eliminating perks for their most loyal customers and effectively copying everything that Delta does. What’s even more painful is the fact that United doesn’t copy any of the good things that Delta does (e.g., Rollover MQMs, Club access for Diamonds / 360, Better quality clubs with wider range of food / beverage options) and instead copies all the crappy things that people hate about Delta.
I look forward to your responses to my questions.
Apr 6, 2019, 6:11 am
#499
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
I just sent the following email to United. Will let you all know once I hear back.
—————————-
Dear Team,
I’m writing to you guys to express my displeasure at the recent changes to the United Global Services Program.
In the last 12 months I have noticed the following negative changes:
1) Changes to RPU earning potential
2) Further restrictions on T->XN conversions
3) Zero tarmac transfers. Granted this is just my experience.
4) Elimination of LH first class Lounge access
5) Removal of forced GPU confirmations when J>2, 72 hours prior to departure.
6) Removal of Award Charts.
In the same 12 month period NOT one single new perk has been added for GS members.
I’m really concerned about the most recent change, #6 Removal of Award charts (Saver and Everyday Awards).
I wish you guys would have done a better job in communicating the implications for GS members. That said, I have two questions regarding that change:
1) Will I still be able to convert T to XN and PN/PZ to IN? If so, how many miles will those tickets cost?
2) When I’m booked in J, will I be able to open up a saver award for my souse / companion? If so, what will those award tickets cost?
Any devaluation to the above two perks will have a huge impact on the Global Services Program. There will effectively be NO difference between 1k and GS.
I’ll end by saying this. I am not a corporate sponsored GS. I choose to fly United and spend my hard earned $$s ($55k plus each year) on United. So It’s a shame that in the last 12 months United has been hell bent on eliminating perks for their most loyal customers and effectively copying everything that Delta does. What’s even more painful is the fact that United doesn’t copy any of the good things that Delta does (e.g., Rollover MQMs, Club access for Diamonds / 360, Better quality clubs with wider range of food / beverage options) and instead copies all the crappy things that people hate about Delta.
I look forward to your responses to my questions.
—————————-
Dear Team,
I’m writing to you guys to express my displeasure at the recent changes to the United Global Services Program.
In the last 12 months I have noticed the following negative changes:
1) Changes to RPU earning potential
2) Further restrictions on T->XN conversions
3) Zero tarmac transfers. Granted this is just my experience.
4) Elimination of LH first class Lounge access
5) Removal of forced GPU confirmations when J>2, 72 hours prior to departure.
6) Removal of Award Charts.
In the same 12 month period NOT one single new perk has been added for GS members.
I’m really concerned about the most recent change, #6 Removal of Award charts (Saver and Everyday Awards).
I wish you guys would have done a better job in communicating the implications for GS members. That said, I have two questions regarding that change:
1) Will I still be able to convert T to XN and PN/PZ to IN? If so, how many miles will those tickets cost?
2) When I’m booked in J, will I be able to open up a saver award for my souse / companion? If so, what will those award tickets cost?
Any devaluation to the above two perks will have a huge impact on the Global Services Program. There will effectively be NO difference between 1k and GS.
I’ll end by saying this. I am not a corporate sponsored GS. I choose to fly United and spend my hard earned $$s ($55k plus each year) on United. So It’s a shame that in the last 12 months United has been hell bent on eliminating perks for their most loyal customers and effectively copying everything that Delta does. What’s even more painful is the fact that United doesn’t copy any of the good things that Delta does (e.g., Rollover MQMs, Club access for Diamonds / 360, Better quality clubs with wider range of food / beverage options) and instead copies all the crappy things that people hate about Delta.
I look forward to your responses to my questions.
look forward to hearing what they say.
Apr 6, 2019, 7:09 am
#500
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 94
@ua_sp_102366 when did this happen: "5) Removal of forced GPU confirmations when J>2, 72 hours prior to departure." ?
I had an agent offer this to me just the other day.
I had an agent offer this to me just the other day.
Apr 6, 2019, 8:45 am
#501
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
I agree here. I have used this several times in the past few months. And I plan on using it in less than a week, where the GS agent confirmed that I can, pending the normal conditions.
Apr 6, 2019, 9:16 am
#502
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH/EWR-LGA/MIA
Programs: UA Global Services 3.2 MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 2,506
Thank God. I almost had a heart attack when I read the original post. That said, the implications for XN and IN appear far more dire. We shall see.
Apr 6, 2019, 10:17 am
#503
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: United Airlines
Posts: 7
I am trying to understand the type of ticket that a GS needs to have in business to automatically clear an economy ticket to business as long as J>2 after the conversion. Is this a paid (revenue) business ticket or will a mileage business ticket also work?
Thanks
Thanks
Apr 6, 2019, 10:57 am
#504
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
If you are on a paid (not award) business ticket, a business class saver award seat can be opened up for one travelling companion.
Apr 6, 2019, 11:00 am
#505
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
Eventually, it/both cleared.
Apr 6, 2019, 11:32 am
#506
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: IAH & HOU
Programs: UA GS & Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
Currently UA would open a savers business (IN) for my companion if I buy J and IN=0, and everyday award is in place. Since Kirby is saying that there may be more domestic IN in the future (at higher dynamic prices), I assume IN fare code will still exist. The question is, how many miles will be IN after 11/15/19? Especially for international IN that is apparently going to be more limited.
The only GS benefit i could see in the above example would be booking the prevailing coach award rate and being able to force a GPU through for your companion.
I emailed GS about this stuff and they said there were no changes to the way our benefits were being handled. I think the agent missed my point too. She did say that my concern had been forwarded to a GS product specialist. I'm assuming they have not thought through how much of a deval this is for GS members relative to 1K.
Last edited by ajhun9; Apr 6, 2019 at 11:47 am
Apr 6, 2019, 5:43 pm
#507
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,824
You guys are missing my point. There should always be a seat available under the new regime (unless cabin sold out) so nothing needs to be opened. Look at Delta's website. There is one price offered for each flight. There is no saver vs everyday level fare. There won't need to be an XN and a YN fare. Or IN and JN......
https://skift.com/2019/04/05/united-...emand-pricing/
Please read the paragraph just before the heading "IMPACT ON THE AIRLINE VS. CONSUMERS"
“We are very committed to finding ways to increase the availability of the IN [premium award] booking class domestically,” said Bondar.
Of course there is the bad news that IN may be harder to find internationally, and there is the question about how many miles will be needed for IN.
Apr 7, 2019, 6:36 am
#508
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: IAH & HOU
Programs: UA GS & Marriott Titanium
Posts: 443
Thanks for the link. My cynical self says they're going to move all biz inventory to IN at the dynamic pricing level and pat themselves on the back for the increase in availability.
Apr 7, 2019, 6:59 am
#509
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 30
Also interested in hearing reply, if you get one.
I would suggest making any email like this less "emotional". Totally not accusing you of anything and totally understand the frustration but there are key words in any customer service interaction that diminish the power of the message you are trying to communicate (I run a very large customer service organization and we use AI/ML to work through these types of emails and prioritize accordingly).
Using terms like "you guys", "hell bent", "crappy things" don't help in my opinion.
I had an email communication with Oscar earlier this year that of course he didn't answer directly but did get response from 3 other people at UA that were able to resolve the issue. I tried not express my frustration as much as I would have wanted too!
Just a thought from someone who has been doing customer service for 30+ years.
Brian
I would suggest making any email like this less "emotional". Totally not accusing you of anything and totally understand the frustration but there are key words in any customer service interaction that diminish the power of the message you are trying to communicate (I run a very large customer service organization and we use AI/ML to work through these types of emails and prioritize accordingly).
Using terms like "you guys", "hell bent", "crappy things" don't help in my opinion.
I had an email communication with Oscar earlier this year that of course he didn't answer directly but did get response from 3 other people at UA that were able to resolve the issue. I tried not express my frustration as much as I would have wanted too!
Just a thought from someone who has been doing customer service for 30+ years.
Brian
Apr 7, 2019, 8:38 am
#510
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
You guys are missing my point. There should always be a seat available under the new regime (unless cabin sold out) so nothing needs to be opened. Look at Delta's website. There is one price offered for each flight. There is no saver vs everyday level fare. There won't need to be an XN and a YN fare. Or IN and JN. We are basically 1Ks with a separate entrance in some airports and our own 800 number.
The only GS benefit i could see in the above example would be booking the prevailing coach award rate and being able to force a GPU through for your companion.
I emailed GS about this stuff and they said there were no changes to the way our benefits were being handled. I think the agent missed my point too. She did say that my concern had been forwarded to a GS product specialist. I'm assuming they have not thought through how much of a deval this is for GS members relative to 1K.
The only GS benefit i could see in the above example would be booking the prevailing coach award rate and being able to force a GPU through for your companion.
I emailed GS about this stuff and they said there were no changes to the way our benefits were being handled. I think the agent missed my point too. She did say that my concern had been forwarded to a GS product specialist. I'm assuming they have not thought through how much of a deval this is for GS members relative to 1K.
will there be saver awards in the future?