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]
Oct 10, 2019, 3:54 pm
#1276
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
I'm curious if the new PlusPoints upgrade system will allow GS members to apply upgrades to award itineraries online. Any information so far?
Oct 10, 2019, 4:07 pm
#1278
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
I meant apply upgrades on united.com, without the manual processing over the phone. Some agent told me a long time ago that it would be possible in the new system they were building.
Oct 11, 2019, 6:34 am
#1279
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: RAP
Programs: UA 1K - 3 MM, CLEAR
Posts: 49
Saver upgrades and GS accounts
This may have been addressed in the past, but I do not readily see any specific comments addressing my specific question. My wife and I are both GS. We plan on buying domestic FC tickets for an upcoming trip and want to take our two grandchildren along. We would get XN saver award tickets and apply RPUs for both grandchildren - one such ticket per GS. However, all of the miles and RPUs would need to come from my account. Is that allowable? Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been answered previously.
Oct 11, 2019, 7:47 am
#1280
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 302
Will the change in how status is awarded affect GS at all my first impression is no.
Oct 11, 2019, 9:43 am
#1281
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 519
This may have been addressed in the past, but I do not readily see any specific comments addressing my specific question. My wife and I are both GS. We plan on buying domestic FC tickets for an upcoming trip and want to take our two grandchildren along. We would get XN saver award tickets and apply RPUs for both grandchildren - one such ticket per GS. However, all of the miles and RPUs would need to come from my account. Is that allowable? Thanks in advance and apologies if this has been answered previously.
Oct 11, 2019, 3:57 pm
#1282
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
What does it mean for Global Service members?
Oct 12, 2019, 10:16 pm
#1283
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA LT GS | UA LT Club | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,250
Few questions regarding GS CPUs.
1. Is GS eligible for CPU on int'l flights?
2. Is GS eligible for CPU on PS flights?
3. Is a GS CPU, when 2 on PNR, disadvantaged vs a GS with 1 on PNR?
1. Is GS eligible for CPU on int'l flights?
2. Is GS eligible for CPU on PS flights?
3. Is a GS CPU, when 2 on PNR, disadvantaged vs a GS with 1 on PNR?
Oct 12, 2019, 10:19 pm
#1284
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: middle of nowhere, formerly TYO/EWR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 213
1) No
2) No
3) I don't quite follow... I believe only GS + 1 is eligible for CPU but might be confused. In this case the +1 inherits the GS status for CPU.
Oct 12, 2019, 10:22 pm
#1285
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
Oct 14, 2019, 3:27 pm
#1286
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Charleston WV Area
Programs: 12 year UAL GS, LT Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Titanium, AA Plat Pro
Posts: 122
got off the plane.Ha! Two weather-people in a row I've had multiple EWRs, SFOs, ORDs, and even an elusive IAD. At IAH, they tried really hard but dropped me at the wrong gate (a long way from where I needed to go), and I had to flag down a golf cart to get to the connection on-time -- I had a sprained ankle at the time and really appreciated the ride that time.
I've had multiple EWRs, SFOs, ORDs, and even an elusive IAD. At IAH, they tried really hard but dropped me at the wrong gate (a long way from where I needed to go), and I had to flag down a golf cart to get to the connection on-time -- I had a sprained ankle at the time and really appreciated the ride that time.Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 15, 2019 at 3:44 am Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Oct 17, 2019, 11:26 am
#1288
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH/EWR-LGA/MIA
Programs: UA Global Services 3.2 MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 2,504
Good example yesterday of GS benefits. Was on LGA-IAH (16 Oct) scheduled for 159 pm departure. Shortly before boarding captain who flew the plane in and would be flying it out said they encountered "severe turbulence" on the way in (knocked out the autopilot, he said) and everything needed to be checked, estimated departure 300 pm. Seeing the writing on the wall, I checked the app and there was a 345 pm that I could switch to, 1 open seat in F, Y sold out, and a huge F waiting list but I jumped the queue and took the last F seat. Good thing too because that estimated 300 pm departure of my original flight turned into 1226 am! Only 4 hearty souls stuck it out to the bitter end, per seat map (unless in the end it was just a positioning flight - not clear from the app).
Anyway, we complain a lot about upgrades clearing late but in this case I was glad there was an F seat available for GS IRROPs.
Anyway, we complain a lot about upgrades clearing late but in this case I was glad there was an F seat available for GS IRROPs.
Oct 18, 2019, 1:58 pm
#1289
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: 1,053
Good example yesterday of GS benefits. Was on LGA-IAH (16 Oct) scheduled for 159 pm departure. Shortly before boarding captain who flew the plane in and would be flying it out said they encountered "severe turbulence" on the way in (knocked out the autopilot, he said) and everything needed to be checked, estimated departure 300 pm. Seeing the writing on the wall, I checked the app and there was a 345 pm that I could switch to, 1 open seat in F, Y sold out, and a huge F waiting list but I jumped the queue and took the last F seat. Good thing too because that estimated 300 pm departure of my original flight turned into 1226 am! Only 4 hearty souls stuck it out to the bitter end, per seat map (unless in the end it was just a positioning flight - not clear from the app).
Anyway, we complain a lot about upgrades clearing late but in this case I was glad there was an F seat available for GS IRROPs.
Anyway, we complain a lot about upgrades clearing late but in this case I was glad there was an F seat available for GS IRROPs.
Oct 18, 2019, 7:00 pm
#1290
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: New York
Programs: EK Platinum, AA EXP, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,147
Did the exact same thing this week LAX > ORD due to a different kind of irrops (unruly pax-related delay). There was one seat in F left on the next flight and I called and grabbed that one before disembarking after boarding. The GS phone agent didn't even ask me to elaborate, just got me the seat I was asking for.
Was flying IAH-LGA in F over the summer and the usual summer storms came over IAH. My original flight was on a rolling delay bc late inbound crew, so I decided to switch to a flight that was showing on time 1 hour later, with 1 F seat left. Called 1K desk and got it right away and go to the new gate to find a GS from my original flight yelling at the gate agent about why he didn’t get the last seat (I guess I got lucky and called in right before him). So it can happen for 1Ks also