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]
Feb 1, 2019, 3:48 pm
#241
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA MM Plat, UA 1MM, Hilton Lifetime Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold, CLEAR, AS MVP Gold
Posts: 3,614
Feb 5, 2019, 6:54 am
#242
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
Calling GS by name for boarding
So a new one for me yesterday (YMMV of course); on my morning outbound PHL - IAH they called me and the other GS by name to come wait and pre-board, and for my evening IAH- PHL flight they did the same at IAH, and I was the first on the plane. This was before they announced any other types of boarding, though they had put one wheelchair pax on before me on the morning flight. I fly so much every week at PHL the majority of UA staff knows me by name anyway, but this seemed like a new procedure. Anyone else seen these? Does not bother me, per se, just a curiosity I thought I would report. I will see if they do it for my EWR FRA this evening.
Feb 5, 2019, 7:11 am
#243
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: 4,387
So a new one for me yesterday (YMMV of course); on my morning outbound PHL - IAH they called me and the other GS by name to come wait and pre-board, and for my evening IAH- PHL flight they did the same at IAH, and I was the first on the plane. This was before they announced any other types of boarding, though they had put one wheelchair pax on before me on the morning flight. I fly so much every week at PHL the majority of UA staff knows me by name anyway, but this seemed like a new procedure. Anyone else seen these? Does not bother me, per se, just a curiosity I thought I would report. I will see if they do it for my EWR FRA this evening.
Feb 5, 2019, 7:19 am
#244
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Somewhere in EWR
Programs: UA GS, HH Diamond
Posts: 858
I got this in LAS last week, I was the only one so it was a bit disconcerting. As I was heading down the ramp I heard them calling 1K's by name. Not sure if I need everyone knowing my name.
Feb 5, 2019, 7:52 am
#245
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: UA 1K, Alaska Gold 75k, Marriott Amb
Posts: 66
They have been doing this in Seattle for a while - at least to me.
Feb 5, 2019, 9:10 am
#246
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
The name part did not bother me, but I certainly understand why it could others and respect that view. It just seemed odd or kind of forced to me; hard to put into words as I am no poet. Interesting to know it is happening other places. Curious to see if a widebody with a dozen GSs gets that treatment too.
On my IAH-PHL flight they did not board anybody else for about three minutes after calling just me, and I was the only GS sitting alone on the plane. After others finally boarded a guy tow rows back also in F told his wife, loudly he "knew" I was an air marshall LOL...I am certainly not. I just like the single row in F on the 175...
On my IAH-PHL flight they did not board anybody else for about three minutes after calling just me, and I was the only GS sitting alone on the plane. After others finally boarded a guy tow rows back also in F told his wife, loudly he "knew" I was an air marshall LOL...I am certainly not. I just like the single row in F on the 175...
Feb 5, 2019, 9:25 am
#247
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,956
On my IAH-PHL flight they did not board anybody else for about three minutes after calling just me, and I was the only GS sitting alone on the plane. After others finally boarded a guy tow rows back also in F told his wife, loudly he "knew" I was an air marshall LOL...I am certainly not. I just like the single row in F on the 175...
Feb 5, 2019, 9:30 am
#248
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Catania, Sicily/South Jersey (PHL)/Houston, Texas/Red Stick/airborne in-between
Programs: United Global Svs, AA PlatPro, WN RR, AZ/ITA Freccia, Hilton Diam, Bonvoy Gold, Hertz Prez, IHG
Posts: 3,540
Feb 5, 2019, 10:30 am
#249
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
In BOS I've been called to the boarding gate counter, like any other passenger, so the GS agents could confirm I was there. They then told me where to stand while waiting to pre-board. GS is supposed to be discreet, I was lead to believe that was the whole idea behind the program.
Feb 5, 2019, 3:06 pm
#250
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 like the personal touch. In SYD, there are no GS lanes or signs. The local agents seem to just know who the GS members are. After years of flying out of SYD, I know the agents by name and they know me too. I'm never at the gate when boarding starts. Instead I ask them when to arrive, usually 30-35 min before takeoff. At that point, everyone else has boarded. Someone usually walks me onto the plane and introduces me to the crew.
My favourite part is arriving back in SYD. As I walk off the plane, there's usually someone waiting to say "Welcome home, Mr. flyerbjorn"
^
My favourite part is arriving back in SYD. As I walk off the plane, there's usually someone waiting to say "Welcome home, Mr. flyerbjorn"
^
Feb 5, 2019, 4:37 pm
#251
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 390
I like the personal touch. In SYD, there are no GS lanes or signs. The local agents seem to just know who the GS members are. After years of flying out of SYD, I know the agents by name and they know me too. I'm never at the gate when boarding starts. Instead I ask them when to arrive, usually 30-35 min before takeoff. At that point, everyone else has boarded. Someone usually walks me onto the plane and introduces me to the crew.
My favourite part is arriving back in SYD. As I walk off the plane, there's usually someone waiting to say "Welcome home, Mr. flyerbjorn" ^
My favourite part is arriving back in SYD. As I walk off the plane, there's usually someone waiting to say "Welcome home, Mr. flyerbjorn"
^
This morning I was bit late at check in and was escorted from check in to my seat
Feb 5, 2019, 6:36 pm
#252
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
I don't know about that. I have only flown United for 2 years and a half and on all my international long hauls it's easy to know who is a GS. They are told to stand near the counter. Now that we have our own line for 1Ks (in Asia, they really line us up), we can hear the GAs talk to the GS and we end up knowing all their lives.
Feb 5, 2019, 8:04 pm
#253
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
I don't know about that. I have only flown United for 2 years and a half and on all my international long hauls it's easy to know who is a GS. They are told to stand near the counter. Now that we have our own line for 1Ks (in Asia, they really line us up), we can hear the GAs talk to the GS and we end up knowing all their lives.
Feb 5, 2019, 9:37 pm
#254
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
I appreciate when they confirm I am at the gate and let me know where to stand. Helps with avoiding the 1K/pre-boarding scrum since many of my flights are elite heavy.
Feb 6, 2019, 1:04 am
#255
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: 44,296
It seems one GS benefit is the assumption that your traveling companion is a different gender 
The S stands for Scott.
The S stands for Scott.
