Aug 3, 2019, 1:19 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
GS Qualifying for 2020 Discussion
This will be a discussion thread, for discussing the needed qualifications and timing of notification.
2019 GS Timeline:
- First requalification notifications came out on 6 Dec 2018
- First-time notifications started about 3 Jan 2019
- Numerous reports that all regular notifications will be out by 11 Jan 2019
- Initial successful reconsideration appeals reported 15 Jan 2019
- First reports of challanges15 Jan 2019
If you have received notification about your 2020 GS status, please post in
Global Services 2020 Notifications (ONLY) -- "no discussion" (and as title suggests, this is just for notifications, use this thread for discussions / queries
and
Form Link to collect this years qualification (or rejection) information
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...rm?usp=sf_link
You can view the results: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...rm?usp=sf_link
You can view the results: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
To find your PQDs if >than $12K
Go to
MileagePlus activity since my last statement and it is in the "Account summary" table at the top of the page.
Note this is not just the UA operated PQDs (which is commonly believed to be what matters for GS) but rather your total PQDs.
Definitions
BIS is actual scheduled flight distance (Great Circle Mileage Distance -- GCM) between airports with 500 mile minimum for elites. This is the standard used for Lifetime miles also. Those flying mostly sub-500 segments sometimes prefer to not use the minimum rule.
The definition for CPM is a bit vaguer, especially since CPM is used in multiple different situations.
Believe for the purpose of this thread, GS qualification, folks are using
PQD CPM = UA PQDs / UA BIS
Note there is no direct evidence UA uses this CPM number for GS Qualification but it is a number FTers like to use.
As for BIS, UA does not report this number your account and it needs to be manually tracked.
One way is to make use that PQMs are based on BIS but there may be a multiplier / bonus for high end fares. If always in 2x PQMs, you could divide by 2 to get BIS.
Last year's thread
GS Qualifying for 2019 Discussion / Questions
GS Qualifying for 2020 Discussion / Questions
Feb 17, 2020, 9:05 am
#1036
Join Date: Dec 2014
Programs: UA GS ,QF Plat
Posts: 686
They pointedly do not provide the car on demand. I was on crutches one time at DEN and asked for it and they said no. I think maybe the idea is for it to be a random surprise or something.
Out of the dozen times I got car rides, there was only one where I actually needed it because of a tight connection. Most of the other times, I actually had ample extra time to make it to the gate.
Out of the dozen times I got car rides, there was only one where I actually needed it because of a tight connection. Most of the other times, I actually had ample extra time to make it to the gate.
Feb 17, 2020, 9:06 am
#1037
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
However, you CAN request a/wheelchair transport/assist and often they may use an electric cart to move you around the terminal. This is not unique to GS travelers but a good option if you have limited mobility. Note, not to be abused by those who really don't have an issue...there are elderly and disabled people who really do need the service.
Feb 17, 2020, 9:40 am
#1038
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Tampa
Programs: UA Global Services and 3MM, Lifetime Hilton Diamond/Marriott Titanium Ambassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 250
Always tip Mercedes driver
Feb 17, 2020, 2:28 pm
#1039
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: RAP
Programs: UA 1K - 3 MM, CLEAR
Posts: 49
I have always wondered about tipping the driver. I suspect they are not UA employees - so do not have all of the UA benefits. I used to always tip, but this year, I actually had the driver refuse the tip. What do others think about tipping the driver?
Feb 18, 2020, 6:32 am
#1040
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
I always tip. I've never had it refused.
Feb 18, 2020, 7:18 am
#1041
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Tampa
Programs: UA Global Services and 3MM, Lifetime Hilton Diamond/Marriott Titanium Ambassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 250
I tip the GS person meeting me at gate too that accompanies me on the ride. They don't refuse.
Feb 18, 2020, 9:53 am
#1042
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
There’s also the practical matter that I almost never have any cash on me and if I do it’s $20’s. Credit cards and Apple Pay essentially cover 99% of payment situations.
Feb 20, 2020, 1:17 am
#1043
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
I find tipping in these situations odd. Of course restaurant employees etc deserve tips as they can be paid below minimum wage. These workers are not in the same situation. To tip anyone providing above and beyond services due to loyalty/spend seems a bit absurd. United is providing this because we spend a ton of money on them - they should be the ones footing the bill. It’s not to say individuals shouldn’t do it based on personal preferences but it shouldn’t be an expected norm. I understand they likely don’t make a great salary but it’s not as if folks tip every low paid worker they encounter (e.g. fast food employees, janitors in the lounges or airports, cleaning crews on flights, etc).
There’s also the practical matter that I almost never have any cash on me and if I do it’s $20’s. Credit cards and Apple Pay essentially cover 99% of payment situations.
There’s also the practical matter that I almost never have any cash on me and if I do it’s $20’s. Credit cards and Apple Pay essentially cover 99% of payment situations.
Feb 20, 2020, 1:37 pm
#1044
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
As I said I rarely have cash so even $20's is a rarity but regardless, that's well above what I would consider for a cash tip. For housekeeping after a longer stay, seems reasonable. For a 5 minute drive across the tarmac that feels excessive. Just my personal feelings on tipping.
Feb 25, 2020, 7:53 am
#1045
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: LBB
Programs: UA 1K 1MM ★G | Marriott LTT | Hilton ♦ | Hertz PC | Global Entry TSA Pre ✓
Posts: 2,820
This whole tipping discussion probably deserves a dedicated thread....
Feb 25, 2020, 10:04 am
#1046
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Portland OR & Bangkok
Programs: United GS, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 662
Did everyone who requalify get their 2020 kit?
If you are also a MM flyer, did your companion's card arrive in the same package like last year?
If you are also a MM flyer, did your companion's card arrive in the same package like last year?
Feb 25, 2020, 10:38 am
#1047
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: UA Global Services 3MM, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 2,927
Feb 25, 2020, 4:11 pm
#1048
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
1. I always tip drivers, bartenders, and wait staff, and housekeeping staff - because no matter what the wages are in that city/country, I wouldn't want to do what they do.
2. Actually MM companion cards were sent this year. My spouse received it before I did.
3. with Covid-19 and subsequent reduced travels, I wonder how many would qualify for 2021 GS. I would assume that significant number of people who are cooling their heels. I've had to cancel 3 SFO-SIN. a SFO-HKG, and a SFO-ICN scheduled for 2/20-4/20. I see cancellations in my future for Europe as well.
2. Actually MM companion cards were sent this year. My spouse received it before I did.
3. with Covid-19 and subsequent reduced travels, I wonder how many would qualify for 2021 GS. I would assume that significant number of people who are cooling their heels. I've had to cancel 3 SFO-SIN. a SFO-HKG, and a SFO-ICN scheduled for 2/20-4/20. I see cancellations in my future for Europe as well.
Feb 25, 2020, 4:30 pm
#1049
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
Feb 25, 2020, 4:54 pm
#1050
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 24
COVID-19
1. I always tip drivers, bartenders, and wait staff, and housekeeping staff - because no matter what the wages are in that city/country, I wouldn't want to do what they do.
2. Actually MM companion cards were sent this year. My spouse received it before I did.
3. with Covid-19 and subsequent reduced travels, I wonder how many would qualify for 2021 GS. I would assume that significant number of people who are cooling their heels. I've had to cancel 3 SFO-SIN. a SFO-HKG, and a SFO-ICN scheduled for 2/20-4/20. I see cancellations in my future for Europe as well.
2. Actually MM companion cards were sent this year. My spouse received it before I did.
3. with Covid-19 and subsequent reduced travels, I wonder how many would qualify for 2021 GS. I would assume that significant number of people who are cooling their heels. I've had to cancel 3 SFO-SIN. a SFO-HKG, and a SFO-ICN scheduled for 2/20-4/20. I see cancellations in my future for Europe as well.