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 23, 2019, 7:33 pm
#961
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
I don't get the GS line drop in international, I think most of the SFO spend is going through the international terminal.
They took away pre-check over by door 13 in T3 (by the Amex lounge) - this was previously the best way to go to the airport - Uber drops you off at the end of T3, in the door there, precheck or clear and into the Amex lounge in 5 minutes.
The GS lounge is 'way in the middle of the T3 madness. The little shortcut door is fine but it's a bit of a huff to walk from there all to the United international gates, especially if you are dragging baggage. And by "baggage" I don't mean your kids.
Jul 23, 2019, 8:05 pm
#962
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,700
Jul 23, 2019, 10:26 pm
#963
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
Jul 24, 2019, 3:57 pm
#964
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,823
I am going to write and question the "resource limitation". My wife often walks with a cane. T3 GS lobby for international travel is not a viable option unless she orders a wheelchair.
Jul 24, 2019, 6:50 pm
#965
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SFO/LIS
Programs: UA 1MM GS, Delta Skymiles Platinum, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 145
TBH I wouldn’t particularly mind checking in at T3 at the GS lobby if it weren’t for the infuriating fact that it’s really only useful if you have TSA Pre. Those of us without Pre (because on ineligibility or choice) then end up getting sent to the back of the regular security line in line with the officer checking that line. I find it usually almost twice as fast to check in at the lobby, go out and join the premier security checkpoint line. Doesn’t seem super streamlined to me.
It’s not that it’s any better in the international terminal in terms of security line since you just have the premier line anyways, but if there were for me a big benefit to drive me to always use the lobby, it would be to get to the front of one of the regular security line without Pre.
It’s not that it’s any better in the international terminal in terms of security line since you just have the premier line anyways, but if there were for me a big benefit to drive me to always use the lobby, it would be to get to the front of one of the regular security line without Pre.
Jul 24, 2019, 7:23 pm
#966
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Chicago IL US
Programs: UA 1K; National Executive Elite; Hertz PC & Hotels Galore
Posts: 948
Jul 25, 2019, 4:12 am
#967
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
For the premium cabin companion benefit (GS member booked in revenue premium cabin, companion booked W + GPU), does the GPU have to come from a GPU account? Will it work for a 1K companion that is using a GPU from his/her account?
Jul 25, 2019, 6:51 am
#968
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: UA GS, Marriott LT Platinum, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 55
Hello all, I will be dropping back to 1K at the end of January 2020. Do you think GS agents will allow me to book out into the future (past January) using GS benefits? The only GS perk I currently use, and am looking to use into next year, is the application of RPUs/GPUs to award tickets. I know that as of today I can see PN space as available past January.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 25, 2019, 7:04 am
#969
Used to be 'thiti'
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Denver, CO
Programs: UA-PP 1MM, Hyatt-Globalist, Bonvoy-LT Titanium, Hertz-Pres Cir
Posts: 189
Hello all, I will be dropping back to 1K at the end of January 2020. Do you think GS agents will allow me to book out into the future (past January) using GS benefits? The only GS perk I currently use, and am looking to use into next year, is the application of RPUs/GPUs to award tickets. I know that as of today I can see PN space as available past January.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 25, 2019, 7:37 am
#970
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 489
Hello all, I will be dropping back to 1K at the end of January 2020. Do you think GS agents will allow me to book out into the future (past January) using GS benefits? The only GS perk I currently use, and am looking to use into next year, is the application of RPUs/GPUs to award tickets. I know that as of today I can see PN space as available past January.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jul 25, 2019, 1:22 pm
#971
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: 44,346
I'm going to be traveling with one GS who doesn't have spare GPUs, but another GS has graciously offered me their GPUs, and it would be nice to force it through.
Jul 25, 2019, 2:45 pm
#972
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: 3,621
I also have a question about this. Does the GPU have to come from the same GS member's account, or can it be any GS GPU?
I'm going to be traveling with one GS who doesn't have spare GPUs, but another GS has graciously offered me their GPUs, and it would be nice to force it through.
I'm going to be traveling with one GS who doesn't have spare GPUs, but another GS has graciously offered me their GPUs, and it would be nice to force it through.
Jul 25, 2019, 3:31 pm
#973
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
I also have a question about this. Does the GPU have to come from the same GS member's account, or can it be any GS GPU?
I'm going to be traveling with one GS who doesn't have spare GPUs, but another GS has graciously offered me their GPUs, and it would be nice to force it through.
I'm going to be traveling with one GS who doesn't have spare GPUs, but another GS has graciously offered me their GPUs, and it would be nice to force it through.
Jul 25, 2019, 4:24 pm
#974
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
Different PNRs, same flights. I have already bought a business class ticket. My friend is a 1K who would buy a W fare and use GPU from her account.
Jul 25, 2019, 4:44 pm
#975
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: 3,621
Oh, that's a bit different then. You will probably have to call when you see PN space open and say he is travel with you. I am doing that now as well on a return KOA-SFO flight in about a month and got a sympathetic agent to give my friend (he has no status) my status and at least got us E+ exit rows as no PN space available. However the instruments I am using are mine. I also booked prior to him and then he joined me on the flight a couple weeks later. Tried to merger PNR but couldn't, no surprise there.