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]
Jun 3, 2022, 1:59 pm
#526
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
While things have been trimmed back, the GS advantages are still numerous and significant. You to you to decide the value
PN, and I repeat, PN is huge differentiator value, if upgrading or supporting family or friends
Better customer support --- while at times spotty it is still better than other folks get
Ability to open up upgrade space and award space -- yes, trimmed back but still a significant advantage
GS lobbies (where they exist)
Free UC access on domestic itins
....
It is a bit hyperbolic to say there is no GS value, Has it decreased, yes but there are still major benefits -- may not apply to everyone or every time but still a significant difference above 1K.
It great FT sport to complain and there are reasond for many of the complaints but there is perspective also.
PN, and I repeat, PN is huge differentiator value, if upgrading or supporting family or friends
Better customer support --- while at times spotty it is still better than other folks get
Ability to open up upgrade space and award space -- yes, trimmed back but still a significant advantage
GS lobbies (where they exist)
Free UC access on domestic itins
....
It is a bit hyperbolic to say there is no GS value, Has it decreased, yes but there are still major benefits -- may not apply to everyone or every time but still a significant difference above 1K.
It great FT sport to complain and there are reasond for many of the complaints but there is perspective also.
Jun 3, 2022, 2:45 pm
#527
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K3MM
Posts: 202
Being a 1K who has lost out on a number of upgrades to UGS's, I can say there is true value. I just became UGS and am looking forward to the benefits.
Jun 3, 2022, 3:03 pm
#528
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
The benefits are laughable compared to what they were just 5 years ago. The program is a sad shadow of what it was designed to be.
Jun 3, 2022, 3:26 pm
#529
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K3MM
Posts: 202
What do you miss the most?
Jun 3, 2022, 4:11 pm
#530
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
Jun 3, 2022, 4:18 pm
#531
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
While things have been trimmed back, the GS advantages are still numerous and significant. You to you to decide the value
PN, and I repeat, PN is huge differentiator value, if upgrading or supporting family or friends
Better customer support --- while at times spotty it is still better than other folks get
Ability to open up upgrade space and award space -- yes, trimmed back but still a significant advantage
GS lobbies (where they exist)
Free UC access on domestic itins
....
It is a bit hyperbolic to say there is no GS value, Has it decreased, yes but there are still major benefits -- may not apply to everyone or every time but still a significant difference above 1K.
PN, and I repeat, PN is huge differentiator value, if upgrading or supporting family or friends
Better customer support --- while at times spotty it is still better than other folks get
Ability to open up upgrade space and award space -- yes, trimmed back but still a significant advantage
GS lobbies (where they exist)
Free UC access on domestic itins
....
It is a bit hyperbolic to say there is no GS value, Has it decreased, yes but there are still major benefits -- may not apply to everyone or every time but still a significant difference above 1K.
PN is indeed a good thing - but inventory is much, much tighter than it used to be. I have not been able to find PN inventory at booking for many months now. Yes, still better than PZ. Overall the company is focused on selling those seats over upgrades, naturally.
Jun 3, 2022, 8:56 pm
#532
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: IAH / HOU
Programs: UA GS, DL-Plat, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Somethingist, Marriott Titanium Lifetime
Posts: 2,853
1. CPU on 98/100 flights booked in economy over a two year period.
2. Ability to book a companion saver award for the entire itinerary when purchasing a paid Business ticket.
3. Talking to a phone agent without being made to feel like I am asking the agent to give up their first born.
4. Inherited status for my aging mother when booking her flights to visit me (using my miles).
5. Ability to same day change nearly every time I wanted to do so.
Interestingly, I think only #1 is actually increasing revenue or decreasing costs for United. They are selling those upgrades they used to give me for free. I don’t like it, but I get it.
For 2, I now take lower priced flights where award space is already available or book another airline.
For 4, I would previously take more paid flights because I wasn’t using my miles for free flights for myself. Now more of my tickets are paid for with miles. (My mom isn’t booking high priced United Flights just because I am not giving her award tickets.)
For 5, it doesn’t seem UA is selling many last minute tickets on the flights I take frequently, so it’s more a matter of whether they prefer to clear a standby or let a GS have the available seat.
2. Ability to book a companion saver award for the entire itinerary when purchasing a paid Business ticket.
3. Talking to a phone agent without being made to feel like I am asking the agent to give up their first born.
4. Inherited status for my aging mother when booking her flights to visit me (using my miles).
5. Ability to same day change nearly every time I wanted to do so.
Interestingly, I think only #1 is actually increasing revenue or decreasing costs for United. They are selling those upgrades they used to give me for free. I don’t like it, but I get it.
For 2, I now take lower priced flights where award space is already available or book another airline.
For 4, I would previously take more paid flights because I wasn’t using my miles for free flights for myself. Now more of my tickets are paid for with miles. (My mom isn’t booking high priced United Flights just because I am not giving her award tickets.)
For 5, it doesn’t seem UA is selling many last minute tickets on the flights I take frequently, so it’s more a matter of whether they prefer to clear a standby or let a GS have the available seat.
Jun 3, 2022, 9:38 pm
#533
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAH/EWR-LGA/MIA
Programs: UA Global Services 3.2 MM, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium Elite, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 2,505
Jun 4, 2022, 11:45 am
#535
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,887
I am getting mixed messaging from agent on the guaranteed seat when your flight cancels. Some are saying they can but only in Y, others are saying they can but only if the same fare basis is open which makes no sense because that would not be a perk.
I don't miss the car transfers because they were not happening much for me anyway, What I do miss is the agent being at the gate to help you rebook. I get that it can be done virtually or by phone but we are just being thrown in the regular queue when each minute counts.
I don't miss the car transfers because they were not happening much for me anyway, What I do miss is the agent being at the gate to help you rebook. I get that it can be done virtually or by phone but we are just being thrown in the regular queue when each minute counts.
Jun 5, 2022, 12:00 am
#536
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: UA GS, UA 2MM, HH LT Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,803
#2, #2 and #2
Ability to book R/T companion ticket
Ability to book R/T companion ticket
Jun 5, 2022, 7:33 pm
#538
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Another devaluation.
Well another gs devaluation. They no longer escort gs travelers at o’hare to the front of the security line after pre check closes at 8. It is a benefit I have used countless times over the past decade and gone by the wayside with zero empathy from the surly employee at check in with the gold scarf (not sure you can even call them gs agents any more). Did I just get an unlucky angry agent or is it another takeaway?
Jun 5, 2022, 7:51 pm
#539
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO / LHR
Programs: UA GS 2.2MM / UC / AS Gold 75K / Bonvoy Plat / Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,028
+1 on the Companion Exception / "one exception for the lifetime of the PNR" rule change ... it is actually the thing that is causing me to book on other carriers when I simply can't risk an upgrade not clearing for my spouse coming on a trip with me. I've used examples above, but when LX and TK are doing roundtrip Business tickets for less than half 1/2 the price of one UA Business ticket to the same destination, it's just not worth it.
In happier news, I had an excellent GS experience yesterday with a severely delayed flight due to crew member illness, whereby we'd be delayed 4.5 hours. A highly competent "GS Classic" agent from the original Dearborn team answered the call (after waiting for 10 minutes on hold) - she noticed the prior flight was also going to be delayed due to a missing crewmember, so she switched me to that flight and did the same for my spouse, who was actually on a Y+PN upgrade on a separate PNR. She had trouble with the upgrade move, but said "after 45 years I know a few tricks", and that she did. She took the last two J seats and moved us across, found seat assignments, and checked us back in. Whole time on the call was < 5minutes, and we got home 30 minutes before our originally scheduled flight. In the UC, there was another GS trying to do the same thing with his wife, and overheard the typical pushback ... and they were stuck on their delayed flight. Just goes to show there are still a few diamonds out there, focused on making things work - but timing and self proactivity on IRROPS these days is key - most times we are not being looked out for by Ground Teams as we used to be.
In happier news, I had an excellent GS experience yesterday with a severely delayed flight due to crew member illness, whereby we'd be delayed 4.5 hours. A highly competent "GS Classic" agent from the original Dearborn team answered the call (after waiting for 10 minutes on hold) - she noticed the prior flight was also going to be delayed due to a missing crewmember, so she switched me to that flight and did the same for my spouse, who was actually on a Y+PN upgrade on a separate PNR. She had trouble with the upgrade move, but said "after 45 years I know a few tricks", and that she did. She took the last two J seats and moved us across, found seat assignments, and checked us back in. Whole time on the call was < 5minutes, and we got home 30 minutes before our originally scheduled flight. In the UC, there was another GS trying to do the same thing with his wife, and overheard the typical pushback ... and they were stuck on their delayed flight. Just goes to show there are still a few diamonds out there, focused on making things work - but timing and self proactivity on IRROPS these days is key - most times we are not being looked out for by Ground Teams as we used to be.
Jun 5, 2022, 11:58 pm
#540
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Well another gs devaluation. They no longer escort gs travelers at o’hare to the front of the security line after pre check closes at 8. It is a benefit I have used countless times over the past decade and gone by the wayside with zero empathy from the surly employee at check in with the gold scarf (not sure you can even call them gs agents any more). Did I just get an unlucky angry agent or is it another takeaway?
Last week, my companion with no status was escorted to the head of the security line. No issue whatsoever.