Dec 31, 2021, 11:08 pm
Last edit by: st530
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 [2021]
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):
Most benefits noted below require calling a GS agent:
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 [2021]
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.
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 in NRT and HKG remain closed due to Covid-19; LHR VIP now open.)
- 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.
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2022]
Apr 16, 2022, 12:02 pm
#316
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,258
lol so true - lately I use the porciuscato strategy (check out the Marriott bonvoy board) and just take down the ropes - play frogger - stare down anyone that challenges me and present the BP with the big GS printing and strut up to the clear line...
Apr 16, 2022, 2:22 pm
#317
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: EWR
Programs: UA GS, MR TE, HH Diamond, IHG Gold, Hertz PC, National EE, Avis PC
Posts: 135
Sometimes (maybe 20% of the time), there is an airport employee in that area (right as you come out of the elevator) and they will take you to the front of the precheck line when you tell them you are GS. Otherwise I normally walk around to the Clear line.
Apr 16, 2022, 5:03 pm
#318
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Oh I misread the original message then. So getting your ID checked immediately (no barrier, no line) is unchanged. They are talking about the roped section that essentially allows a longer line to form past the conveyors to the x-rays.
This isn't a "degradation" in the GS line from my perspective - that line of people is ready to place bags in the x-ray and go through the metal detector so they need somewhere to line up. At some point, unless they are going to take you to the front of the x-ray machine and cut that whole line, there will be a line of sorts. Same thing in SF. There's still no line to get your ID checked though / no need to wait behind other pre-check folks pre-TSA.
And as you mention the x-ray machine(s) farther towards the center often have a shorter line and are freely accessible.
This isn't a "degradation" in the GS line from my perspective - that line of people is ready to place bags in the x-ray and go through the metal detector so they need somewhere to line up. At some point, unless they are going to take you to the front of the x-ray machine and cut that whole line, there will be a line of sorts. Same thing in SF. There's still no line to get your ID checked though / no need to wait behind other pre-check folks pre-TSA.
And as you mention the x-ray machine(s) farther towards the center often have a shorter line and are freely accessible.
Apr 16, 2022, 5:45 pm
#319
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: UA LT GS | UA LT Club | Marriott LT Titanium
Posts: 1,250
Can GS push through an int'l upgrade on an award ticket at T-72 or T-120? Assuming of course J2 after upgrade and no GS ahead on list. Thx.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 16, 2022 at 6:48 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Apr 16, 2022, 6:08 pm
#320
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Corvallis, OR, USA
Programs: UA GS; Hilton LT Diamond, Marriott, Hyatt; Hertz
Posts: 321
I was there last week and did not see anyone. Just went through Clear. Disappointed.
Apr 17, 2022, 1:06 am
#321
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
Can GS push through an int'l upgrade on an award ticket at T-72 or T-120? Assuming of course J2 after upgrade and no GS ahead on list. Thx.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
Apr 17, 2022, 4:46 am
#322
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New York City
Programs: UA GS 1MM
Posts: 390
When you’re not TSA pre, when you leave the elevator make a right and find anyone by the entrance of the line and show your BP. They will walk you to the front of the line.
The issue is that it’s an Economy line so the actual TSA can be pretty long after having your ID checked since a lot of the people aren’t really used to it.
The issue is that it’s an Economy line so the actual TSA can be pretty long after having your ID checked since a lot of the people aren’t really used to it.
Apr 17, 2022, 6:17 am
#323
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Bucks County
Programs: UAL GS & Million Miler; Delta Lifetime Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Platinum; Legion Etrangere
Posts: 1,609
Can GS push through an int'l upgrade on an award ticket at T-72 or T-120? Assuming of course J2 after upgrade and no GS ahead on list. Thx.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
They're not gone. They're standing at the security entrance ten meters away from where you exit the elevator. Usually in a group of 2-3. Simply show them you're GS and they'll happily escort you to the front.
Apr 17, 2022, 7:44 am
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
Apr 17, 2022, 9:52 am
#325
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: London
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 2,438
They are not there often and you have to navigate through a cordon sanitaire of roped off areas to get their attention when they are. Never a good look to unlatch those ropes on your own. It has become a pain. It is easier to exit the GS lobby and take the escalator to the CLEAR checkin. Another Kirby “improvement” I reckon
Apr 17, 2022, 10:09 am
#326
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,317
+1 -- unless I'm with my wife. She is Japanese and believes that things should happen as they are supposed to (like in Japan lol) -- like when we ask the GS agent if someone will meet her downstairs and the answer is always "why yes of course!". My wife is just too intimidated to use the @porciusauto / @bmwe92fan strategy -- so I usually have to escort her to an agent and then they only know what to do about 20% of the time.... It really shouldn't be this difficult....
FYI - Now that travel is finally back - and the GS agents have abandoned their post off the elevator and there is no one usually there to help -- we applied for TSA precheck for my wife (she has had a green card for a long time) 4 months ago and paid the fee -- but still no answer yet....
FYI - Now that travel is finally back - and the GS agents have abandoned their post off the elevator and there is no one usually there to help -- we applied for TSA precheck for my wife (she has had a green card for a long time) 4 months ago and paid the fee -- but still no answer yet....
Apr 18, 2022, 9:19 am
#327
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 1K | Marriott LT Platinum
Posts: 459
Instead they cleared my upgrade specifically but none of those ahead of me. This was a first. Somehow the cabin ended up filling up and as of departure it looked like 2 of the 3 ahead of me never ended up getting upgraded... Pays to check ahead if you care about the upgrade.
Apr 18, 2022, 9:49 am
#328
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NYC / TYO / Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS 1.7MM, AA 2.1MM, EK, BA, SQ, CX, Marriot LT, Accor P
Posts: 6,317
I had this experience last week. Called to push through an upgrade at T-72 and there were 3 people ahead of me on the list but ~10 seats available so I figured the agent would push everyone through if they were willing to do it.
Instead they cleared my upgrade specifically but none of those ahead of me. This was a first. Somehow the cabin ended up filling up and as of departure it looked like 2 of the 3 ahead of me never ended up getting upgraded... Pays to check ahead if you care about the upgrade.
Instead they cleared my upgrade specifically but none of those ahead of me. This was a first. Somehow the cabin ended up filling up and as of departure it looked like 2 of the 3 ahead of me never ended up getting upgraded... Pays to check ahead if you care about the upgrade.
Sorry couldn't resist...
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Apr 18, 2022 at 11:25 am Reason: "You may embed non-animated images in your posts." (issues with site software??)
Apr 18, 2022, 1:50 pm
#329
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: TPA
Programs: UA Global Services 3MM, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 2,927
Apr 19, 2022, 12:59 am
#330
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Boston
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, United Global Services/1MM
Posts: 630
I'm wondering if anyone has a feel for general timing, or the existence of, mid-year evaluations for GS.
Here's my situation....I was GS from 2010-2015, 1K for 5 years before that and every year since, earned every year even through Covid. Due to a job change in late 2021 and the opening of borders, my international flying is picking way back up in 2022. I'll be at approx. 40k PQP by the end of May, and expect I'll finish 2022 somewhere between 75k-100k PQP's - the vast majority of that on paid international C tickets and almost all of it on UA metal.
I would expect that should get me back to GS (it better or I'll be re-evaluating my strategy for UA vs others), but it would sure be nice if the bump to GS happened at some point during 2022 vs having to wait until 2023.
Here's my situation....I was GS from 2010-2015, 1K for 5 years before that and every year since, earned every year even through Covid. Due to a job change in late 2021 and the opening of borders, my international flying is picking way back up in 2022. I'll be at approx. 40k PQP by the end of May, and expect I'll finish 2022 somewhere between 75k-100k PQP's - the vast majority of that on paid international C tickets and almost all of it on UA metal.
I would expect that should get me back to GS (it better or I'll be re-evaluating my strategy for UA vs others), but it would sure be nice if the bump to GS happened at some point during 2022 vs having to wait until 2023.