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]
Aug 5, 2019, 1:38 am
#1021
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
No the original flight was not CPU-eligible. It was Europe back to the US. So everyone on the upgrade list would have been using instruments but as others have mentioned it sounds like my friend was last on the list due to her status but was the only one with a GS GPU and the others ahead of her likely had 1K GPU's so when PN opened up she was cleared ahead of them.
Aug 5, 2019, 4:05 pm
#1022
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: United Global Services
Posts: 1
I am a little foggy on how it works or if it works at all to 'push through' a upgrade. If I have applied a GPU to a revenue ticket for a leg from Europe to the US, is there a time before when I can call in and they can 'push it through'? I feel like I have had different experiences with different phone agents.
Aug 5, 2019, 7:50 pm
#1023
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
Not published; results vary. Depends on the flight, load, hours out.
Generally there need to be at least 2 seats for sale for them to "force" an upgrade and you have to be at the top of the list or they have to "force" all upgrades ahead of you and and then "force" yours. But it is unclear if some flights need more than this. The hour threshold has also shifted multiple times over the years. Good practice to call at 72 hours and/or 48 hours if you see seats open. You'll see different results/experiences around here from different posters, all correct recounts, but reflecting an intentionally obscure, possibly partly discretionary process.
Oh yeah, also depends on which agent you get-- you can't really rely on a single agent to give you the right answer, but you don't want to call incessantly because that's a poor use of time and isn't a great thing to do ad nauseam, so sometimes it is the luck of the draw . . .
Aug 5, 2019, 8:49 pm
#1024
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
So the old SFO intl GS line is gone. It was just roped off last time I was there, but it's been eliminated now.
Everyone should just start checking in at T3 and asking for assistance to intl, as recommended. As a form of protest.
And I'm shocked at the arguments that check-in is so fast and efficient.
1. That's irrelevant
2. Last time I was there, we stood in line for about 15. Certainly not the end of the world, but also not appropriate
Everyone should just start checking in at T3 and asking for assistance to intl, as recommended. As a form of protest.
And I'm shocked at the arguments that check-in is so fast and efficient.
1. That's irrelevant
2. Last time I was there, we stood in line for about 15. Certainly not the end of the world, but also not appropriate
1. We would like to encourage all GS to have the same, consistent experience of enjoying the exclusive GS lobby regardless of location. .
2. The GS lobby can efficiently accommodate both domestic and international GS check-in's.
So, it seems to me that it is the under-utilized GS lobby at T3 where resources and space have been committed but not fully used. Sending GS international passengers to "consistently experience the exclusive lobby" will help the check in at International terminal.
Aug 5, 2019, 9:53 pm
#1025
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: 44,321
Here was further explanations after I told UA that keeping a GS line at SFO International Terminal does not require resources and eliminating it does not save resources. There was no disagreement on that. :
1. We would like to encourage all GS to have the same, consistent experience of enjoying the exclusive GS lobby regardless of location. .
2. The GS lobby can efficiently accommodate both domestic and international GS check-in's.
So, it seems to me that it is the under-utilized GS lobby at T3 where resources and space have been committed but not fully used. Sending GS international passengers to "consistently experience the exclusive lobby" will help the check in at International terminal.
1. We would like to encourage all GS to have the same, consistent experience of enjoying the exclusive GS lobby regardless of location. .
2. The GS lobby can efficiently accommodate both domestic and international GS check-in's.
So, it seems to me that it is the under-utilized GS lobby at T3 where resources and space have been committed but not fully used. Sending GS international passengers to "consistently experience the exclusive lobby" will help the check in at International terminal.
Just add a line and pull from it. It costs $50 for the sign. Sigh.
Aug 6, 2019, 6:30 am
#1026
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,737
IAH has a similar challenge with the GS lobby being in C and the majority of the Int’l flights (and the Polaris lounge) being in E. So the choice is fast security via the GS lobby and a long walk or slow security in E (at busy times) and a short walk.
I always suggest having a golf cart waiting outside security in C and that would solve it, but, alas, they don’t seem to want to listen to suggestions.
I always suggest having a golf cart waiting outside security in C and that would solve it, but, alas, they don’t seem to want to listen to suggestions.
Aug 6, 2019, 7:58 am
#1027
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
Curious about Clear from a GS member and TSA pre-check perspective. At an airport with GS reception, does Clear do anything better then just using GS and TSA pre-check? At EWR due to GS I get to go to the front of the TSA pre-check line. I realize EWR C doesn't have Clear up and running yet, but what would be the advantage using Clear? For airports without a GS reception, it seems like Clear would be a big benefit.
Aug 6, 2019, 8:05 am
#1028
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: UA Global Services 3MM, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 2,927
Curious about Clear from a GS member and TSA pre-check perspective. At an airport with GS reception, does Clear do anything better then just using GS and TSA pre-check? At EWR due to GS I get to go to the front of the TSA pre-check line. I realize EWR C doesn't have Clear up and running yet, but what would be the advantage using Clear? For airports without a GS reception, it seems like Clear would be a big benefit.
The GS reception process at EWR and ORD are better in my opinion, as you get to the very front of the pre-check line.
Aug 6, 2019, 10:02 am
#1029
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 93
Curious about Clear from a GS member and TSA pre-check perspective. At an airport with GS reception, does Clear do anything better then just using GS and TSA pre-check? At EWR due to GS I get to go to the front of the TSA pre-check line. I realize EWR C doesn't have Clear up and running yet, but what would be the advantage using Clear? For airports without a GS reception, it seems like Clear would be a big benefit.
Aug 6, 2019, 10:12 am
#1030
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: 3,617
I'm GS and Clear (SFO home airport). If I'm not checking bags (I usually don't), I skip the GS reception and just use the clear lane. GS funnels you into the front of the pre-check line, but Clear fast tracks you through it. My estimate on a normal day: Pre-check wait: 7 mins. GS reception: 2 mins. Clear: 1 min. Not a big difference between them but may as well maximize. I guess I miss out on the DYKWIA factor and gazing stares ;-)
Aug 6, 2019, 10:44 am
#1031
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
That would be a big miss for me 
Clear is now free for GS members, which prompted my question.
I usually check bags so I use the GS lobby at SFO (home base) and have not entertained obtaining Clear. I suspect there is a thread for this but what does clear cost now and how much of a hassle is it to obtain? I have noticed many ariports I use (with the exception of SFO) don't have Clear so yet another negative factory for me. Mods can direct to the thread on this if need be. Thanks.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Aug 6, 2019 at 6:49 pm Reason: merging consecutive posts by same member
Aug 6, 2019, 12:26 pm
#1032
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: 3,617
Aug 6, 2019, 2:03 pm
#1033
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
There should be a link somewhere on UA's website-- it isn't a phone thing-- it is online somewhere. A google search should pull it up.
Aug 6, 2019, 2:34 pm
#1034
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SFO, TPE, HNL
Programs: UA GS 4MM, RCC life member (paid), Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, CLEAR
Posts: 1,822
IAH has a similar challenge with the GS lobby being in C and the majority of the Int’l flights (and the Polaris lounge) being in E. So the choice is fast security via the GS lobby and a long walk or slow security in E (at busy times) and a short walk.
I always suggest having a golf cart waiting outside security in C and that would solve it, but, alas, they don’t seem to want to listen to suggestions.
I always suggest having a golf cart waiting outside security in C and that would solve it, but, alas, they don’t seem to want to listen to suggestions.
I'm GS and Clear (SFO home airport). If I'm not checking bags (I usually don't), I skip the GS reception and just use the clear lane. GS funnels you into the front of the pre-check line, but Clear fast tracks you through it. My estimate on a normal day: Pre-check wait: 7 mins. GS reception: 2 mins. Clear: 1 min. Not a big difference between them but may as well maximize. I guess I miss out on the DYKWIA factor and gazing stares ;-)
I usually check bags so I use the GS lobby at SFO (home base) and have not entertained obtaining Clear. I suspect there is a thread for this but what does clear cost now and how much of a hassle is it to obtain? I have noticed many ariports I use (with the exception of SFO) don't have Clear so yet another negative factory for me. Mods can direct to the thread on this if need be. Thanks.
1. Domestic flights,
Normal Day: Pre-check wait: 7 mins. GS reception: 2 mins. Clear: 1 min. (per kj5hp)
Bad Day: Pre-check wait: 15 mins. GS reception: 5 mins. Clear: 2 min
2. International flights,
Normal Day: Pre-check wait: 7 mins. GS reception: 2+7*=9 mins. Clear: 1 min.
Bad Day: Pre-check wait: 10 mins. GS reception: 5+7*=12 mins. Clear: 1 min
*walk from T3 to Polaris, 5 min - 10 min depending on walking speed/mobility.
At international terminal, Clear members are escorted directly to the right side carry-on conveyor belt that has almost no waiting regardless of whether good or bad days. From my observations, the percentage of Pre-check passengers is significantly less in the international terminal for one simple reason: Foreign visitors returning to their home country are not Pre-check members.
Aug 6, 2019, 2:47 pm
#1035
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Cape Cod MA
Programs: GS, 3 MM, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 752