Aug 6, 2020, 11:45 am
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
We've taken some time to think about our invitation-only Global Services® program and how to make it more rewarding for our most valued members. Although Global Services invitations are not subject to fixed annual requirements, it’s clear that basing 2021 Global Services® program invitations off of 2020 travel activity wouldn't fairly reward loyalty to United. For this reason, we're pleased to offer some certainty during these uncertain times; members that earned their Global Services status based off of 2019 flying activity will have theirGlobal Services status extended to January 31, 2022.
We've also taken time to review the benefits of our invitation-only program and are pleased to announce a brand-new level of comfort that will make time spent at the airport even better. Starting in January 2021, we'll welcome Global Services members traveling on domestic flights to United Club℠ locations throughout our network. Global Services members already have United Club access when flying internationally on United or a Star Alliance™ member airline, so this new benefit means you can enjoy any of our United Club locations when traveling on United flights. More details can be found in today’s email to Global Services members, and full details on the upcoming United Club benefit will be shared later in the year.
We've also taken time to review the benefits of our invitation-only program and are pleased to announce a brand-new level of comfort that will make time spent at the airport even better. Starting in January 2021, we'll welcome Global Services members traveling on domestic flights to United Club℠ locations throughout our network. Global Services members already have United Club access when flying internationally on United or a Star Alliance™ member airline, so this new benefit means you can enjoy any of our United Club locations when traveling on United flights. More details can be found in today’s email to Global Services members, and full details on the upcoming United Club benefit will be shared later in the year.
GS2021 news:present GS status extended to Jan2022, domestic UC access, additional PP
Aug 6, 2020, 6:39 pm
#32
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,036
Once MileagePlus Global Services members get free United Club access in January 2021, will this significantly increase overcrowding?
Perhaps Lifetime United Club members should enjoy visits to those hubs while they can. (!)
Of course, the GS numbers pale in comparison to Chase credit-card holders, but GS members fly a whole lot more.
Perhaps Lifetime United Club members should enjoy visits to those hubs while they can. (!)
Of course, the GS numbers pale in comparison to Chase credit-card holders, but GS members fly a whole lot more.
Aug 6, 2020, 6:45 pm
#33
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
We don't even know if the bulk of UC's will even reopen by Jan 2021 or if flying even reaches 50% of what it was a year ago. So no, I doubt any overcrowding
Aug 6, 2020, 7:37 pm
#34
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974
Once MileagePlus Global Services members get free United Club access in January 2021, will this significantly increase overcrowding?
Perhaps Lifetime United Club members should enjoy visits to those hubs while they can. (!)
Of course, the GS numbers pale in comparison to Chase credit-card holders, but GS members fly a whole lot more.
Perhaps Lifetime United Club members should enjoy visits to those hubs while they can. (!)
Of course, the GS numbers pale in comparison to Chase credit-card holders, but GS members fly a whole lot more.
Aug 6, 2020, 11:51 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: UA*Lifetime GS, Hyatt* Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 12,322
Although more than half of the GS I know don't have United Club memberships, I don't feel comfortable making a statement (even with disclaimer based on my sample size) .
Aug 6, 2020, 11:56 pm
#38
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: LAX/TPE
Programs: United 1K, JAL Sapphire, SPG Lifetime Platinum, National Executive Elite, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 42,195
If this is a permanent policy then yes, eventually there will be overcrowding and a less comfortable experience for everyone, not to mention a flood of entitled behavior. Of course, United never gives without taking something away, so I would assume the super-secret thresholds for GS selection will mysteriously rise, then once the free ride proffered in this thread ends, the rolls will be significantly purged, so I will put aside one bag of popcorn to await the inevitable "what happened to my GS status" thread.
Aug 7, 2020, 1:04 am
#40
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC SE*MM, Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Gold, National EE, Sixt Plat, Hz 5*
Posts: 2,438
It's funny that you need GS status to get UC access on domestic itins (even paid F), or just *G on a foreign carrier which can probably be achieved for a couple of $K USD and some planning.
I've been using UCs since they were called RCCs for free, even when I used to fly Y!
I've been using UCs since they were called RCCs for free, even when I used to fly Y!
Aug 7, 2020, 7:47 am
#42
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: MBS/FNT/LAN
Programs: UA 1K, HH Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 9,630
If this is a permanent policy then yes, eventually there will be overcrowding and a less comfortable experience for everyone, not to mention a flood of entitled behavior. Of course, United never gives without taking something away, so I would assume the super-secret thresholds for GS selection will mysteriously rise, then once the free ride proffered in this thread ends, the rolls will be significantly purged, so I will put aside one bag of popcorn to await the inevitable "what happened to my GS status" thread.
Aug 7, 2020, 7:55 am
#43
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
It's funny that you need GS status to get UC access on domestic itins (even paid F), or just *G on a foreign carrier which can probably be achieved for a couple of $K USD and some planning.
I've been using UCs since they were called RCCs for free, even when I used to fly Y!
I've been using UCs since they were called RCCs for free, even when I used to fly Y!
Aug 7, 2020, 7:58 am
#44
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Cleveland, OH
Programs: UA-GS 1MM), Hertz Pres Circle, Starriott Titanium)
Posts: 1,966
Admittedly, I've thought of dropping UC membership because most of my travel was international (so I got in anyway, and mostly was in polaris lounge). That said, I DO enjoy the club domestically, especially when traveling with family. Seems like the new GS perk doesn't include family, so I probably will just keep my UC membership.
All moot right now due to COVID, but one can dream.
Aug 7, 2020, 8:22 am
#45
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Mlife NOIR
Posts: 320
Most of the GS I know, myself included, do not have UC memberships. Speaking for myself, I mainly fly UA international business or premium transcons which already have UC included.
When I do fly domestically it’s 100% on vacation (Hawaii, the Rockies...) where I’d be bringing someone else. So the new policy of no guests for GS United Club access isn’t very helpful.
For very short trips, I’ll sometimes fly Delta - and use the Amex Plat to get lounge access. It’s also “no guests” but almost everyone I travel with has their own Amex Plat card. (I’d also add that probably every GS I know has the Amex Plat because of the 5pts/$ on airfare. If only United had a comparable premium card, I’d be all over it...)
When I do fly domestically it’s 100% on vacation (Hawaii, the Rockies...) where I’d be bringing someone else. So the new policy of no guests for GS United Club access isn’t very helpful.
For very short trips, I’ll sometimes fly Delta - and use the Amex Plat to get lounge access. It’s also “no guests” but almost everyone I travel with has their own Amex Plat card. (I’d also add that probably every GS I know has the Amex Plat because of the 5pts/$ on airfare. If only United had a comparable premium card, I’d be all over it...)