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 26, 2019, 1:40 pm
#586
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Thank you for confirming that. The whittling away of GS benefits continues apace. You check in with every other Polaris customer now at FRA and MUC as well, right? And i bet they have scaled back GS Team presence there too. And “feel good” propaganda exercises like rolling out a (very overhyped and pedestrian) new livery take precedence over taking care of your best customers? It is a bit sour grapes but what’s the point of trying to maintain GS anymore?
Apr 26, 2019, 3:12 pm
#587
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: UA 1K, Delta Silver
Posts: 61
i think we all ask ourselves that every day. when you start missing upgrades on a regular basis and most of the "cool" perks no longer exist its hard to justify the routings some of us take just for GS.
Apr 26, 2019, 3:17 pm
#588
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 575
And that's why last year's spend was $45k and this year will be $15k. Bye bye GS, I'll see you again in about 12 years when I cross 4mm. Now, i need to go delete the emai lthey just sent me about purchasing a seat assignment for my next BE ticket.
Apr 26, 2019, 3:34 pm
#589
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: United GS; AA EXP; Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 174
Well, my best experience comes from the wonderful GS team’s service.
Once a colleague (not GS) forgot an personal item onboard, only realizing that hours later. I reached out and a GS agent tracked down operations, and had the item return to airport Lost & Found right away.
Earlier this year I was stranded in Newark for hours due to weather. A GS agent at the gate took very good care of us. She even personally checked to make sure my checked bags were loaded.
Today I stopped by the GS check-in desk and wanted to upgrade a friend on award ticket. Somehow system wasn’t working correctly. The GS agent patiently called her help desk, and eventually applied the upgrade.
Many United employees are wonderful, but most have limited time to take care of a large number of customers. Other benefits are awesome, but I am particularly grateful that GS team can spend so much time just on you to deliver highly personalized service.
Once a colleague (not GS) forgot an personal item onboard, only realizing that hours later. I reached out and a GS agent tracked down operations, and had the item return to airport Lost & Found right away.
Earlier this year I was stranded in Newark for hours due to weather. A GS agent at the gate took very good care of us. She even personally checked to make sure my checked bags were loaded.
Today I stopped by the GS check-in desk and wanted to upgrade a friend on award ticket. Somehow system wasn’t working correctly. The GS agent patiently called her help desk, and eventually applied the upgrade.
Many United employees are wonderful, but most have limited time to take care of a large number of customers. Other benefits are awesome, but I am particularly grateful that GS team can spend so much time just on you to deliver highly personalized service.
Apr 29, 2019, 9:33 am
#590
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,621
Well can’t say I wasn’t surprised on this morning’s flight from SFO to SEA. No upgrade, went from one on the upgrade list at T24 to 4 at T30mins. Had to be at least 10 other GS on flight. This makes a Grand Total of I think 2 CPUs since Jan.
Apr 29, 2019, 9:59 am
#591
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: 4,393
SFO <> SEA has to be one of the toughest GS CPU routes out there. SEA is loaded with Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, Amazon heavy travelers.
Apr 29, 2019, 10:18 am
#592
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,621
Sadly I know this all too well. Been doing this one for years. I virtually NEVER got upgraded as a 1K and not much better now as GS. Yeah, it is what it is.
Apr 29, 2019, 5:52 pm
#593
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
I typically buy refundable M or B fares. I’ve come to accept that if there isn’t PN space to clear instantly at booking, I will not clear into first with CPU.
Apr 29, 2019, 6:15 pm
#594
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SYD
Programs: UA GS, BA Gold, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, IHG Gold, National Exec Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,419
And it's not a particularly expensive flight either. The price difference between economy and first is usually $175 one way, although it used to be less. I've paid that a number of times.
Apr 29, 2019, 7:58 pm
#595
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,178
GPU's not on UA
Do GS flying with GPUs have any better inventory to clear into than non-GS'ers on LH and NH flights?
Apr 29, 2019, 8:06 pm
#596
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
I think it depends on the day. Generally speaking, Monday and Friday in/out of SFO are harder. Midweek (I usually fly back Thursday), I often see silver and gold members upgraded to first SEA-SFO.
And it's not a particularly expensive flight either. The price difference between economy and first is usually $175 one way, although it used to be less. I've paid that a number of times.
And it's not a particularly expensive flight either. The price difference between economy and first is usually $175 one way, although it used to be less. I've paid that a number of times.
Apr 29, 2019, 8:34 pm
#597
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.997MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,859
Apr 30, 2019, 8:39 am
#598
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: 1,054
I know I'm the exception but I make GS on 95% domestic travel, all up front, so I don't really care about CPU rates. I've found the irrops flexibility to be worth it and then some. Likewise for business saver/GPUs on mileage tickets for friends when we travel together. Have been able to get really creative with my wife being MM GS around that perk. I don't doubt the program used to be much better (I've only been here for 3 years) but it seems like many of you really could take or leave it which surprises me. Then again, I'm out of ORD with SFO/LAX/NYC being my most common travel pattern so AA is really my only other viable option.
Apr 30, 2019, 9:18 am
#599
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
I know I'm the exception but I make GS on 95% domestic travel, all up front, so I don't really care about CPU rates. I've found the irrops flexibility to be worth it and then some. Likewise for business saver/GPUs on mileage tickets for friends when we travel together. Have been able to get really creative with my wife being MM GS around that perk. I don't doubt the program used to be much better (I've only been here for 3 years) but it seems like many of you really could take or leave it which surprises me. Then again, I'm out of ORD with SFO/LAX/NYC being my most common travel pattern so AA is really my only other viable option.
Apr 30, 2019, 12:41 pm
#600
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,621
When you fly paid up front regularly, you sometimes forget how much of a difference it makes (particularly when traveling for work)... my guess is those of us who have generous corp travel policies have the luxury of focusing on the other benefits of GS, while those who are getting a big part of their spend flying paid Y are focused on the "hierarchy of needs" -- getting up front.