Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > United Airlines | MileagePlus
Reload this Page >

Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2021]

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Jan 1, 2021, 9:19 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: greenpau
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 [2020]


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.

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 with fastest pickup times, 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 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.
Additional Known Award and Upgrade Benefits (many unpublished)

Most 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. United-operated flights only. Can now be completed online/via the app, in most circumstances.
  • 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 for one segment of the itinerary 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, and for one segment in the itinerary, per caveats noted below. 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. (Note: VIP Lounges currently closed due to Covid-19)
Reported caveats & YMMV situations on unpublished benefits
  • 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 not 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 round trip journey. 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.
Print Wikipost

Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2021]

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2021, 9:18 am
  #1  
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
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2021]

Hello GSers and all with interest... and happy new year! Here's the 2021 thread continued from the 2020 thread.
wxguy is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 2:27 pm
  #2  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
I flew today ORD-CHS and had an awesome conversation with a flight attendant who was extremely forthcoming with information...

They no longer have their personal devices and they also no longer get passenger manaifests as they transitioned to the devices.
The PILOTS get a printout of all GS's on board, but no other status

That is why they can't serve alcohol in coach because there is no way to charge for it and that is why 1K and GS can't get snack boxes and drinks because they have no way to verify your status.

Maybe this is old news, but I had no idea all of this "rona" stuff affected so much stuff.
SPN Lifer and cbono like this.
Hipplewm is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 3:53 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
Interesting. The last few flights I was on there was an agent from the GS check-in that thanked me as I was boarding. I also saw her on board during the boarding process, maybe she was talking to the flight attendants to identify the GS passengers? Because once I was on board, they definitely offered me the snack box and seem to know I was GS.

If there are no manifests, maybe they are doing it manually and notifying the FA?.
DMSFCA is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 4:14 pm
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
Has anyone been GS status extended for 2021? Mine still says it expires this month. UC shows an expiration of 9/2021.
DMSFCA is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 4:41 pm
  #5  
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: 66,850
Originally Posted by DMSFCA
Has anyone been GS status extended for 2021? Mine still says it expires this month. ....
That is always true, the dates don't change until 1 February. Until then all will show 31 January expiration.

update -- UA is now updating app cards to show 01/2022 expiration, earlier than traditionally

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 3, 2021 at 5:45 pm Reason: update
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 6:49 pm
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: Lifetime PassPlus, 1K, 2MM, LT United Club, HH Diamond
Posts: 60
Question: Are all GS in 2020 granted GS status for 2021? I called GS desk this evening and they said that was the case. Just seeking other verification. Thank you.
flyformiles is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2021, 8:13 pm
  #7  
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: 66,850
Originally Posted by flyformiles
Question: Are all GS in 2020 granted GS status for 2021? I called GS desk this evening and they said that was the case. Just seeking other verification. Thank you.
Yes, announced in August 2020
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unit...ss-2021-a.html
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Jan 2, 2021, 6:02 am
  #8  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IAH & CMH
Programs: UA GS, UA MM, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Uber Platinum :)
Posts: 772
Originally Posted by Hipplewm
I flew today ORD-CHS and had an awesome conversation with a flight attendant who was extremely forthcoming with information...

They no longer have their personal devices and they also no longer get passenger manaifests as they transitioned to the devices.
The PILOTS get a printout of all GS's on board, but no other status

That is why they can't serve alcohol in coach because there is no way to charge for it and that is why 1K and GS can't get snack boxes and drinks because they have no way to verify your status.

Maybe this is old news, but I had no idea all of this "rona" stuff affected so much stuff.
1K and GS pre covid got a free drink and thus wouldn’t be charged. Or they could use the now worthless free drink coupons. Or they could show their MP card on the United App.

I flew last week and the flight attendants definitely knew I was GS without any indication from me. They had the United devices because they processed a future flight credit and had all my info in it (she showed me the screen to ask whether I wanted miles or $$).

think your inside knowledge is mistaken unless there was a change this week. Or/unless the flight attendant was simply stating they don’t have the functionality to charge for drinks which makes sense as they’re not serving any in economy.

A month ago I was in economy and asked waving my free drink coupon and was firmly (but politely) told no!
SPN Lifer likes this.
Dyce is offline  
Old Jan 2, 2021, 8:21 am
  #9  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Bonvoy Amabassador, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,589
Originally Posted by Dyce

I flew last week and the flight attendants definitely knew I was GS without any indication from me. They had the United devices because they processed a future flight credit and had all my info in it (she showed me the screen to ask whether I wanted miles or $$).
This is exactly my point - on my flight - they told me that United took their devices away and they no longer have them (This was UAX - I didn't fly mainline, but still) so my point was/is without the devices which were taken away they can't tell if you are a 1K/GS etc - only the pilots can see who is a GS

This flight was on 1/1/21

EDIT: This was Republic if it matters....

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 3, 2021 at 9:03 pm Reason: split post
Hipplewm is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2021, 1:56 pm
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Francisco, California
Programs: Amex Centurion, United Global Services
Posts: 847
Via the United app, my expiration is still showing 1/21. Is that the case for anyone else? I made GS in 2019 and only qualified for 1K in 2020.. Not sure if that means my fate for 2021 has already been determined.
DMSFCA is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2021, 3:45 pm
  #11  
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: 66,850
Originally Posted by DMSFCA
Via the United app, my expiration is still showing 1/21. Is that the case for anyone else? ....
same answer to your previous post
Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
That is always true, the dates don't change until 1 February. Until then all will show 31 January expiration.
update -- UA is now updating app cards to show 01/2022 expiration, earlier than traditionally
Originally Posted by DMSFCA
... Not sure if that means my fate for 2021 has already been determined.
GS "promotions" will probably not come until mid-January or later January and even than the date will not change until 1 Feb

Last edited by WineCountryUA; Jan 3, 2021 at 5:45 pm Reason: Update
WineCountryUA is offline  
Old Jan 3, 2021, 6:46 pm
  #12  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA 1MM 1K/AF Plat/Marriott Titanium/Hertz PC (who isn't?)/National Exec Elite/CFA Signature
Posts: 193
Originally Posted by DMSFCA
Via the United app, my expiration is still showing 1/21. Is that the case for anyone else? I made GS in 2019 and only qualified for 1K in 2020.. Not sure if that means my fate for 2021 has already been determined.
Did you by chance get GS via nomination from your company rather than through UA directly?
Gate45 is offline  
Old Jan 4, 2021, 2:36 pm
  #13  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
Originally Posted by DMSFCA
Interesting. The last few flights I was on there was an agent from the GS check-in that thanked me as I was boarding. I also saw her on board during the boarding process, maybe she was talking to the flight attendants to identify the GS passengers? Because once I was on board, they definitely offered me the snack box and seem to know I was GS.

If there are no manifests, maybe they are doing it manually and notifying the FA?.
Was this during COVID and in economy? If so, how long was your flight? All of my recent flights (over 3 hours even), they were not serving any food or alcohol in economy - even if you asked, were willing to pay, had status etc. - nothing. This was true for me both on mainline and regional flights.
n8-the-gr8 is offline  
Old Jan 4, 2021, 3:14 pm
  #14  
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Westchester NY
Programs: UA GS 4+ MM
Posts: 373
Originally Posted by WineCountryUA
Not all 2020 GS extended. Emphasis should be on the word "earned" in the UA announcement. Those who were awarded GS via a sales incentive (or Pass Plus, for example) were intentionally excluded and will not retain GS in 2021.
Dyce likes this.
dkc715 is offline  
Old Jan 16, 2021, 10:28 am
  #15  
 
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 39
Can you confirm the two typical threads. So many out there. Which is the official 2021 confirmed member thread and which is the discussion thread? ...both 2021. BTW - we have an email that confirmed our membership through Jan. 2023. Maybe pin both at the top of all these different threads that have been posted.

Last edited by melaflyer; Jan 16, 2021 at 10:34 am
melaflyer is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.