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]
May 8, 2019, 11:13 am
#631
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
May 8, 2019, 12:45 pm
#632
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SFO/LIS
Programs: UA 1MM GS, Delta Skymiles Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 145
OK, I have absolutely no idea how that escaped me for 1,5 years..... 
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
May 8, 2019, 12:57 pm
#633
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
OK, I have absolutely no idea how that escaped me for 1,5 years.....
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
May 8, 2019, 2:47 pm
#634
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: 3,620
OK, I have absolutely no idea how that escaped me for 1,5 years.....
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
It was a good weekend for CPU to MCO. I unfortunately had to cancel that award ticket, bought a paid ticket Saturday back Monday am, and both again cleared CPU!
I have to say, same as last year, I've had excellent upgrade rates (CPU or RPU) across the domestic network whatever time of week flying out of SFO, including hub-to-hub. Yes, I've occasionally had to call to push through RPU on the most difficult routes >72h like SFO-EWR, or my favorite lie-flat SFO-EWR ~10pm flight but almost always have managed.
Similar situation for GPUs. I haven't had a single GPU not clear on multiple tens of flights to SFO-LHR, CDG, AMS, SYD, EWR-LIS.... even on things like Christmas or Thanksgiving weekends, and I don't usually book more than ~2 weeks out. I feel lucky, reading other's experiences with upgrades, and quite honestly this keeps me loyal to UA.
May 9, 2019, 8:18 pm
#635
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 390
Kuddos to the GS team at LAX who got me from the uber to my seat in 9 minutes today skipping a huge non TSA pre security line and making it Exactly 15 mins before departure time.
😍
😍
May 10, 2019, 11:45 am
#636
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: 3,620
Also had a good interaction with GS agent. Booked tickets for myself and family SFO to CLE. I was doing a turn around RT on the trip and my family wanted one ways. I thought I could book it all online and get full benefits but quickly found out no as I split the PNR but with a call the agent quickly pushed it through. You would think the system would see my status when I book a flight signed in, on my CC, and with my UA PIN. So in the future if I want to book a flight for a family member to meet me somewhere for instance I guess I have to always call the GS desk, is this indeed the case?
May 10, 2019, 3:57 pm
#638
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
What exactly do you want to do? Have your family/friend inherit your benefits on a different PNR or even a different routing? Get E+ seats next to you? Get CPU priority?
May 10, 2019, 5:19 pm
#639
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: 3,620
Yeah, I guess the problem is booking fam/friend online with different PNR or when not traveling with me. If I do it online I was told the system won't pick it up and I "have to call it in". But yes to your other questions E+ seating with me if I travel with them, complementary baggage, and CPU priority if applicable. The GS people were very pleasant and said yes they are entitled to these benefits but unless I am on the same PNR (all booked together) it has to be called in. No big deal but it would seem that this problem could be worked out with there online programming.
May 14, 2019, 3:17 pm
#643
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 121
So I needed to get to Paris from LA and it was cheaper for me to book LAX to LHR on UA and then a separate trip from LHR to CDG. The connection is very tight... and if it were all a single United itinerary, I have no doubt UA would send a car and help me with the connection. Since United is unaware that I am connecting, can I call Global Services and request that they help me make my connection?
Anyone have any experience with this? Without UA driving me over, I really worry about making the connection?
Anyone have any experience with this? Without UA driving me over, I really worry about making the connection?
May 14, 2019, 4:30 pm
#644
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
So I needed to get to Paris from LA and it was cheaper for me to book LAX to LHR on UA and then a separate trip from LHR to CDG. The connection is very tight... and if it were all a single United itinerary, I have no doubt UA would send a car and help me with the connection. Since United is unaware that I am connecting, can I call Global Services and request that they help me make my connection?
Anyone have any experience with this? Without UA driving me over, I really worry about making the connection?
Anyone have any experience with this? Without UA driving me over, I really worry about making the connection?
May 14, 2019, 4:35 pm
#645
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
Which airline are you flying LHR-CDG? UA?
There's a special GS desk that monitor tight connections, but they don't monitor connections on separate tickets. I'd definitely ask at LAX.
There's a special GS desk that monitor tight connections, but they don't monitor connections on separate tickets. I'd definitely ask at LAX.