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 15, 2019, 5:32 pm
#661
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Platinum, Bonvoy Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, UA 1k, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 109
RE: 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.
Does this mean two seats remaining in any bucket?
For example, if I buy a premium fare seat and want to buy a saver economy award seat for a companion on that same flight, does there just have to be 2 economy seats (of any type) available afterward?
Does this mean two seats remaining in any bucket?
For example, if I buy a premium fare seat and want to buy a saver economy award seat for a companion on that same flight, does there just have to be 2 economy seats (of any type) available afterward?
May 15, 2019, 5:41 pm
#662
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
RE: 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.
Does this mean two seats remaining in any bucket?
For example, if I buy a premium fare seat and want to buy a saver economy award seat for a companion on that same flight, does there just have to be 2 economy seats (of any type) available afterward?
Does this mean two seats remaining in any bucket?
For example, if I buy a premium fare seat and want to buy a saver economy award seat for a companion on that same flight, does there just have to be 2 economy seats (of any type) available afterward?
May 15, 2019, 6:00 pm
#663
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: 3,622
No bueno on CPU with myself and nephew both GS on SFO-IAD. Flight a bit delayed (#517) but probably 13 GS boarded with us. Number 1 and 2 at check in but dropped to 3,4 at boarding. We saw names jump us a figured they applied instruments as it looked bad. Oh well got good E+ seats. I figured this would be an easy cpu on a wed. well figured wrong. Zero luck with cpu's on this route this year. Nephew same with 3 RT's and zero upgrades in and out of IAD. Use instruments next go round.
May 15, 2019, 6:04 pm
#664
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 didn't think instruments mattered for upgrades at the gate? Isn't it status (GS) then fare paid?
Sounds like some other GS passengers changed flights, or checked in late?
Sounds like some other GS passengers changed flights, or checked in late?
May 15, 2019, 6:09 pm
#665
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
If the GS needs to change plan and fly a different day, does the companion MUST make the same change in order to travel with the companion?
May 15, 2019, 9:19 pm
#666
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,825
Just saw this in the wiki:
".... GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable."
I did not know this before. So GS can get XN for a companion regardless of how full the Y cabin is, as long as an GPU/RPU is used to upgrade the companion's XN ticket? And can the upgrade be a waitlist (i.e., PN0)?
".... GS can also open economy award space for the companion to allow for the upgrade with instrument, even if XN or T are unavailable."
I did not know this before. So GS can get XN for a companion regardless of how full the Y cabin is, as long as an GPU/RPU is used to upgrade the companion's XN ticket? And can the upgrade be a waitlist (i.e., PN0)?
May 15, 2019, 9:42 pm
#667
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: NYC/WAS
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL '90s PM, now FK (Flying Kettle)
Posts: 541
Bit of a gripe here. Redeye SEA-EWR. For client-contractual reasons, I'm booked in Y. There is still one unsold seat (showing J1 JN1 etc.), and I'm at the top of the UG list. As I go into the UC, the agents there are pretty sure I've got the upgrade wrapped up.
OK, now it's 20 minutes before departure. By now everyone has checked in, and the flight is boarding. The seat is still unsold, so no one has been offered or accepted a TOD; the club agents jokingly congratulate me as I leave. I'm kind of expecting a swapped boarding pass as I get on. Doesn't happen. As I head to the back, I notice that 3B is still unoccupied.
Now boarding is complete. It's still 5 minutes until departure; the seat stays unoccupied. Finally, it's departure time. The gate agent shows up at the door, accompanied by a 16yo kid. He takes 3B (the GA has to show him where it is), the door is closed, and we depart.
So what happened here? And if the kid was a last-minute nonrev standby, couldn't the GA have brought me up front and given the kid my Y seat?
(This isn't a rant, just a gripe.)
OK, now it's 20 minutes before departure. By now everyone has checked in, and the flight is boarding. The seat is still unsold, so no one has been offered or accepted a TOD; the club agents jokingly congratulate me as I leave. I'm kind of expecting a swapped boarding pass as I get on. Doesn't happen. As I head to the back, I notice that 3B is still unoccupied.
Now boarding is complete. It's still 5 minutes until departure; the seat stays unoccupied. Finally, it's departure time. The gate agent shows up at the door, accompanied by a 16yo kid. He takes 3B (the GA has to show him where it is), the door is closed, and we depart.
So what happened here? And if the kid was a last-minute nonrev standby, couldn't the GA have brought me up front and given the kid my Y seat?
(This isn't a rant, just a gripe.)
May 15, 2019, 10:00 pm
#668
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,002
How sure are you of the age, could it had been a UCM? that was in an irrops situation ??
Could have been a displaced F passenger?
The GA may have been given a heads-up on a passenger needing a seat due to some "issue", even from another carrier.
Lots of alternative situations
May 15, 2019, 10:54 pm
#669
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,442
Others have speculated that you may be able to leave the companion on the original flight and they wouldnt notice. However, today I opened up space for a companion and for the first time the agent quoted me something rather explicit that the two reservations were cross referenced and should I take a different flight the companion would need to be reticketed into JN or placed on the upgrade standby list. I had never had this stated to me before which makes me believe they could be watching for this.
May 16, 2019, 5:36 am
#670
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
Others have speculated that you may be able to leave the companion on the original flight and they wouldnt notice. However, today I opened up space for a companion and for the first time the agent quoted me something rather explicit that the two reservations were cross referenced and should I take a different flight the companion would need to be reticketed into JN or placed on the upgrade standby list. I had never had this stated to me before which makes me believe they could be watching for this.
May 16, 2019, 8:51 am
#671
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 302
Bit of a gripe here. Redeye SEA-EWR. For client-contractual reasons, I'm booked in Y. There is still one unsold seat (showing J1 JN1 etc.), and I'm at the top of the UG list. As I go into the UC, the agents there are pretty sure I've got the upgrade wrapped up.
OK, now it's 20 minutes before departure. By now everyone has checked in, and the flight is boarding. The seat is still unsold, so no one has been offered or accepted a TOD; the club agents jokingly congratulate me as I leave. I'm kind of expecting a swapped boarding pass as I get on. Doesn't happen. As I head to the back, I notice that 3B is still unoccupied.
Now boarding is complete. It's still 5 minutes until departure; the seat stays unoccupied. Finally, it's departure time. The gate agent shows up at the door, accompanied by a 16yo kid. He takes 3B (the GA has to show him where it is), the door is closed, and we depart.
So what happened here? And if the kid was a last-minute nonrev standby, couldn't the GA have brought me up front and given the kid my Y seat?
(This isn't a rant, just a gripe.)
OK, now it's 20 minutes before departure. By now everyone has checked in, and the flight is boarding. The seat is still unsold, so no one has been offered or accepted a TOD; the club agents jokingly congratulate me as I leave. I'm kind of expecting a swapped boarding pass as I get on. Doesn't happen. As I head to the back, I notice that 3B is still unoccupied.
Now boarding is complete. It's still 5 minutes until departure; the seat stays unoccupied. Finally, it's departure time. The gate agent shows up at the door, accompanied by a 16yo kid. He takes 3B (the GA has to show him where it is), the door is closed, and we depart.
So what happened here? And if the kid was a last-minute nonrev standby, couldn't the GA have brought me up front and given the kid my Y seat?
(This isn't a rant, just a gripe.)
May 17, 2019, 8:56 am
#672
Join Date: May 2006
Location: New York, London, Sydney
Programs: United GS/2MM, DL*P, VS*G, AA*EXP, Avis CHM, Hertz Platinum, Sixt*D, HH*D, HGP*P, Starwood*P
Posts: 9,847
Expect no help from UA on this. You need to walk to FCC, wait for bus, hop on the bus to T5, walk to security, and scan into security no later than T-35. If not, you're automatically offloaded with minimal recourse.
May 17, 2019, 10:58 am
#673
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
You're in big trouble, I'm afraid. And I'm a glutton for tight connections.
Expect no help from UA on this. You need to walk to FCC, wait for bus, hop on the bus to T5, walk to security, and scan into security no later than T-35. If not, you're automatically offloaded with minimal recourse.
Expect no help from UA on this. You need to walk to FCC, wait for bus, hop on the bus to T5, walk to security, and scan into security no later than T-35. If not, you're automatically offloaded with minimal recourse.
I still leave ~2 hours for different terminal connections at LHR either way.
May 17, 2019, 1:08 pm
#675
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Southern California
Programs: United 1K
Posts: 121
OK i'll book a later flight... dammit!