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, 3:06 pm
#61
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
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 4, 2019, 3:55 pm
#62
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
Jan 4, 2019, 4:13 pm
#63
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 519
Another question for the experts here: What has higher chances of getting upgraded, a waitlisted GPU on an Economy Saver Award or a waitlisted Saver Award? And would you value a GPU worth more or less than 30k miles?
Jan 4, 2019, 4:39 pm
#64
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
I would say about the same
Jan 4, 2019, 4:40 pm
#65
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 value a GPU between 30-40k miles, because I use GPUs mostly for Australia - US. Your use case and valuation might be different.
For Australia - US, an economy award is 40k miles + GPU. A business award is 80k miles. That makes the value of the GPU 40k miles. For US-Europe, that would be 30k miles.
Jan 4, 2019, 5:01 pm
#66
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
+1 on this. Often, a waitlisted IN does not clear until very close in, whereas GPUs clear sooner/more frequently. The system considers award+GPU and cash+GPU the same.
For me, I tend to use a Saver Award when I am using the companion benefit on a paid J fare where I can open space. Last Summer, I got 7 of us confirmed in business at booking to Africa with a strategy that showed PN=3 on the outbound and return. I did 3 x Saver Economy + GPU for my sister in law and her children which cleared instantly, booked two cheap P fares for me and my better half (also GS), then called and opened up two IN Business Saver for my parents in law. Magical.
For me, I tend to use a Saver Award when I am using the companion benefit on a paid J fare where I can open space. Last Summer, I got 7 of us confirmed in business at booking to Africa with a strategy that showed PN=3 on the outbound and return. I did 3 x Saver Economy + GPU for my sister in law and her children which cleared instantly, booked two cheap P fares for me and my better half (also GS), then called and opened up two IN Business Saver for my parents in law. Magical.
Jan 4, 2019, 5:36 pm
#67
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA GS, QF Plat, Marriot/SPG Plat, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 47
Newb GS question using a GPU.
My parents are going to book an E fare to visit us in MEL that I plan on applying GPU’s for them. They are super flexible, but anything that show DEN->LAX->MEL shows zero PN or PZ space. However when I look LAX->MEL I see PN9 and PZ9 everywhere. It is the DEN->LAX that is hanging up the availability for the whole booking.
If we book the DEN->LAX->MEL can I call have a phone agent force the upgrade for the LAX->MEL or should I make 2 bookings and lock in the upgrade at ticketing for the LAX->MEL and book separate for DEN->LAX?
Thanks,
My parents are going to book an E fare to visit us in MEL that I plan on applying GPU’s for them. They are super flexible, but anything that show DEN->LAX->MEL shows zero PN or PZ space. However when I look LAX->MEL I see PN9 and PZ9 everywhere. It is the DEN->LAX that is hanging up the availability for the whole booking.
If we book the DEN->LAX->MEL can I call have a phone agent force the upgrade for the LAX->MEL or should I make 2 bookings and lock in the upgrade at ticketing for the LAX->MEL and book separate for DEN->LAX?
Thanks,
Jan 4, 2019, 6:21 pm
#68
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: United Airlines
Posts: 7
How is priority upgrades handled within the family with 2 GS and 2 not? Specifically thinking of buying economy class tickets and using GPU for all tickets. However, I will be waitlisted.
Jan 4, 2019, 6:22 pm
#69
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
Merging consecutive posts by same member
GA GPUs, when applied to any passenger, get GS prioritization (and use of PN)
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 4, 2019 at 7:44 pm
Jan 4, 2019, 7:35 pm
#70
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: UA GS, QF Plat, Marriot/SPG Plat, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz PC, National Exec
Posts: 47
Jan 4, 2019, 8:15 pm
#71
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 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.
Jan 4, 2019, 9:52 pm
#72
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 144
If first leg is UA, then I know I can use award + GPU, but if the second leg is LH? Trying to go to South Africa soon and not sure what strategy to apply. Have some GPUs expiring soon and also tons of miles.
Jan 5, 2019, 12:17 am
#73
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,854
More details in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ht-credit.html
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jan 5, 2019 at 10:05 am Reason: Correct typo.
Jan 5, 2019, 12:41 am
#74
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 18
Originally Posted by flyerbjorn 
On the topic of the Dec 12 change to the T -> XN conversion benefit:
I called the GS line today and asked about this. The agent said they have asked for clarifications about this new rule. She said something about "some agents didn't document the companion benefit well enough in the itinerary".
Can someone please explain what this conversion of T to XN for a companion as a GS perk is that you are talking about. I cannot seem to find info that explains it clearly. TIA
On the topic of the Dec 12 change to the T -> XN conversion benefit:
I called the GS line today and asked about this. The agent said they have asked for clarifications about this new rule. She said something about "some agents didn't document the companion benefit well enough in the itinerary".
Can someone please explain what this conversion of T to XN for a companion as a GS perk is that you are talking about. I cannot seem to find info that explains it clearly. TIA
Jan 5, 2019, 1:53 am
#75
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
- 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.