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]
Oct 4, 2022, 12:04 pm
#1111
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
Yesterday I arrived at gate at C9 at IAH just as they were starting the pre-boarding announcement with mobility impaired. Line 1 was a zoo, line 2 had only a couple of people in it so I went to line 2 just as they called GS. Made my way past the people in line 2 and headed to the boarding pass scanner when almost at the same time I see a gold-scarfed agent in front of the desk area (probably 10 feet to my right, given the odd placement of the boarding lanes at this gate) calling my name. As I was almost to the scanner, I just proceeded to the scanner rather than yell out to the gold-scarfed agent "I'm Mr. st530 behind you and to your right!" Anyway, after the scanner beeps, she rushes towards me and says "You must be Mr. st530." I said yes and then she said "Don't you ever go behind my back again" and then after an awkward pause, a smile and "I'm just kidding, enjoy the flight." I said thanks and boarded.
Although I ended up not needing it, it's good to know they still are (at least sometimes) escorting GS through the gate scrum, especially at awkwardly situated gates like this one. The "joke" was a little uncomfortable though (or else I was just having a humorless morning--definitely a possibility).
Although I ended up not needing it, it's good to know they still are (at least sometimes) escorting GS through the gate scrum, especially at awkwardly situated gates like this one. The "joke" was a little uncomfortable though (or else I was just having a humorless morning--definitely a possibility).
Oct 4, 2022, 12:45 pm
#1112
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: UA GS, UA 2MM, HH LT Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,803
Yesterday I arrived at gate at C9 at IAH just as they were starting the pre-boarding announcement with mobility impaired. Line 1 was a zoo, line 2 had only a couple of people in it so I went to line 2 just as they called GS. Made my way past the people in line 2 and headed to the boarding pass scanner when almost at the same time I see a gold-scarfed agent in front of the desk area (probably 10 feet to my right, given the odd placement of the boarding lanes at this gate) calling my name. As I was almost to the scanner, I just proceeded to the scanner rather than yell out to the gold-scarfed agent "I'm Mr. st530 behind you and to your right!" Anyway, after the scanner beeps, she rushes towards me and says "You must be Mr. st530." I said yes and then she said "Don't you ever go behind my back again" and then after an awkward pause, a smile and "I'm just kidding, enjoy the flight." I said thanks and boarded.
Although I ended up not needing it, it's good to know they still are (at least sometimes) escorting GS through the gate scrum, especially at awkwardly situated gates like this one. The "joke" was a little uncomfortable though (or else I was just having a humorless morning--definitely a possibility).
Although I ended up not needing it, it's good to know they still are (at least sometimes) escorting GS through the gate scrum, especially at awkwardly situated gates like this one. The "joke" was a little uncomfortable though (or else I was just having a humorless morning--definitely a possibility).
Oct 5, 2022, 8:42 am
#1113
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Houston
Programs: UA GS 2.6MM & Lifetime UC, Qantas Platinum, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Platinum, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 8,697
Complete opposite today at SJD. I spoke to the GA prior to boarding about a connecting flight so she knew I was GS. Asked her where to stand to pre-board and she said just stay close. Boarding started without an announcement with a handful of extra time folk which caused the scrum to rush and fill lanes 1 and 2 to fill up immediately. She then called families, military Gs and 1K at the same time. I tried politely asking BG1 people to let me by and gave up. Boarded as #20 or so. Overhead bin already filled when I got on the plane.
Oct 7, 2022, 1:46 pm
#1114
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 519
Just spoke to a GS agent and he said
Has anyone else experienced this or is this a case of HUACA?
EDIT: HUACA solved, but not fun
- 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.
Has anyone else experienced this or is this a case of HUACA?
EDIT: HUACA solved, but not fun
Last edited by FTLexMUC; Oct 7, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Oct 7, 2022, 1:50 pm
#1115
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: ORD / PHX
Programs: UA LT 1K 3MM (former 12 yr GS), Bonvoy Amb/LT Plat
Posts: 1,341
Oh no! I hope it was a misinformed agent🙄. Further degradation of GS if true. Although the “1 way/1 segment” change was the bigger cut I guess.
Oct 7, 2022, 2:59 pm
#1116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11,461
Just spoke to a GS agent and he said
Has anyone else experienced this or is this a case of HUACA?
EDIT: HUACA solved, but not fun
- 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.
Has anyone else experienced this or is this a case of HUACA?
EDIT: HUACA solved, but not fun
Not that I would bother trying to point that out to an agent.
Oct 9, 2022, 7:22 am
#1117
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: EWR
Programs: UA MM GS, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 519
Right, but since it is an unpublished benefit, the agent simply said it does not exist. Anyhow, the next agent was super helpful and able to simply do it
Oct 9, 2022, 6:47 pm
#1118
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
Paid $4,500+ for a round trip to Asia from SFO. Premium Economy seats; pushed for an upgrade from SFO and got it because I was #1 on the list. When I called to ask for the return, GS Agent said no way. You can only upgrade T-72 one way but not able to push for upgrade on both legs.
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
Oct 9, 2022, 7:55 pm
#1119
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 30
Call again
Paid $4,500+ for a round trip to Asia from SFO. Premium Economy seats; pushed for an upgrade from SFO and got it because I was #1 on the list. When I called to ask for the return, GS Agent said no way. You can only upgrade T-72 one way but not able to push for upgrade on both legs.
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
Oct 9, 2022, 8:03 pm
#1120
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 93
Strategy given devalued benefits
I flew a lot of 016 this year, $100k+, but thinking about my strategy for next year. I fly mostly to London, Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, São Paulo, and Jakarta all in paid J. All out of SFO. Rarely fly domestic unless it’s hawaii with the family.
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?
Last edited by kj5hp; Oct 9, 2022 at 8:12 pm
Oct 9, 2022, 8:04 pm
#1121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: BOS, PVG
Programs: United 1K and 1MM, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 10,000
Paid $4,500+ for a round trip to Asia from SFO. Premium Economy seats; pushed for an upgrade from SFO and got it because I was #1 on the list. When I called to ask for the return, GS Agent said no way. You can only upgrade T-72 one way but not able to push for upgrade on both legs.
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
I’ve never heard of this before in 10 years as GS. Do I call back?
$4,500 for Premium Economy? That's expensive.
I see $2,000 premium+ Y to TPE etc.
Oct 9, 2022, 10:03 pm
#1122
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,740
I flew a lot of 016 this year, $100k+, but thinking about my strategy for next year. I fly mostly to London, Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, São Paulo, and Jakarta all in paid J. All out of SFO. Rarely fly domestic unless it’s hawaii with the family.
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?
Oct 10, 2022, 7:59 am
#1123
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA 1MM 1K/AF Plat/Marriott Titanium/Hertz PC (who isn't?)/National Exec Elite/CFA Signature
Posts: 193
In this particular example, the rule is real (though ridiculous) and enforced very consistently IME for the past 6 months.
Oct 10, 2022, 8:02 am
#1124
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CHS
Programs: UA GS, Delta PM/2MM, Marriott Ambassador Elite/Lifetime Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 142
It’s amazing how big my company’s discounts must be. I fly all of those routes, too. This year I have done paid J trips to the same six cities you listed (DEL, CGK, LHR, SIN, DXB and GRU). I have also done five other long-haul J round trips on UA. I will end the year around $60k. You get that in four trips. Crazy.
Yes, should happen automatically but check on it in a few days to make sure.
Last edited by WineCountryUA; Oct 10, 2022 at 2:11 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts by same member
Oct 10, 2022, 8:18 am
#1125
Join Date: Mar 2007
Programs: UA 1MM 1K/AF Plat/Marriott Titanium/Hertz PC (who isn't?)/National Exec Elite/CFA Signature
Posts: 193
I flew a lot of 016 this year, $100k+, but thinking about my strategy for next year. I fly mostly to London, Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, São Paulo, and Jakarta all in paid J. All out of SFO. Rarely fly domestic unless it’s hawaii with the family.
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?
The best flights to London and São Paulo are on United (combo of convenience and Polaris seat / lounge)… let’s just round up and say that.
The best flights to Dubai, Singapore, Delhi, and Jakarta are not on United (in my opinion).
I’ll prob do $40-$50k of spend going to London and São Paulo (4 x $12k avg RT). I wonder if I just fly United on those routes, cross my fingers for GS but be ok if I end up in 1k, and fly other airlines the rest of the time. The service, food, and maybe seat (call it slightly better on Qatar/SQ) are just a lot better. Would miss the miles though for the fam but I’ve got like 1.8m in my acct right now. At like 750k miles toward million miler - maybe I just go for that?
What’s everybody else here doing? I just got back from Singapore and the mid-flight snack (16hr flight) was a bag of chips. Advice from the group?