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 7, 2019, 9:37 am
#511
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA GS, Marriott (Plat Premier, LT Plat)
Posts: 257
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
My interpretation of this change is that UA will replace the current Saver and Everyday award structure with Dynamic award pricing. That is why a lot of us are unclear about the impact on current GS benefits (e.g., T / PN --> Saver Awards, Confirmed Paid J = 1 IN seat). It's a shame that UA wasn't able to proactively address this in their email to customers. They just sent all MP members the same email
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 7, 2019 at 11:32 am Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Apr 7, 2019, 10:32 am
#512
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: 4,671
My interpretation of this change is that UA will replace the current Saver and Everyday award structure with Dynamic award pricing. That is why a lot of us are unclear about the impact on current GS benefits (e.g., T / PN --> Saver Awards, Confirmed Paid J = 1 IN seat). It's a shame that UA wasn't able to proactively address this in their email to customers. They just sent all MP members the same email
Therefore they don't feel the need to communicate these details proactively as they don't feel that it will be a devaluation to get rid of them as they never published them in the first place.
When UA does get rid of saver awards and award charts, I don't see how they will continue to offer GS members these benefits. UA may not even know those details yet.
Apr 7, 2019, 1:05 pm
#513
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Apr 7, 2019, 2:19 pm
#514
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
I'm not so sure that saver awards will be totally eliminated. I checked a set of flights from BOS to HNL in Jan-Feb and found there were "saver coach" awards available. If makes me think there might be an equivalent first award at a saver level for a companion when booking paid J. The everyday fare was north of 190K.
Apr 7, 2019, 2:21 pm
#515
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: 4,671
I'm not so sure that saver awards will be totally eliminated. I checked a set of flights from BOS to HNL in Jan-Feb and found there were "saver coach" awards available. If makes me think there might be an equivalent first award at a saver level for a companion when booking paid J. The everyday fare was north of 190K.
So what rate will they charge for conversions if there is no published saver rate?
Apr 7, 2019, 2:26 pm
#516
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752
I agree UA implies they will not publish a saver award level but on the WEB they listed "saver awards" in economy for Boston toe HNL and I interpret that to mean either they have not fully updated their booking engine or there is in fact a saver award class of awards albeit without published amount of miles. Interestingly the saver award was exactly what one would expect for a Bos to HNL flight.
Apr 7, 2019, 2:33 pm
#517
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,355
GS+me want to do a domestic round-trip.
What are the options for getting us both J (either confirmed or extremely high chance of clearing)? GS does not have enough miles to do anything useful, so converting space to XN/IN won't work.
I assume in order of likelihood of getting J (and also decreasing cost):
1. Buy J
2. GS buys J, I buy Y, and force through an RPU
3. Both buy Y and use RPUs (forcing it at T-72 if possible)
4. Both buy Y and use CPUs
Am I missing anything?
Also, in terms of IRROPS handling, is there much risk with option 2 having us on separate PNRs?
What are the options for getting us both J (either confirmed or extremely high chance of clearing)? GS does not have enough miles to do anything useful, so converting space to XN/IN won't work.
I assume in order of likelihood of getting J (and also decreasing cost):
1. Buy J
2. GS buys J, I buy Y, and force through an RPU
3. Both buy Y and use RPUs (forcing it at T-72 if possible)
4. Both buy Y and use CPUs
Am I missing anything?
Also, in terms of IRROPS handling, is there much risk with option 2 having us on separate PNRs?
Apr 7, 2019, 4:08 pm
#518
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
GS+me want to do a domestic round-trip.
What are the options for getting us both J (either confirmed or extremely high chance of clearing)? GS does not have enough miles to do anything useful, so converting space to XN/IN won't work.
I assume in order of likelihood of getting J (and also decreasing cost):
1. Buy J
2. GS buys J, I buy Y, and force through an RPU
3. Both buy Y and use RPUs (forcing it at T-72 if possible)
4. Both buy Y and use CPUs
Am I missing anything?
Also, in terms of IRROPS handling, is there much risk with option 2 having us on separate PNRs?
What are the options for getting us both J (either confirmed or extremely high chance of clearing)? GS does not have enough miles to do anything useful, so converting space to XN/IN won't work.
I assume in order of likelihood of getting J (and also decreasing cost):
1. Buy J
2. GS buys J, I buy Y, and force through an RPU
3. Both buy Y and use RPUs (forcing it at T-72 if possible)
4. Both buy Y and use CPUs
Am I missing anything?
Also, in terms of IRROPS handling, is there much risk with option 2 having us on separate PNRs?
Apr 7, 2019, 10:42 pm
#519
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,355
Apr 8, 2019, 7:11 am
#520
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
If you really want it, I know you can buy first class cheap on that route. May not be a bad idea if you want certainty and then would have the ability to confirm +1 via miles and/or RPU.
Holding out for CPU is like playing the lottery. Hit and miss, with an emphasis on miss.
Apr 8, 2019, 7:33 am
#521
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
I had a rather strange experience calling the global services number. As has been previously discussed, I was on hold for almost 5 mins before my call was answered. The agent then asked for my mileage plus number and upon looking up my number after I provided him the info,he did acknowledge my status. This would suggest that the call got routed through to a non GS agent. I was calling to upgrade a flight out of London. For whatever reason the agent wasnt able to do it systematically so it took him almost 25 mins to manually apply the upgrade. Then he said that United collects taxes on upgrades out of London, so he will have to charge my card $100. Although odd, I said fine. Once he finished what he had to do, I hung up the phone. The agent was extremely courteous for the entire 30mins I spent on the phone with him, while I grew increasingly impatient.After hanging up,I decided to check my itinerary on the app and was surprised to see that no upgrades were applied!So I called up the global services desk again, and this time a very helpful GS agent answered the phone, applied the upgrade without any issue....so this leaves me wondering what happened during the first phone call. Very unusual!
Apr 8, 2019, 7:49 am
#522
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
I agree UA implies they will not publish a saver award level but on the WEB they listed "saver awards" in economy for Boston toe HNL and I interpret that to mean either they have not fully updated their booking engine or there is in fact a saver award class of awards albeit without published amount of miles. Interestingly the saver award was exactly what one would expect for a Bos to HNL flight.
IN/XN (Saver) awards will be the cheaper rates with a set ceiling that can sometimes go lower, YN/JN will have a set floor (the ceiling of the savers) that can sometimes go higher.
If that is the case then T-XN or R-IN or companion IN will use the ceiling price, as they do today.
Apr 8, 2019, 1:12 pm
#523
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
In practice they appear to still have two types of pricing on awards. One for XN/IN and another for YN/JN. Perhaps it will work like this:
IN/XN (Saver) awards will be the cheaper rates with a set ceiling that can sometimes go lower, YN/JN will have a set floor (the ceiling of the savers) that can sometimes go higher.
If that is the case then T-XN or R-IN or companion IN will use the ceiling price, as they do today.
XN/IN = YN/JN - 1000 miles
XN/IN = YN/JN X 95%
Apr 8, 2019, 6:19 pm
#524
Join Date: Dec 2015
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 90
I had a rather strange experience calling the global services number. As has been previously discussed, I was on hold for almost 5 mins before my call was answered. The agent then asked for my mileage plus number and upon looking up my number after I provided him the info,he did acknowledge my status. This would suggest that the call got routed through to a non GS agent. I was calling to upgrade a flight out of London. For whatever reason the agent wasnt able to do it systematically so it took him almost 25 mins to manually apply the upgrade. Then he said that United collects taxes on upgrades out of London, so he will have to charge my card $100. Although odd, I said fine. Once he finished what he had to do, I hung up the phone. The agent was extremely courteous for the entire 30mins I spent on the phone with him, while I grew increasingly impatient.After hanging up,I decided to check my itinerary on the app and was surprised to see that no upgrades were applied!So I called up the global services desk again, and this time a very helpful GS agent answered the phone, applied the upgrade without any issue....so this leaves me wondering what happened during the first phone call. Very unusual!
Apr 9, 2019, 12:18 am
#525
Join Date: May 2018
Programs: UA GLOBAL SERVICES - 1.2 million miles
Posts: 25
Just curious cause I take over 30 Polaris flights a year and have still never seen a GS seated in coach internationally. I get it’s uncommon due to high spend needed and upgrade priority.
But is it actually rare for a GS to be in coach? If so do they fly coach more on certain routes than others?
i always found it funny that I’ve paid around $1000 from EWR to LAX but EWR to LHR which is an hour more is almost $7k more at $7800 one way just for one hour more of flying. (I know intl is different but I’m just saying from a flyers perspective)
But is it actually rare for a GS to be in coach? If so do they fly coach more on certain routes than others?
i always found it funny that I’ve paid around $1000 from EWR to LAX but EWR to LHR which is an hour more is almost $7k more at $7800 one way just for one hour more of flying. (I know intl is different but I’m just saying from a flyers perspective)