Dec 31, 2023, 7:13 pm
Last edit by: IAH-OIL-TRASH
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 (rumored to be $75K beginning in 2024). 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&S [2023]
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&S [2023]
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.
- Upgrades clear into PN class rather than PZ class for other elite tiers, which usually have much better availability. Instruments (PlusPoints or miles) 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). Requires that a seat be available on the seat map for assignment.
- Jaguar Tarmac Transfer for tight connections between flights at major hubs (cannot be requested in advance). Occasionally, distance between concourses/gates may result in a transfer.
- 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)
- 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. Only for GS member + 1 companion.
- GS can create saver business award space (IN) if PZ inventory is available. United-operated flights only. 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 3 (three) J class premium seats remain for sale after the upgrade is processed and they are at the top of the waitlist. Within T-24 hours only 2 J class seats need remain. Since fall 2022, agents have been saying its valid for "one exception per PNR," thus only one-way. Having separate one-way PNRs for a round-trip may help, but some agents look for this.
- 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. Update: April 2023, this exception now also requires PZ space to exist for them to open IN. If PZ is not available, then they will open XN for the companion, and PlusPoints can be used to upgrade to PN in the same transaction.
- 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 > 3 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. The passenger being upgraded must be a GS, or the sponsoring GS must be flying on the same flight.
- 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 access VIP Lounge at LHR (former Global First Lounges) when booked in Polaris Business on an international itinerary. One guest permitted (two guests if a United Club member).
- 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
- 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.
Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2024]
Feb 17, 2024, 7:08 am
#122
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,194
Are you using an agent or app to apply your pluspoints. FT reports seem to suggest phone agents are more likely to require the award needed to also be funded by the GS.
Feb 17, 2024, 7:16 am
#123
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: United Global Services, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 62
Applied PPs through APP or website. Started getting "account holder must sign in" (I was logged in) and finally called agent who said non-GS awards couldn't be upgraded with miles or PPs
Feb 17, 2024, 8:37 am
#124
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 702
I haven't tried it, but assume you can still apply plus points to mileage tickets booked with the GS miles even if the GS member isn't flying (I hope so!!!)
Feb 17, 2024, 11:05 am
#125
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: 2,541
Sometime within the last 2 weeks or so they seem have made this change on the website. You can't apply PP anymore to mileage awards booked with miles that aren't from the GS account.
I haven't tried it, but assume you can still apply plus points to mileage tickets booked with the GS miles even if the GS member isn't flying (I hope so!!!)
I haven't tried it, but assume you can still apply plus points to mileage tickets booked with the GS miles even if the GS member isn't flying (I hope so!!!)
Last edited by st530; Feb 17, 2024 at 8:41 pm
Feb 17, 2024, 11:36 am
#126
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: MileagePlus
Posts: 10
Hi, 7 year GS demoted to 1k. I didnt travel much last year due to a difficult pregnancy that required me to cancel several long hauls.
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
Feb 17, 2024, 11:41 am
#127
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA LT Plat 2MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 67,194
Hi, 7 year GS demoted to 1k. I didn’t travel much last year due to a difficult pregnancy that required me to cancel several long hauls.
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
Elite status "holds/leave of absence" (adoption, pregnancy, illness, deployment, ...)
Feb 19, 2024, 4:54 am
#128
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 9
Flying International at SFO
For GS flying international out of SFO:
A few days before my flight, UA splashed a message onto the apps home page informing me that I could be dropped off at door 5 of the international terminal and proceed directly to the Global Services desk for check in. (Or something to this effect).
For us old hands, we remember the days when UA had a dedicated GS check in line at the international terminal. They got rid of this 4-5 years ago, merging it with other premium customers.
Naturally, I thought to myself Yay! They have brought it back!! I last flew international in Oct 2023 and did not get this message so thought it was new for 2024. Since UA got rid of this dedicatee desk, I had been going to the dedicated GS lounge in domestic and walked over to international.
So this time, I got dropped off at international and come to find out there is NO dedicated GS desk. You are lumped in with Polaris. 1Ks, etc. . At the time I arrived, the line was very long and they only had 3 agents there, one of who held a long session with someone who had no status and refused to go to the economy line. I then had to wait a few minutes for TSA pre-check (that wasnt too bad but no swooping to the front of the queue like via GS domestic).
So, each has pros and cons (and odds are the line isnt that long all the time at international). But if you are in a rush, and are able to walk 5-10 minutes (depending on your speed), I would use the GS by door 6 of domestic. Dont fall for the trap like I did! Had they written go directly to the Premiere check in desk I would have known better. Made my flight so no problem but I could see getting antsy if it was a close call.
Happy flying!
A few days before my flight, UA splashed a message onto the apps home page informing me that I could be dropped off at door 5 of the international terminal and proceed directly to the Global Services desk for check in. (Or something to this effect).
For us old hands, we remember the days when UA had a dedicated GS check in line at the international terminal. They got rid of this 4-5 years ago, merging it with other premium customers.
Naturally, I thought to myself Yay! They have brought it back!! I last flew international in Oct 2023 and did not get this message so thought it was new for 2024. Since UA got rid of this dedicatee desk, I had been going to the dedicated GS lounge in domestic and walked over to international.
So this time, I got dropped off at international and come to find out there is NO dedicated GS desk. You are lumped in with Polaris. 1Ks, etc. . At the time I arrived, the line was very long and they only had 3 agents there, one of who held a long session with someone who had no status and refused to go to the economy line. I then had to wait a few minutes for TSA pre-check (that wasnt too bad but no swooping to the front of the queue like via GS domestic).
So, each has pros and cons (and odds are the line isnt that long all the time at international). But if you are in a rush, and are able to walk 5-10 minutes (depending on your speed), I would use the GS by door 6 of domestic. Dont fall for the trap like I did! Had they written go directly to the Premiere check in desk I would have known better. Made my flight so no problem but I could see getting antsy if it was a close call.
Happy flying!
Feb 19, 2024, 11:02 am
#129
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 491
If anyone tried please let me know
Feb 20, 2024, 8:22 am
#130
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: UA GS
Posts: 145
Hi, 7 year GS demoted to 1k. I didn’t travel much last year due to a difficult pregnancy that required me to cancel several long hauls.
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
I called the GS line last year in anticipation of this and was told by GS rep that I should appeal if/when I lose my status.
1\ Where do I appeal?
2\ Anyone try and be successful with this?
3\ If they offered a challenge, would travel prior to the challenge but completed in 2024 count?
United offers a "paternity status extension." I do not have experience with this as GS but was able to get 1K extended with this a few years ago so this is my recollection of the process as of then:
You call the mileage plus service center and they should send you an email. The email has a link to upload documents. You then need to upload a birth certificate or other medical documents (doctor's note or what have you). In my case the birth had to be within the past 24 months. They then gave me the status for another year.
In my case, I would have dropped from 1K to gold, but I got 1K for another year from the extension.
I would hope they would do the same thing for GS as well. Let us know please.
Feb 20, 2024, 11:54 am
#131
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: seat 1A
Programs: UA GS 2MM, Marriott Life Titanium, some other stuff
Posts: 162
Do we know that manual ORC adjustments hit the mystical GS revenue counter widget? From a purely IT standpoint I'd imagine it's a different system, seeing as how the official PQP counter is including things that GS criteria exclude (ie; non-UA metal, etc). It's a corner case but I'd be curious to know if anyone's had this definitively answered.
Feb 21, 2024, 5:36 am
#133
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 702
You wouldve gotten them when you hit the 1K criteria in 2023, and again when you hit the 1K criteria in 2024. No additional PP for GS except when you hit the bonus PQP thresholds.
Feb 21, 2024, 7:57 am
#134
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,119
Feb 21, 2024, 8:22 am
#135
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: SFO
Programs: UA GS 2mm
Posts: 96
I got mine last week when I hit the $24k spend for this year (I actually think it was like $22.75 spend or something bc they gave us some bonus PQP at the beginning). Normal deposit process, nothing diff. Showed up automatically.