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 4, 2019, 11:20 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
No - but there just be at least 3 J seats available for sale for the agent to open the Saver Seat. The agent will usually give you a choice of taking an F saver award, or an Economy Saver plus RPU.
Jan 4, 2019, 11:34 am
#47
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
Jan 4, 2019, 11:46 am
#48
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: EWR
Programs: United GS, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 37
I can't speak for the other locations though.
Jan 4, 2019, 12:20 pm
#49
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
what fare class would need to be available to clear economy saver with RPU?
Jan 4, 2019, 12:45 pm
#50
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 5
I called 1K customer service regarding a flight booked for Monday and was transferred to the GS line. Later I logged into my account to see the Global Services tag for my membership level... but nothing in the mail yet.
So, if you're wondering if you made the cut as a new GS member for this year - at least some of you should be able to see it in the system.
So, if you're wondering if you made the cut as a new GS member for this year - at least some of you should be able to see it in the system.
Jan 4, 2019, 12:49 pm
#51
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: 4,392
I called 1K customer service regarding a flight booked for Monday and was transferred to the GS line. Later I logged into my account to see the Global Services tag for my membership level... but nothing in the mail yet.
So, if you're wondering if you made the cut as a new GS member for this year - at least some of you should be able to see it in the system.
So, if you're wondering if you made the cut as a new GS member for this year - at least some of you should be able to see it in the system.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:02 pm
#52
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 520
New to GS and question on applying my spouse's (1K) GPU to my itinerary. Does it clear into PN or PZ?
Jan 4, 2019, 2:11 pm
#53
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Jan 4, 2019, 2:11 pm
#54
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: UA GS, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 14
Hi Everyone! my first year in GS.
I have something planned in SFO next month. How much better is the GS checkin process? Can I expect to save a lot of time? Do you get immediate service and bypass some/all of the security lines somehow?
I'm considering a flight where I'd arrive at the airport 60 mins or even 45 mins before takeoff. assuming i have no luggage and am checked in to flight, I think this could be totally doable with GS.
I have something planned in SFO next month. How much better is the GS checkin process? Can I expect to save a lot of time? Do you get immediate service and bypass some/all of the security lines somehow?
I'm considering a flight where I'd arrive at the airport 60 mins or even 45 mins before takeoff. assuming i have no luggage and am checked in to flight, I think this could be totally doable with GS.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:12 pm
#55
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
Jan 4, 2019, 2:15 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
Hi Everyone! my first year in GS.
I have something planned in SFO next month. How much better is the GS checkin process? Can I expect to save a lot of time? Do you get immediate service and bypass some/all of the security lines somehow?
I'm considering a flight where I'd arrive at the airport 60 mins or even 45 mins before takeoff. assuming i have no luggage and am checked in to flight, I think this could be totally doable with GS.
I have something planned in SFO next month. How much better is the GS checkin process? Can I expect to save a lot of time? Do you get immediate service and bypass some/all of the security lines somehow?
I'm considering a flight where I'd arrive at the airport 60 mins or even 45 mins before takeoff. assuming i have no luggage and am checked in to flight, I think this could be totally doable with GS.
Jan 4, 2019, 2:31 pm
#57
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
Jan 4, 2019, 2:40 pm
#58
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: UA GS, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 14
so with carry on luggage only, and domestic flight (back to EWR) --- I'm thinking it's pretty quick? Basically just walk up to GS counter and they take me to front of TSA line?
If you use the GS lobby in terminal 3, you cut to the front of the TSA boarding pass check line but still have to deal with the line for baggage scanners. In the international terminal, GS has a dedicated bag drop/check in line but no cutting the line privileges at the international security checkpoint.
so with only carry on luggage I am guessing no baggage scanner. And domestic flight. So I just go to front of TSA screening probably? that would be sweet
If you use the GS lobby in terminal 3, you cut to the front of the TSA boarding pass check line but still have to deal with the line for baggage scanners. In the international terminal, GS has a dedicated bag drop/check in line but no cutting the line privileges at the international security checkpoint.
so with only carry on luggage I am guessing no baggage scanner. And domestic flight. So I just go to front of TSA screening probably? that would be sweet
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 4, 2019 at 4:37 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Jan 4, 2019, 2:47 pm
#59
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, SPG PLT, Marriott PLT, Shangri-La Diamond
Posts: 187
I don't think that EP (OW Emerald) can access the Flagship lounge unless on an international itinerary (even with Admirals Club membership)?
Jan 4, 2019, 3:01 pm
#60
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
I think they are saying you cut to the point where TSA checks your BP + ID, but you do not get to cut the (hopefully short) line for the X-ray (baggage scanner) and metal detector that comes after the BP check.