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 7, 2019, 1:37 am
#1036
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SF/OC
Programs: UA GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 474
This absolutely. Although I like using the GS reception for the DYKWIA factor, I didn't like the waiting at the Pre-Check funnel having to wait for the agent to waive me to come in, to which they don't always take the GS member first. This adds that extra minute or two. Clear always works a little faster (assuming no newbs at the clear lane fumbling around). On my last trip with kid and bags in tow, I just sucked it up and checked in at the International terminal with the 1K's. Wait was minimal given how many agents they had (at the time). The clear lane at Int'l works great, and bypassed a significant pre-check line.
Aug 7, 2019, 6:54 am
#1037
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,331
Perhaps it is just me, but I don’t quite understand why there is a need to check in at the SFO GS lobby even with the elimination of GS check in line at International terminal.
Once you go through security check, the Polaris Lounge is just a few steps away on your right vs “suffering” that added few min at domestic Pre-check line, then drag your roller and/or carryons through that narrow and busy 70th gates corridor, the domestic-international connecting corridor, then up the escalators. Why waste all that time and extra walk unless you are trying to get some exercise before the long haul international flights. Those minutes could be well spent at the Polaris Lounge if flying in business.
Once you go through security check, the Polaris Lounge is just a few steps away on your right vs “suffering” that added few min at domestic Pre-check line, then drag your roller and/or carryons through that narrow and busy 70th gates corridor, the domestic-international connecting corridor, then up the escalators. Why waste all that time and extra walk unless you are trying to get some exercise before the long haul international flights. Those minutes could be well spent at the Polaris Lounge if flying in business.
Aug 7, 2019, 7:03 am
#1038
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Perhaps it is just me, but I don’t quite understand why there is a need to check in at the SFO GS lobby even with the elimination of GS check in line at International terminal.
Once you go through security check, the Polaris Lounge is just a few steps away on your right vs “suffering” that added few min at domestic Pre-check line, then drag your roller and/or carryons through that narrow and busy 70th gates corridor, the domestic-international connecting corridor, then up the escalators. Why waste all that time and extra walk unless you are trying to get some exercise before the long haul international flights. Those minutes could be well spent at the Polaris Lounge if flying in business.
Once you go through security check, the Polaris Lounge is just a few steps away on your right vs “suffering” that added few min at domestic Pre-check line, then drag your roller and/or carryons through that narrow and busy 70th gates corridor, the domestic-international connecting corridor, then up the escalators. Why waste all that time and extra walk unless you are trying to get some exercise before the long haul international flights. Those minutes could be well spent at the Polaris Lounge if flying in business.
Aug 7, 2019, 7:18 am
#1039
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 11,513
I don't think anyone pointed this out in this thread, but you can just use a machine to check a bag at the PremierAccess area of the International Terminal. There can be no line for a machine in the PremierAccess area and it usually takes about 60-180 seconds to get your bag on the way. If you don't need a visa checked, this can be better than waiting in the Plat/1K/Polaris line if a long one has formed there. I'm not advocating a GS move to machines, just pointing out a work-around in a pinch.
Aug 7, 2019, 10:10 am
#1040
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: UA/CO GS, PP, MM
Posts: 360
Interesting that most of the GS/Clear discussion here is SFO centric. I'm curious about other airports too.
Aug 7, 2019, 10:58 am
#1041
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: 1,053
I think SFO is the one hub where the clear escort to the front of the line is similar in efficacy to the GS escort to the "front" of the line? There is no Clear at ORD T1 as of last week so not sure how they're going to organize it there but I seriously hope they don't push them into a stream with the GS lounge.
Aug 7, 2019, 11:12 am
#1042
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: CLE
Programs: UA GS+LT UC, AA EXP+LT PLT, Fairmont LT PLT, Marriott PLT, Hilton DIA, Hyatt Glob, Avis CHM
Posts: 4,671
Aug 7, 2019, 12:10 pm
#1043
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: 44,324
I don't think anyone pointed this out in this thread, but you can just use a machine to check a bag at the PremierAccess area of the International Terminal. There can be no line for a machine in the PremierAccess area and it usually takes about 60-180 seconds to get your bag on the way. If you don't need a visa checked, this can be better than waiting in the Plat/1K/Polaris line if a long one has formed there. I'm not advocating a GS move to machines, just pointing out a work-around in a pinch.
Believe me, I avoid talking to agents at all costs
Aug 7, 2019, 12:31 pm
#1044
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: 3,618
Probably still use the GS lobby for domestic as I almost always check a bag and typically limit carry-on.
Aug 7, 2019, 2:29 pm
#1045
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
I think SFO is the one hub where the clear escort to the front of the line is similar in efficacy to the GS escort to the "front" of the line? There is no Clear at ORD T1 as of last week so not sure how they're going to organize it there but I seriously hope they don't push them into a stream with the GS lounge.
GS let you start from the Precheck ID. You have four steps (1) wait for the TSA agent to wave you to cut in and then have your ID checked, (2) getting in the line between the ID check point and the conveyor belt, which could be time consuming, (3) go through the conveyor belt, and (4) line up to go through X ray.
Clear at international skips (1) and (2) entirely, and (3) and (4) are almost immediately continuous without gap because there is usually no line for (4). And remember you have to add 5 to 10 minutes walking from GS to international terminal.
Aug 7, 2019, 7:15 pm
#1046
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SDF
Programs: -=- UA: GS + 3.9 Million Miler; Hilton: Diamond; Marriott: Gold; Hertz: President's Circle
Posts: 676
Great experience at ORD today. Flight arrived at F11 with 7 minutes before departure of next flight from C4. GS agent + car at the ready. FA had held a spot for my roller bag. Closed the door behind me.
Times like this are the reason I'm loyal to UA.
Times like this are the reason I'm loyal to UA.
Aug 7, 2019, 7:19 pm
#1047
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 117
Agree. I had a similar experience last week from F20 to C20. Would not have made the connection without the ride.
Last edited by EAA795; Aug 7, 2019 at 7:19 pm Reason: typo
Aug 7, 2019, 11:19 pm
#1048
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA 1K MM, Marriott Life Plat, various others of little note
Posts: 2,763
As a Clear member based on SFO, the situations are different between domestic and international
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.
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 8, 2019, 11:04 am
#1049
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1MM GS, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hilton Diamond, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 283
Tried CLEAR for the first time today at the SFO domestic terminal. Saved maybe a minute compared to using the GS lobby
1. Walked right up to a CLEAR attendant. No wait
2. Fingerprint worked flawlessly. Was worried since I had to redo the scan at enrollment 4 or 5 times before it accepted it
3. Dumped at the front of the PRE document check line
4. Waved through by TSA but still had to get in line for the conveyor
I think it’s a wash but I can definitely see the use at other airports (or terminals) without a GS lobby
1. Walked right up to a CLEAR attendant. No wait
2. Fingerprint worked flawlessly. Was worried since I had to redo the scan at enrollment 4 or 5 times before it accepted it
3. Dumped at the front of the PRE document check line
4. Waved through by TSA but still had to get in line for the conveyor
I think it’s a wash but I can definitely see the use at other airports (or terminals) without a GS lobby
Aug 8, 2019, 11:57 am
#1050
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
Tried CLEAR for the first time today at the SFO domestic terminal. Saved maybe a minute compared to using the GS lobby
1. Walked right up to a CLEAR attendant. No wait
2. Fingerprint worked flawlessly. Was worried since I had to redo the scan at enrollment 4 or 5 times before it accepted it
3. Dumped at the front of the PRE document check line
4. Waved through by TSA but still had to get in line for the conveyor
I think it’s a wash but I can definitely see the use at other airports (or terminals) without a GS lobby
1. Walked right up to a CLEAR attendant. No wait
2. Fingerprint worked flawlessly. Was worried since I had to redo the scan at enrollment 4 or 5 times before it accepted it
3. Dumped at the front of the PRE document check line
4. Waved through by TSA but still had to get in line for the conveyor
I think it’s a wash but I can definitely see the use at other airports (or terminals) without a GS lobby
