Dec 31, 2019, 7:53 am
Last edit by: wxguy
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.
Last year's thread, Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Q & A [2019]
Thread on 2020 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2020 Global Services Qualification Discussion
Known facts concerning qualification and eligibility from United:
Thread on 2020 Global Services Notifications
Thread on 2020 Global Services Qualification Discussion
Known facts concerning qualification and eligibility from United:
Quote:
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.
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.
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 (PlusPoints or miles) 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)
- Effective January 2021, GS members who do not have a United Club membership may access United Clubs on domestic itineraries, but no guests are permitted.
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 PlusPoints 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 (miles/co-pay or PlusPoints) 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 (PlusPoints or miles) 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
- According to GS Customer Service, a GS on a paid coach fare using an instrument will clear into Polaris business before a lower-status passenger with a paid PremiumPlus fare (i.e. O, A, R). In other words, for example, a paid O, A, R for a 1K will got give higher priority than a GS with a W fare if both are using 40 PlusPoints. This is true even on the gate waitlist.
- Post 12/12/2019, agents have been instructed that they can only grant a companion exception for one segment per ticket. Thus, if you have a roundtrip premium fare, they will only open saver space, or force an upgrade, for one segment. This means you must either waitlist (if upgrading) or use a standard award, for the remaining segments.
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2020]
Jan 29, 2020, 8:02 pm
#226
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: New York / Hawaii
Programs: UA Global Services, HH Diamond
Posts: 5,178
The app used to suggest some interesting SDC options that would leave a day early or a day later or would include random connecting cities. That hasn't happened lately.
I tried to SDC through another connection point on my last flight and the agent said it's no longer allowed, even for GS, and the entire ticket would need to be re-priced/fare'd. There wasn't much difference time-wise or equipment with the other route, so I just decided to stay put.
I tried to SDC again for a flight tomorrow and called the GS line (the app has no suggestions); again, the agent said it's new policy to not allow routing changes with SDC. I'd get better metal on one flight but arrive to my destination 2 hours later, for a re-priced fare that required an incremental $1,500. I passed.
But anyone notice changes with SDC options or policy? Or do I need to HUCA with the GS line?
I tried to SDC through another connection point on my last flight and the agent said it's no longer allowed, even for GS, and the entire ticket would need to be re-priced/fare'd. There wasn't much difference time-wise or equipment with the other route, so I just decided to stay put.
I tried to SDC again for a flight tomorrow and called the GS line (the app has no suggestions); again, the agent said it's new policy to not allow routing changes with SDC. I'd get better metal on one flight but arrive to my destination 2 hours later, for a re-priced fare that required an incremental $1,500. I passed.
But anyone notice changes with SDC options or policy? Or do I need to HUCA with the GS line?
Jan 29, 2020, 8:54 pm
#227
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,737
The app used to suggest some interesting SDC options that would leave a day early or a day later or would include random connecting cities. That hasn't happened lately.
I tried to SDC through another connection point on my last flight and the agent said it's no longer allowed, even for GS, and the entire ticket would need to be re-priced/fare'd. There wasn't much difference time-wise or equipment with the other route, so I just decided to stay put.
I tried to SDC again for a flight tomorrow and called the GS line (the app has no suggestions); again, the agent said it's new policy to not allow routing changes with SDC. I'd get better metal on one flight but arrive to my destination 2 hours later, for a re-priced fare that required an incremental $1,500. I passed.
But anyone notice changes with SDC options or policy? Or do I need to HUCA with the GS line?
I tried to SDC through another connection point on my last flight and the agent said it's no longer allowed, even for GS, and the entire ticket would need to be re-priced/fare'd. There wasn't much difference time-wise or equipment with the other route, so I just decided to stay put.
I tried to SDC again for a flight tomorrow and called the GS line (the app has no suggestions); again, the agent said it's new policy to not allow routing changes with SDC. I'd get better metal on one flight but arrive to my destination 2 hours later, for a re-priced fare that required an incremental $1,500. I passed.
But anyone notice changes with SDC options or policy? Or do I need to HUCA with the GS line?
Jan 29, 2020, 10:00 pm
#228
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
I've got tickets (international) purchased in Economy Premium (was willing to buy business, but on the connecting LH leg, that put me in Y, if I bought economy premium, put me in that on LH as well...GS said it was a fare issue and could find NO way to book me in biz on United and premium economy on LH unless I bought two separate tickets for much higher fare...ugh). So I applied plus points to upgrade to Polaris for myself and a co-worker. J is 9 on the leg in question with about 25 seats on the 772 showing open on seat map. We are waitlisted for the upgrade.
Some questions:
1. Is there a way to find out where we are on the upgrade list?
2. Can GS not force the upgrades through? if so, how?
3. At what point should I expect the upgrades to clear? T-120? T-72? At the gate (like 1K)? Any actions I need to take?
Any advice for a new GS appreciated.
Some questions:
1. Is there a way to find out where we are on the upgrade list?
2. Can GS not force the upgrades through? if so, how?
3. At what point should I expect the upgrades to clear? T-120? T-72? At the gate (like 1K)? Any actions I need to take?
Any advice for a new GS appreciated.
Jan 30, 2020, 5:56 am
#229
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
Jan 30, 2020, 6:05 am
#230
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974
I've got tickets (international) purchased in Economy Premium (was willing to buy business, but on the connecting LH leg, that put me in Y, if I bought economy premium, put me in that on LH as well...GS said it was a fare issue and could find NO way to book me in biz on United and premium economy on LH unless I bought two separate tickets for much higher fare...ugh). So I applied plus points to upgrade to Polaris for myself and a co-worker. J is 9 on the leg in question with about 25 seats on the 772 showing open on seat map. We are waitlisted for the upgrade.
Some questions:
1. Is there a way to find out where we are on the upgrade list?
2. Can GS not force the upgrades through? if so, how?
3. At what point should I expect the upgrades to clear? T-120? T-72? At the gate (like 1K)? Any actions I need to take?
Any advice for a new GS appreciated.
Some questions:
1. Is there a way to find out where we are on the upgrade list?
2. Can GS not force the upgrades through? if so, how?
3. At what point should I expect the upgrades to clear? T-120? T-72? At the gate (like 1K)? Any actions I need to take?
Any advice for a new GS appreciated.
Jan 30, 2020, 7:51 am
#232
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Received my GS kit (they've restored the "Well done" cards to give employees (which is nice, but just asks for our name, not MP #), give 5 drink coupons (not a big deal since I'm not a big drinker and we supposedly get one free drink in Y anyway), and has the wireless charger (which is actually nicer than I expected, thought it would be one of the cheapy $5 ones you see at trade shows, this is more like a $10-15 dollar one) and had a blue luggage handle cover to replace the yellow one).
Wife (who is my MM companion and thus has GS status) did not receive a kit. Called and was told MM companions don't get them. Asked about a card and was told they don't get them, they can use the digital card in the App. Explained that overseas many places still require a physical card. Was told that shouldn't be that way, but she would look into getting a card. After a 30 minute hold, was told a card only could be requested, but not until after 5 February. Then asked about the luggage cover (wife got a gold one last year when I made 1MM) and was told that would not happen.
Kind of disappointing UA won't give companions the full kit, but I guess not surprising in the clear push to cut costs wherever possible, no matter how nickel-dimey it appears...
Wife (who is my MM companion and thus has GS status) did not receive a kit. Called and was told MM companions don't get them. Asked about a card and was told they don't get them, they can use the digital card in the App. Explained that overseas many places still require a physical card. Was told that shouldn't be that way, but she would look into getting a card. After a 30 minute hold, was told a card only could be requested, but not until after 5 February. Then asked about the luggage cover (wife got a gold one last year when I made 1MM) and was told that would not happen.
Kind of disappointing UA won't give companions the full kit, but I guess not surprising in the clear push to cut costs wherever possible, no matter how nickel-dimey it appears...
Jan 30, 2020, 8:59 am
#233
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 164
Can I upgrade an award ticket on a United flight booked via Aeroplan? Sorry if this is a basic question.
Jan 30, 2020, 11:05 am
#234
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
No idea. I would think that to United it is a "purchased" ticket, but it would depend what fare bucket it is in. I did try to upgrade a Basic Economy ticket my son had purchase and could not upgrade it (with miles or plus points) unless I paid a fee to change the ticket out of Basic Economy (fee made it not worth it). Probably worth calling United GS line and asking....
Jan 30, 2020, 11:57 am
#235
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,340
One segment only — confirmed
I just called and spoke to an agent. She pulled up the “latest guidance” and reiterated the “one exception per record, therefore one segment” guidance. I then asked to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor was extremely clear that the benefit had changed on December 4 and there had been no further guidance.
I mentioned that I had a GS friend who was similarly upset about the new rules claimed that new guidance has come out in the last few days that clarified the wording from December was not meant to devalue this benefit, that it was a mistake. She said that is not what she sees.
She said she would relay my concerns to management.
I would love it if there was some way to get something definitive in this but I’m afraid the story isn’t over.
I mentioned that I had a GS friend who was similarly upset about the new rules claimed that new guidance has come out in the last few days that clarified the wording from December was not meant to devalue this benefit, that it was a mistake. She said that is not what she sees.
She said she would relay my concerns to management.
I would love it if there was some way to get something definitive in this but I’m afraid the story isn’t over.
, and the policy change was confirmed👎. Interesting how they position it - in the note below and in calls I’ve had with them - it’s not that they’re reducing benefits, there are just “exceptions” they can no longer allow🙄.”Dear Mr. tcdtcd
First and foremost, thank you for being a Global Services member with us.
I can understand your disappointment with the recent changes to the exceptions previously provided to our Global Services members. I've sent your feedback on so we can review our current procedures and revisit and improve the way we do business. We'll continue to work on streamlining our amenities and products to provide you with the service you deserve.
Thank you for choosing United and our MileagePlus program.
Regards,
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Customer Care
Jan 30, 2020, 12:26 pm
#236
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
You post doesn't seem to be consistent with recent posts that this policy was overturned and they are back to the old way. Was the email exchange in the last couple of days?
Jan 30, 2020, 2:37 pm
#237
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 1MM / Hilton Diamond / Bonvoy Gold / Hertz PC
Posts: 396
Multiple examples of it not being confirmed. UA needs to get its story straight.
Jan 30, 2020, 3:05 pm
#238
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Silicon Valley, CA
Programs: Global Services UA 1MM , Ambassador Elite Marriott
Posts: 66
I also got my new GS kit.... and I thought that was nice.... My luggage are set and a cool charger...
Jan 30, 2020, 3:37 pm
#239
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
Has anyone noticed on eTicket Itinerary and Receipt emails under traveler details with your frequent flyer number it says Global Services&#xxxx with some 4 digit number? Is this a unique identifier (and possibly indication of how many GS there are - mine is in the 8,000 range) or the same and tied to GS? Curious as nothing like this ever displayed as a 1K or below.
Jan 30, 2020, 3:51 pm
#240
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
Odd. Mine shows UA-XXXXX878 Global Services. The 878 is the last 3 of my MP number. Definitely does not have 4 numbers after Global Services. Can you post a picture?