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]
Aug 16, 2019, 10:29 am
#1096
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,531
Now if you are actively lying or attempting to deceive the agent, that's another thing.
If you just call up and say "hey can you do this?" and they do, that's on them.
Aug 16, 2019, 10:31 am
#1097
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Agents frequently grant exceptions to the rules to all pax, not just GS. Asking for an exception to the rule is not an ethical no-no in my mind.
Now if you are actively lying or attempting to deceive the agent, that's another thing.
If you just call up and say "hey can you do this?" and they do, that's on them.
Now if you are actively lying or attempting to deceive the agent, that's another thing.
If you just call up and say "hey can you do this?" and they do, that's on them.
Aug 16, 2019, 11:14 am
#1098
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
You know while going to the wiki, I saw this item:
"GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable"
Is this really something that can be regularly expected, or a YMMV situation, especially with the new rules? An agent wouldn't even open saver economy for me when T was available because that was an exception.
"GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable"
Is this really something that can be regularly expected, or a YMMV situation, especially with the new rules? An agent wouldn't even open saver economy for me when T was available because that was an exception.
Aug 16, 2019, 12:19 pm
#1099
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
You know while going to the wiki, I saw this item:
"GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable"
Is this really something that can be regularly expected, or a YMMV situation, especially with the new rules? An agent wouldn't even open saver economy for me when T was available because that was an exception.
"GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable"
Is this really something that can be regularly expected, or a YMMV situation, especially with the new rules? An agent wouldn't even open saver economy for me when T was available because that was an exception.
Aug 16, 2019, 12:27 pm
#1100
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
That’s the part that would be updated, in my mind. Although it was murky at first, I am 0/5 on double conversion requests - even on calls where the agent has made other exceptions and waived change fees. It’s unclear if it’s a policy or a guideline, but with the new tech system the agents are promoted more to ask and directed to the guidelines.
Aug 16, 2019, 11:36 pm
#1101
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
No good news
I received another call from UA, This time from SFO customer service (last time it was HQ). It was a very cordial call lasting over 30 minutes. The UA representative really tried to understand our points, and he also tried to make me understand their considerations. In a nutshell, both an exclusive 1st line at international terminal and the T3 Global lobby have significant unused capacities. Most just use the GS lobby to bypass the line leading to TSA ID check. About letting 2nd line passengers to use the 1st (GS) line when it is empty, he brought up his past experience that some people entitled to the 1st line were upset when it was used by one not entitled to it. Namely, the lane was used by a lesser status passenger when the entitled one showed up, so the latter has to wait . i mentioned that I have seen this before when the line was for Global First and GS, and there were GF passenger who might feel that way - Those who paid five figure First class tickets or those from a royal family, Hollywood big star, etc., but GS means different things.. Some GS fly economy a lot of the time. I suggest that this situation is unlikely to happen now there is no more GF. He also brought up some other concerns that may make our suggested solution problematic. I responded with some suggestions that I feel can alleviate their worries.
He will take our conversations back for the SFO team to ponder, and said that they may call me again.
He will take our conversations back for the SFO team to ponder, and said that they may call me again.
I was told that most people use the T3 GS lobby for the purpose of by passing the Precheck line. The agents behind the counter are often idled. With all 1K and GS now receiving free CLEAR membership, the T3 GS lobby probably will be even less used.
Sorry I could not bring good news.
Aug 17, 2019, 1:22 am
#1102
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
As promised, the gentleman at UA SFO called me back. Unfortunately, his team did not accept the suggestions he brought back from our previous conversation. My suggestion was already a compromise between what we wished (to have GS priority line), and the absence of any GS priority treatment as is the current setting. I think UA SFO decided that there is just too much GS service overcapacity and they really want all GS to use the lobby at T3. I guess they also think that a GS line needs be staffed by a GS agent, to be consistent with their overall GS service setup.
I was told that most people use the T3 GS lobby for the purpose of by passing the Precheck line. The agents behind the counter are often idled. With all 1K and GS now receiving free CLEAR membership, the T3 GS lobby probably will be even less used.
Sorry I could not bring good news.
I was told that most people use the T3 GS lobby for the purpose of by passing the Precheck line. The agents behind the counter are often idled. With all 1K and GS now receiving free CLEAR membership, the T3 GS lobby probably will be even less used.
Sorry I could not bring good news.
- The int’l GS line was eliminated due to lack of resources and because GS would get upset when other people would use their line
- they feel to properly operate a line they’d need a GS agent
- the agents in the GS lobby often sit idle
If I didn’t know any better I’d think that they’re making up excuses so the GS Agents can enjoy a low workload by sitting in the GS Lobby and doing very little.
Aug 17, 2019, 2:26 pm
#1103
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
So, to recap:
- The int’l GS line was eliminated due to lack of resources and because GS would get upset when other people would use their line
- they feel to properly operate a line they’d need a GS agent
- the agents in the GS lobby often sit idle
If I didn’t know any better I’d think that they’re making up excuses so the GS Agents can enjoy a low workload by sitting in the GS Lobby and doing very little.
- the agents in the GS lobby and at the GS counter in international terminal often sit idle (average use at international counter was 5 GS per hour before they shut it down).
Aug 17, 2019, 7:01 pm
#1104
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,337
As promised, the gentleman at UA SFO called me back. Unfortunately, his team did not accept the suggestions he brought back from our previous conversation. My suggestion was already a compromise between what we wished (to have GS priority line), and the absence of any GS priority treatment as is the current setting. I think UA SFO decided that there is just too much GS service overcapacity and they really want all GS to use the lobby at T3. I guess they also think that a GS line needs be staffed by a GS agent, to be consistent with their overall GS service setup.
I was told that most people use the T3 GS lobby for the purpose of by passing the Precheck line. The agents behind the counter are often idled. With all 1K and GS now receiving free CLEAR membership, the T3 GS lobby probably will be even less used.
Sorry I could not bring good news.
I was told that most people use the T3 GS lobby for the purpose of by passing the Precheck line. The agents behind the counter are often idled. With all 1K and GS now receiving free CLEAR membership, the T3 GS lobby probably will be even less used.
Sorry I could not bring good news.
I am still struggling with the logic of having GS go to T3 to check in for international flights when there are checked in luggage involved and/or need a live person to verify visa requirement. I guess I have the choice just stand in Premier Access Line and wait.
On 1K and GS will use CLEAR, a number of 1K/GS still don't know about free membership and some don't even care. I guess it is premature to speculate large number of 1K/GS will all jump on the CLEAR bandwagon.
If I check in at T3 GS lobby with bags and needing visa verification by a live agent, I then will need to leave the GS lobby and then go to the CLEAR line.....this does not sound logic to me unless there is a CLEAR terminal right outside the GS exit door on the way to Pre-Check.
I guess it is a first world problem for me.
I guess United would like business passengers to spend more time walking and less time in the Polaris Lounge.
Last edited by UA_Flyer; Aug 17, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Aug 17, 2019, 7:49 pm
#1105
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Gold
Posts: 174
Back at SFO, I'm not sure how much I worry about the time between T3 and international. All of us non-bay area folks do it for our connects. When arriving from an international spot, only with long layovers (2+ hrs) do I use the international security checkpoint to hit the polaris lounge. I mostly arrive in the very early AM, so the international terminal is also running slow. On the outbound from the CONUS, we're stuck of course.
As a non-SFO based person, I'm not sure the big deal. Get dropped off at T3, use the lobby, and then walk over the Polaris lounge.
Side question, what happens to clear when you get the SSSS? At the GS lobby you at least get a walk over to the standard TSA line since you are kicked out of pre-check.
Aug 18, 2019, 5:05 pm
#1106
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SJC/SFO (previously BNE, SIN, SHA/PVG)
Programs: UA GS/MM, Marriott TE, National EE, Global Entry/TSA-Pre, APEC BTC
Posts: 162
Sounds like I'm in the minority. I always use the T3 GS lobby even if I'm just walking through showing my app to let them know I'm good to go, or even for international flights. Getting to the front of the precheck line is good and the wait to the scanners is never more than 5 minutes for me. I also don't mind the walk to PL as I don't feel it's too far.
Isn't the clear membership a trial and you need to pay the $100 in 12 months to continue? There's also a cancellation fee in the fine print. The only airport I use where clear has definite value is SJC so I'll try it out.
Isn't the clear membership a trial and you need to pay the $100 in 12 months to continue? There's also a cancellation fee in the fine print. The only airport I use where clear has definite value is SJC so I'll try it out.
Aug 19, 2019, 6:02 am
#1107
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
With my tin-hat rant aside, when I walked into the SEA UC last week the lounge agent told the 1Ks checking in ahead of me that "CLEAR is now free for you, make sure you enroll next time you have some time at the airport". She didn't repeat this for my benefit, instead just saying thank you for being GS and that she would let "the GS team know that I am here" which I found funny but nice. All that to say that I do think there is a push from United to get their front line employees to promote the CLEAR "benefit".
Aug 19, 2019, 8:31 am
#1108
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 302
Can someone please help me understand how the below benefit from the wiki works:
- 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)
Aug 19, 2019, 10:43 am
#1109
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 350
Can someone please help me understand how the below benefit from the wiki works:
- 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)
Aug 19, 2019, 11:05 am
#1110
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 302
No there were no seats available on the seat map. They did not give a reason.