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]
Jul 10, 2019, 3:40 pm
#901
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 350
Not sure if this belongs here, but it exclusively involves the GS line.
We were on a LAX-SFO flight in PN. We wanted to stand by for an earlier flight after noticing our bags had all taken earlier flights. The flight we wanted was J2 PN1, so we could not SDC.
GS phone agent moved us over into W (original fare class). They only word used by us on the phone was "standby".
Needless to say, there was some "we're not taking that flight in economy, so if it won't clear, we want our original".
Original flight apparently was massively overbooked, so the agent couldn't get us back on.
They pushed through CPUs into PN on the earlier flight, bringing it to J0.
So it worked for us, though presumably a missed VDB opportunity. Also, we're currently stuck in the penalty box (yay SFO), so we haven't even saved any time.
It should be noted that the flight we changed to ended up going to J2 PZ2 before departure, which allowed us to get seats beside each other. So I don't feel too bad about this.
But I'm shocked a GS (or any) agent would move you from PN to W when the only thing you've asked for is "standby on 481". At least they had the power to fix it.
We were on a LAX-SFO flight in PN. We wanted to stand by for an earlier flight after noticing our bags had all taken earlier flights. The flight we wanted was J2 PN1, so we could not SDC.
GS phone agent moved us over into W (original fare class). They only word used by us on the phone was "standby".
Needless to say, there was some "we're not taking that flight in economy, so if it won't clear, we want our original".
Original flight apparently was massively overbooked, so the agent couldn't get us back on.
They pushed through CPUs into PN on the earlier flight, bringing it to J0.
So it worked for us, though presumably a missed VDB opportunity. Also, we're currently stuck in the penalty box (yay SFO), so we haven't even saved any time.
It should be noted that the flight we changed to ended up going to J2 PZ2 before departure, which allowed us to get seats beside each other. So I don't feel too bad about this.
But I'm shocked a GS (or any) agent would move you from PN to W when the only thing you've asked for is "standby on 481". At least they had the power to fix it.
but it's sfo/lax - why would you care if it's y or j? row 21 has more space. you still get free alcohol. i usually downgrade those flights to be honest.
Jul 10, 2019, 5:05 pm
#902
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,116
Not sure if this belongs here, but it exclusively involves the GS line.
We were on a LAX-SFO flight in PN. We wanted to stand by for an earlier flight after noticing our bags had all taken earlier flights. The flight we wanted was J2 PN1, so we could not SDC.
GS phone agent moved us over into W (original fare class). They only word used by us on the phone was "standby".
Needless to say, there was some "we're not taking that flight in economy, so if it won't clear, we want our original".
Original flight apparently was massively overbooked, so the agent couldn't get us back on.
They pushed through CPUs into PN on the earlier flight, bringing it to J0.
So it worked for us, though presumably a missed VDB opportunity. Also, we're currently stuck in the penalty box (yay SFO), so we haven't even saved any time.
It should be noted that the flight we changed to ended up going to J2 PZ2 before departure, which allowed us to get seats beside each other. So I don't feel too bad about this.
But I'm shocked a GS (or any) agent would move you from PN to W when the only thing you've asked for is "standby on 481". At least they had the power to fix it.
We were on a LAX-SFO flight in PN. We wanted to stand by for an earlier flight after noticing our bags had all taken earlier flights. The flight we wanted was J2 PN1, so we could not SDC.
GS phone agent moved us over into W (original fare class). They only word used by us on the phone was "standby".
Needless to say, there was some "we're not taking that flight in economy, so if it won't clear, we want our original".
Original flight apparently was massively overbooked, so the agent couldn't get us back on.
They pushed through CPUs into PN on the earlier flight, bringing it to J0.
So it worked for us, though presumably a missed VDB opportunity. Also, we're currently stuck in the penalty box (yay SFO), so we haven't even saved any time.
It should be noted that the flight we changed to ended up going to J2 PZ2 before departure, which allowed us to get seats beside each other. So I don't feel too bad about this.
But I'm shocked a GS (or any) agent would move you from PN to W when the only thing you've asked for is "standby on 481". At least they had the power to fix it.
Jul 10, 2019, 10:13 pm
#903
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: 44,331
Also, we sat in the penalty box for 45 minutes due to a GDP. The ginger ale and extra seat space (I wasn't aware row 21 had extra width) alone made J worthwhile for that.
Finally, we only even considered changing the flight after we saw 3 of our 4 bags went before us. The 4th ended up on our flight, but there was a strong possibility it would have gone later on our original.
If we're going to be sitting in an airport waiting around at one or both ends anyway, why not keep J?
Jul 11, 2019, 1:47 am
#904
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
That's a big booboo. But probably should be explicit about it for your own protection in the future. "I want to standby on flight x, but I'm not interested in coach, so please do not give up my current seat and make sure for my standby class it lists first." The ex-CO system sucks in this regard and it doesn't always work right, but, if you are explicit about it, things tend to have happier results.
Last edited by greenpau; Jul 11, 2019 at 12:44 pm
Jul 11, 2019, 7:17 am
#905
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, UA Gold, WN, Global Entry; +others wherever miles/points are found
Posts: 14,414
I thought the GS got a (singular) free drink. Not the companion.
Also, we sat in the penalty box for 45 minutes due to a GDP. The ginger ale and extra seat space (I wasn't aware row 21 had extra width) alone made J worthwhile for that.
Finally, we only even considered changing the flight after we saw 3 of our 4 bags went before us. The 4th ended up on our flight, but there was a strong possibility it would have gone later on our original.
If we're going to be sitting in an airport waiting around at one or both ends anyway, why not keep J?
Also, we sat in the penalty box for 45 minutes due to a GDP. The ginger ale and extra seat space (I wasn't aware row 21 had extra width) alone made J worthwhile for that.
Finally, we only even considered changing the flight after we saw 3 of our 4 bags went before us. The 4th ended up on our flight, but there was a strong possibility it would have gone later on our original.
If we're going to be sitting in an airport waiting around at one or both ends anyway, why not keep J?
Jul 11, 2019, 12:51 pm
#906
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: 44,331
I’ve been told a few times lately that unless I’m on an instrument upgrade, the CPU upgrade is no longer ported across to a new flight - I was told once there was another GS in a higher fare already waitlisted for F, and I could only be confirmed in Y, which is fairest to the waitlisted already on the flight I'm trying to switch to ... makes sense.
I totally understand J5 PN0 kicking you back to your original class, but if there's PN space, shouldn't you be able to keep it?
Jul 11, 2019, 1:52 pm
#907
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
I had a situation yesterday where I was on an 8pm flight home from SFO and I was hoping something would open up on the 3pm flight. Only thing that was available was an $800 first class ticket. There was PN1 but no economy seats. I kept searching every 20 min or so and finally an economy seat popped up. I called to switch, but she said the system had to upgrade me, which was fine as I was just happy to have get home 5 hours earlier. When I looked on the app, I was able to confirm my upgrade (M fare)
Jul 12, 2019, 10:51 am
#908
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
Still relatively new to this but mileage saver award tickets (for non GS family member) are not CPU eligible right? I believe they are not eligible even for the GS member as well, correct?
Jul 12, 2019, 12:19 pm
#909
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
Award tickets for you as a GS are CPU eligible (and I believe even have priority over lower level elite instrument supported upgrades). Your companion on the same PNR is eligible. A booking for someone else using your miles on a separate PNR is not CPU eligible.
Jul 12, 2019, 3:35 pm
#910
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
Thanks, I will not be traveling with pax so I guess not CPU eligible. Nice to know that when I travel using an award ticket it is CPU eligible (and those with me). Maybe I missed this but I didn't see this in the wiki above, perhaps this should be added. Thanks again.
Jul 12, 2019, 8:06 pm
#911
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: United GS, MM, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 598
Isnt everyone eligible for CPU in award travel if they pay the fees with a chase united credit card?
Jul 12, 2019, 11:09 pm
#912
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
Jul 13, 2019, 12:18 am
#913
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
With an instrument (RPU) confirmed upgrade with PN available on the new flight, yes. In fact, the rules are clear here - if PN is available up to departure, an instrument can be used to confirm. The sticking point seems to be the CPU - and this does seem fair to place us back in the CPU list for the new flight, and cleared in upgrade waitlist order. Example: If GS traveler X is confirmed on a late night flight in T class with a CPU because it’s a light load but decides to go home on the 6pm elite heavy flight where GS traveler Y on an E fare is #1 on the CPU waitlist (and has been for days), it doesn’t seem right for the higher paying customer to lose out to a lower paying customer on a later flight. The only exception is Y/B/M instant upgrade fares.
Jul 13, 2019, 8:45 am
#914
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: ORD | LGA | 2E
Programs: UA GS 1.6MM UC | AA CK 0.7MM AC | Bonvoy Ambassador | Hyatt Globalist | Hertz PC
Posts: 1,054
Another irrops win for the GS desk. Had a funky week of travel where I had to do ORD > LGA > PHL > ORD > GRR (drive) TVC > ORD (all from Tuesday to Friday). Had to push back my PHL flight for an extra meeting which also made me move to later GRR flight. GS completed that for me in 20 seconds, keeping me in F on PHL > ORD on a C fare and then putting me in F on a full Y fare for the ORD > GRR run that had been in a CR2 but was on an A319 for the later flight they moved me to. Then inbound for that GRR bird goes wx while I'm sitting in the UC at ORD. At this point that GRR flight looks like its going to land around 2AM as opposed to 11:50. Call GS desk and they proactively offer to move me to the first morning flight directly to TVC when I explain my logistics. I get to run home in Chicago ~9PM, see my wife unexpectedly, and get net-net more sleep than I probably would have in GRR. Just incredibly helpful.
I should note that this also involved them tracking down a set of golf clubs on the tarmac at ORD and getting them back to me so I could take them on the TVC flight the next morning. That only took them 15 minutes, which I was amazed by.
I should note that this also involved them tracking down a set of golf clubs on the tarmac at ORD and getting them back to me so I could take them on the TVC flight the next morning. That only took them 15 minutes, which I was amazed by.
Jul 13, 2019, 1:25 pm
#915
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
Mercedes ride today from SFO Gate 89 to the Polaris Club in the international wing. I had a 2+ hour connection so it wasn't necessary, but it's always cool to ride across the tarmac!