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]
Jul 1, 2020, 11:37 am
#646
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
I have BOS-SFO booked in XN. But SFO-PVG is zeroed out. However, it is not fully booked as standby list shows economy available..
1) Is it possible for UA to create XN for SFO-PVG?
2) If not, put me on waitlist for XN? At this point, the standby list is empty.
1) Is it possible for UA to create XN for SFO-PVG?
2) If not, put me on waitlist for XN? At this point, the standby list is empty.
Jul 2, 2020, 10:24 pm
#647
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA 1K MM, DL Diamond, NK Gold, Mariott LT Plat/Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold
Posts: 925
Is the ORD GS Lobby open? Flying tomorrow for the first time since March 12th.
Jul 3, 2020, 10:13 am
#648
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Tampa
Programs: UA Global Services and 3MM, Lifetime Hilton Diamond/Marriott Titanium Ambassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 250
Jul 3, 2020, 2:16 pm
#649
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,468
As reported EWR level 3 is closed: how about GS check-in at EWR?
Jul 9, 2020, 11:16 am
#650
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO/TPE
Programs: UA GS slavery, *A Gold, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 281
Trying to secure tickets SFO to Taipei..
- Option 1 - ideally SFO to TPE via EVA, but looks like EVA blocked off all reward tickets for UA.
- Option 2 - SFO to NRT to TPE for 133k, but only 1 ticket available. Any possible way to call GS and have them open another seat using GS?
- Option 3 - Possible to use Saver Award SFO - NRT - TPE and upgrade with Pluspoints? Flights are operated by ANA though.
Jul 9, 2020, 11:17 am
#651
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: United 1MM, Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum)
Posts: 320
I think you can only use pluspoints to upgrade on UA metal and Lufthansa transatlantic metal.
Jul 9, 2020, 11:44 am
#652
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: YVR
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 975
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly...Lufthansa.html
Jul 9, 2020, 11:46 am
#653
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA LT GS | UA LT Club | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,250
Trying to secure tickets SFO to Taipei..
- Option 1 - ideally SFO to TPE via EVA, but looks like EVA blocked off all reward tickets for UA.
- Option 2 - SFO to NRT to TPE for 133k, but only 1 ticket available. Any possible way to call GS and have them open another seat using GS?
- Option 3 - Possible to use Saver Award SFO - NRT - TPE and upgrade with Pluspoints? Flights are operated by ANA though.
Jul 9, 2020, 12:00 pm
#654
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO/TPE
Programs: UA GS slavery, *A Gold, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 281
Jul 9, 2020, 12:57 pm
#655
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
as stated in thread's wiki
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.
Jul 9, 2020, 1:03 pm
#656
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SFO/TPE
Programs: UA GS slavery, *A Gold, Marriott/SPG Gold, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle
Posts: 281
Jul 9, 2020, 1:07 pm
#657
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,857
Jul 9, 2020, 1:23 pm
#658
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Rowley, MA / Edgartown, MA / Christiansted, St. Croix (USVI)
Programs: UA LT GS/4.96MM, Marriott LT Titanium, IHG Platinum, Global Entry, TSA Pre✓, Korea SeS, APEC
Posts: 579
I received a call from my mother's nurse that I should come to see her as the end was near. I live in Chicago and she lived in Cincinnati. Not really wanting to go there by myself, I called my niece (her granddaughter) who lives in Denver to fly to Chicago and meet me so we can go together to CVG. I told the UA GS staff and the GS manager (thanks, Steve) what the situation was and they said they would monitor everything. As you can probably guess, the DEN flight was on a rolling delay (I had scheduled a 2.5-hour connection). The DEN flight was parking in the C concourse and the CVG was leaving from F in Terminal 2. The flight was going to land at the same time the CVG flight was leaving. A GS agent accompanied me to the C gate where the flight was parking and told me to go down the jet way with her as the flight was parking and she would drive us to the CVG flight. My niece was in F and one of the first ones off. We immediately went down to the tarmac and drove to the CVG flight. They actually delayed the flight for us and we were obviously the last ones to board. The captain announced that we would depart soon but that we were waiting for a bag - my neice's bag.
The GS staff had also made back-up plans for the both of us, but they came through on this flight. They said that I was UA family and that they would take care of us. They certainly did.
Epilogue: We arrived in Cincinnati and went to the nursing home to be with my mother. She was still alive. After we left her, we receive a call a few hours later that she passed away. If UA hadn't gone the extra mile for me, the back-up flights would have gotten us there too late to see her alive.
I certainly can be critical of UA at times, but with service like this, I cannot abandon them.
The GS staff had also made back-up plans for the both of us, but they came through on this flight. They said that I was UA family and that they would take care of us. They certainly did.
Epilogue: We arrived in Cincinnati and went to the nursing home to be with my mother. She was still alive. After we left her, we receive a call a few hours later that she passed away. If UA hadn't gone the extra mile for me, the back-up flights would have gotten us there too late to see her alive.
I certainly can be critical of UA at times, but with service like this, I cannot abandon them.
Jul 9, 2020, 3:37 pm
#659
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: texas
Programs: ua gs, bonvoy platinum, hyatt explorist
Posts: 16
Finally starting to get back in the air... All short haul domestic and not with the same regularity. No NRT or MIL (my two regularly occurring intl destinations) on the calendar or even being discussed. Found this stat amusing (and upsetting):
1Q20
PQP: $20342
PQS: 21
2Q20:
PQP: $887
PQS: 4
1Q20
PQP: $20342
PQS: 21
2Q20:
PQP: $887
PQS: 4
Jul 13, 2020, 6:19 pm
#660
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: EWR
Programs: Latam Pass Black; UA 1K, 1MM; Marriott LT
Posts: 300
Emailed the GS desk asking to process a refund for 3 reservations that resulted in ETCs back to the original form of payment. Instead of doing it for me, was provided with the following:
Please visit united.com/refunds
Select Request Refund
Add all required information
Under purchases > Enter Receipt details
Customer should enter their ticket number in the 'Document Number' field
In details reason for request > "Cancel ETC and refund to original form of payment"
Enter email address
Submit
Great...... thx much.
Please visit united.com/refunds
Select Request Refund
Add all required information
Under purchases > Enter Receipt details
Customer should enter their ticket number in the 'Document Number' field
In details reason for request > "Cancel ETC and refund to original form of payment"
Enter email address
Submit
Great...... thx much.