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 5, 2019, 5:45 am
#76
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
I’m order to book a saver economy seat you need XN inventory available. However, GS has the ability to convert available T inventory into XN award space. You used to be able to do this for anyone on any flight and as many T were available, but they may have added a restriction that you may now only do this for yourself plus one companion.
Jan 5, 2019, 6:24 am
#77
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: United Airlines
Posts: 7
Everyone goes on the PN list. If you're on a single ticket, you need PN4 for the upgrades to clear.
I usually split the PNR to make sure I get whatever PN seats are released. If the upgrades haven't cleared closer to departure, you can call at 72h if J>2. With award tickets, you can also just rebook for a plane with open PN seats. I did that this week.
I usually split the PNR to make sure I get whatever PN seats are released. If the upgrades haven't cleared closer to departure, you can call at 72h if J>2. With award tickets, you can also just rebook for a plane with open PN seats. I did that this week.
Does it make a difference if I buy the economy tickets or use awards for them?
Jan 5, 2019, 7:08 am
#78
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 16
Question for the group please. I was traveling yesterday with my daughter, 1st leg of a round trip, EWR-RDU. Same reservation, paid tickets. I am GS, she has no status. We did not clear for advance upgrades. At the gate, I asked for us to be put on the upgrade list. The agent was confused, but she did it, however she split us into 2 reservations. When I called GS later, they said there is no way to be on the same day upgrade list without splitting reservations. Is that true? If so, is there any way to get the same day outbound while preserving the possibility to get an advance upgrade for both of us on the return? thanks!
Jan 5, 2019, 10:46 am
#79
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: UA GS, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 14
They don't "take you." You exit the GS lobby through doors that position you to be next (weaving with the regular pre-check pax) at the ID checker. After that, you may have to wait to put your carry-ons onto the belt, and for any waiting to go through the WTMD. If randomed or otherwise chosen, you'll still have to wait for any to go for further screening. Bottom line: GS gets you the front of the pre-check ID checker line, then you're mixed with everyone else. But it's almost always a few minutes or less from GS lobby to airside.
Jan 5, 2019, 1:27 pm
#80
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Question for the group please. I was traveling yesterday with my daughter, 1st leg of a round trip, EWR-RDU. Same reservation, paid tickets. I am GS, she has no status. We did not clear for advance upgrades. At the gate, I asked for us to be put on the upgrade list. The agent was confused, but she did it, however she split us into 2 reservations. When I called GS later, they said there is no way to be on the same day upgrade list without splitting reservations. Is that true? If so, is there any way to get the same day outbound while preserving the possibility to get an advance upgrade for both of us on the return? thanks!
No different as GS vs other elites.
It’s weird that you did this at the gate...if you checked in online it should have asked you if you wanted to split. Unless you checked in with an agent and the agent chose not to.
Jan 5, 2019, 3:38 pm
#81
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 639
I spent about 30 min on the phone with a very knowledgeable GS agent today who was adamant that 'as of Dec 12th' the T-XN is limited to GS plus one companion. I am really annoyed (have a family of 5). between the RPUs and this change, its a really significant devaluation year over year at the GS level. I was lucky as my international itin had some 'regular' saver award availability, but I am seriously considering taking a chunk of my business to Delta or American for 2019. I cleared the GS hurdle easily, and don't see a lot of risk to doing something like 200k miles on UA in 2019 and 100k on another airline (likely American) after getting a status match to exec plat.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:40 pm
#82
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 575
I spent about 30 min on the phone with a very knowledgeable GS agent today who was adamant that 'as of Dec 12th' the T-XN is limited to GS plus one companion. I am really annoyed (have a family of 5). between the RPUs and this change, its a really significant devaluation year over year at the GS level. I was lucky as my international itin had some 'regular' saver award availability, but I am seriously considering taking a chunk of my business to Delta or American for 2019. I cleared the GS hurdle easily, and don't see a lot of risk to doing something like 200k miles on UA in 2019 and 100k on another airline (likely American) after getting a status match to exec plat.
Jan 5, 2019, 4:51 pm
#83
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
I spent about 30 min on the phone with a very knowledgeable GS agent today who was adamant that 'as of Dec 12th' the T-XN is limited to GS plus one companion. I am really annoyed (have a family of 5). between the RPUs and this change, its a really significant devaluation year over year at the GS level. I was lucky as my international itin had some 'regular' saver award availability, but I am seriously considering taking a chunk of my business to Delta or American for 2019. I cleared the GS hurdle easily, and don't see a lot of risk to doing something like 200k miles on UA in 2019 and 100k on another airline (likely American) after getting a status match to exec plat.
(P.S. if you are racking up the miles then at 1mm won't that give you an additional GS family member, so it will at least double to 4 people if you do some creative transfers from Chase points etc.?)
Thx.
G
Jan 5, 2019, 6:24 pm
#84
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
..... I am seriously considering taking a chunk of my business to Delta or American for 2019. I cleared the GS hurdle easily, and don't see a lot of risk to doing something like 200k miles on UA in 2019 and 100k on another airline (likely American) after getting a status match to exec plat.
Jan 5, 2019, 6:35 pm
#85
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Meet and greet at GUM?
i got a 40min transfer coming up at GUM. Coming from HKG and connecting to HNL.
will they meet and expedite through customs and security?
i got a 40min transfer coming up at GUM. Coming from HKG and connecting to HNL.
will they meet and expedite through customs and security?
Jan 5, 2019, 9:07 pm
#86
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: 44,353
A friend of mine is GS and has a bunch of expiring RPUs. We're looking to go somewhere for the long weekend.
I can't find a single flight anywhere interesting with PN space.
Assuming that remains the case, is the best bet to just book something, hope it remains J4, and then call in a couple days out to force the upgrade?
Or is my lack of UA status going to be an issue, even if we're on one PNR?
I can't find a single flight anywhere interesting with PN space.
Assuming that remains the case, is the best bet to just book something, hope it remains J4, and then call in a couple days out to force the upgrade?
Or is my lack of UA status going to be an issue, even if we're on one PNR?
Jan 5, 2019, 10:16 pm
#87
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
A friend of mine is GS and has a bunch of expiring RPUs. We're looking to go somewhere for the long weekend.
I can't find a single flight anywhere interesting with PN space.
Assuming that remains the case, is the best bet to just book something, hope it remains J4, and then call in a couple days out to force the upgrade?
Or is my lack of UA status going to be an issue, even if we're on one PNR?
I can't find a single flight anywhere interesting with PN space.
Assuming that remains the case, is the best bet to just book something, hope it remains J4, and then call in a couple days out to force the upgrade?
Or is my lack of UA status going to be an issue, even if we're on one PNR?
Jan 5, 2019, 10:20 pm
#88
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
I get enough grief from my wife for being gone all the time!
Jan 6, 2019, 7:27 pm
#89
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
Possibly, they have been waiting for me when plane was late. That said, 40 minutes is plenty of time for GUM, and many other PAX will also be connecting with you to HNL.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 6, 2019 at 9:19 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Jan 7, 2019, 7:23 am
#90
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
The T to XN conversion allows GS members to book saver economy award seats on any plane that is selling T seats. From the wiki at the top:
If you call the GS line, the agents know how to do this and apply RPUs / GPUs. The number of converted T seats was previously limited to the number of available T seats. There was a recent (Dec 12) change to limit that to only at most the GS member + one companion.
- GS can create saver economy award space (XN) if T inventory is available. United-operated flights only.
If you call the GS line, the agents know how to do this and apply RPUs / GPUs. The number of converted T seats was previously limited to the number of available T seats. There was a recent (Dec 12) change to limit that to only at most the GS member + one companion.