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 15, 2019, 9:36 pm
#121
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
I think I’m not being clear enough. There’s a flight from ams to sfo that’s t and converts to a saver award. But we want to fly from txl. So a saver award txl-sfo would normally be 30k. But because the conversion is a separate ticket is 30k for ams-sfo and 15k for txl-ams. Is this right? If so should go in the wiki, that t conversions cannot be combined with other segments.
Jan 16, 2019, 3:11 am
#123
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
I think I’m not being clear enough. There’s a flight from ams to sfo that’s t and converts to a saver award. But we want to fly from txl. So a saver award txl-sfo would normally be 30k. But because the conversion is a separate ticket is 30k for ams-sfo and 15k for txl-ams. Is this right? If so should go in the wiki, that t conversions cannot be combined with other segments.
You SHOULD be able to do this if it’s a round trip ticket, because then that TXL-AMS segment should count as excursionist perk and be free.
I can’t remember if I’ve tried it, but I bet if you were to do TXL-FRA-AMS it would work even if you needed to convert T to XN.
Jan 16, 2019, 10:28 am
#124
Join Date: May 1999
Location: JFK, LGA, EWR
Programs: AA Platinum (Lifetime), United GS, HHonors Diamond, Shangri-la Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 549
Jan 16, 2019, 12:32 pm
#125
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Converting T-XN... the GS pax must be traveling on the same itinerary (doesn't matter what class of service) to do this conversion now.
Jan 17, 2019, 1:00 pm
#126
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: UA GS, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 14
Hi folks, not sure if this is best forum for this question
I'm crossing my fingers for RPU to clear on an upcoming EWR-SFO flight. Literally every flight on the days I am flying has PZ0. In fact, as I search around many days and weeks all direct flights are PZ0. I'm guessing its to allow for purchases of business class on a heavily flown route between hubs...
Question is, is there a time when PZ tends to open up? Like 1-2 weeks ahead? Should I be checking and calling if I see anything? Or will upgrade just clear if the slots ever open?
I'm crossing my fingers for RPU to clear on an upcoming EWR-SFO flight. Literally every flight on the days I am flying has PZ0. In fact, as I search around many days and weeks all direct flights are PZ0. I'm guessing its to allow for purchases of business class on a heavily flown route between hubs...
Question is, is there a time when PZ tends to open up? Like 1-2 weeks ahead? Should I be checking and calling if I see anything? Or will upgrade just clear if the slots ever open?
Jan 17, 2019, 1:12 pm
#127
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
Hi folks, not sure if this is best forum for this question
I'm crossing my fingers for RPU to clear on an upcoming EWR-SFO flight. Literally every flight on the days I am flying has PZ0. In fact, as I search around many days and weeks all direct flights are PZ0. I'm guessing its to allow for purchases of business class on a heavily flown route between hubs...
Question is, is there a time when PZ tends to open up? Like 1-2 weeks ahead? Should I be checking and calling if I see anything? Or will upgrade just clear if the slots ever open?
I'm crossing my fingers for RPU to clear on an upcoming EWR-SFO flight. Literally every flight on the days I am flying has PZ0. In fact, as I search around many days and weeks all direct flights are PZ0. I'm guessing its to allow for purchases of business class on a heavily flown route between hubs...
Question is, is there a time when PZ tends to open up? Like 1-2 weeks ahead? Should I be checking and calling if I see anything? Or will upgrade just clear if the slots ever open?
Jan 17, 2019, 1:16 pm
#128
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
IME it's generally best a long time in advance (3-4 months). From SFO->EWR, I've had the best luck with the flights that arrive around 12:30-1 am. The best bet from EWR-SFO, is to route through IAD or BOS, both of which have lie-flat seats on many flights.
Jan 17, 2019, 2:55 pm
#129
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: United GS, Marriott Titanium, HHonors Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 97
I’m (the GS, plus Mr Bluepig) flying United for MEL-LAX then connecting (also UA) LAX-ORD. Have a 98 min connection to get from TBIT to Terminal 7 in LAX. Since it’s international, I think the Mercedes escort can’t help us as we have to go through immigration and customs, so is my best bet to take the shuttle from TBIT to T7 and go through the GS reception to get through security quickly? Anyone have any experiences with the Express Connection cards or any other assistance as a GS on a tight connection?
UPDATE to my own post: we were met by a GS agent upon arrival in LAX (inbound landed about 10 min late) with an invitation to the new Polaris Lounge, and she met us again after customs baggage claim. My fears of a slow immigration/customs process due to short-handed TSA workers were unfounded as we got through really quickly (I’d say 15 minutes from landing to through customs including a long walk to immigration and waiting for Priority-tagged bags to come out). Note that we both have Global Entry. The GS agent basically just described the process to walk to T7, said “you look young and healthy so you should have plenty of time”, and sent us on our way. It was another 15 minute walk or so and a quick process through security via GS reception, so no time to check out the new Polaris Lounge after all (boarding 40 min before departure for LAX-ORD).
UPDATE to my own post: we were met by a GS agent upon arrival in LAX (inbound landed about 10 min late) with an invitation to the new Polaris Lounge, and she met us again after customs baggage claim. My fears of a slow immigration/customs process due to short-handed TSA workers were unfounded as we got through really quickly (I’d say 15 minutes from landing to through customs including a long walk to immigration and waiting for Priority-tagged bags to come out). Note that we both have Global Entry. The GS agent basically just described the process to walk to T7, said “you look young and healthy so you should have plenty of time”, and sent us on our way. It was another 15 minute walk or so and a quick process through security via GS reception, so no time to check out the new Polaris Lounge after all (boarding 40 min before departure for LAX-ORD).
Last edited by bluepig1; Jan 18, 2019 at 9:13 am
Jan 17, 2019, 4:08 pm
#130
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriot LT Titanium/Hertz PC/UA 1MM 1K
Posts: 131
Soft Landing question
I just was able to requalify today with some corporate muscle. Question I have is if I stopped flying tomorrow would I be given a soft landing to 1k in 2020, and if so would the gpu’s and rpu’s also come in assuming that happens?
I won’t be stopping tomorrow but just curious how the soft landing works should one not even qualify for 1k next year. I am 1MM so at worst I’d drop to gold if there is no soft landing but I’ve read in many posts that leaving gs there is...
I won’t be stopping tomorrow but just curious how the soft landing works should one not even qualify for 1k next year. I am 1MM so at worst I’d drop to gold if there is no soft landing but I’ve read in many posts that leaving gs there is...
Jan 17, 2019, 6:11 pm
#131
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: 66,855
1K status, not earned, typically does not get GPUs (some challenges do include some GPUs)
Jan 18, 2019, 10:53 am
#133
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: 44,345
What's the standard procedure for companions in the GS check-in/security at SFO?
The security guy was taking one pax from the GS line, then one from regular Pre✓, but between my GS and I getting called up, another line sent about 10 pax into our line, splitting us up completely, to the point that had I used CLEAR, we would have both been through quicker.
The security guy was taking one pax from the GS line, then one from regular Pre✓, but between my GS and I getting called up, another line sent about 10 pax into our line, splitting us up completely, to the point that had I used CLEAR, we would have both been through quicker.
Jan 18, 2019, 11:46 am
#134
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,886
What's the standard procedure for companions in the GS check-in/security at SFO?
The security guy was taking one pax from the GS line, then one from regular Pre✓, but between my GS and I getting called up, another line sent about 10 pax into our line, splitting us up completely, to the point that had I used CLEAR, we would have both been through quicker.
The security guy was taking one pax from the GS line, then one from regular Pre✓, but between my GS and I getting called up, another line sent about 10 pax into our line, splitting us up completely, to the point that had I used CLEAR, we would have both been through quicker.
Jan 18, 2019, 11:48 am
#135
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1.6MM
Posts: 21
I retired in early 2017 and only did 3 round trip flights for the year, not even qualifying for Gold. I was soft landed to 1K for 2018, and got 6 GPU's and 2 RPU's. This year I am back to MM Gold.