May 16, 2024, 2:00 pm
Last edit by: UA_Flyer
Copied and Pasted over from the 2024 GS Qualification Thread.
2024 GS Qualification spreadsheet. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Please enter as much data as you have available for prior years too.
2024 GS Qualification spreadsheet. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
Please enter as much data as you have available for prior years too.
Here are links to spreadsheets from years past. Unfortunately I was not able to find the links for 2019, 2021 and 2022. If anyone has them, please post. This might be useful to look back at historical spends needed to qualify for GS:
- 2015 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...#gid=169284546
- 2016 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...8TM/edit#gid=0
- 2017 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...FUU/edit#gid=0
- 2018 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing
- 2019
- 2020 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...t#gid=71707894
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...sC4/edit#gid=0
Here is my link for 2019
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1926936637
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...gid=1926936637
GS 2025 Qualifications …. planning, insights and guesses?
May 23, 2024, 4:31 am
#61
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,932
On a flight in February, an FA asked a 1k “what are you doing back here?” He explained that despite spending about $100k, the CEO wasn’t invited back to GS. He retaliated by mandating that all company flights on United are only reimbursed if flying in Basic Economy. Of the 40 to 50 people impacted, fewer than ten remained with United. Most deserted to Delta, some to American. Others are buying United tickets through a *A partner, but he expects that route will be shut down too.
I wonder does that sort of information filter its way back to the people who matter?
I wonder does that sort of information filter its way back to the people who matter?
May 23, 2024, 11:20 am
#62
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,134
I am based in a UA hub, but am far from captive.
All of UA’s hubs, except DEN, have a lot of international carriers. Almost everywhere I fly - 90% international - requires a connection. Being GS keeps me on UA. If I wasn’t, I would hit 1K and the other $45k would go elsewhere. So it would be shortsighted to assume “hub-dwellers” are stuck. It’s true domestically but not so much internationally.
It’s hard to know what UA is planning this year. On one hand, having more GSs is a good thing for them. It improves loyalty without a lot of added cost. Very few benefits cost UA incrementally:
The only benefit that has a potential cost, that I can think of, is the forced segment upgrade. It’s not an advertised benefit, most GSs likely don’t know it exists, and now that it’s limited to a single segment the risk/use is lower.
My takeaway is UA should welcome a manageable-sized GS population. It’s a powerful tool that generates loyalty. Reducing the ranks to create more exclusivity would be foolish, in my opinion.
If you assume the lowest qualification threshold, $50k, it means $26k ($50k-$24k 1K threshold) would be at risk from everyone being cut. That’s nowhere near the spend they put against the GS program.
All of UA’s hubs, except DEN, have a lot of international carriers. Almost everywhere I fly - 90% international - requires a connection. Being GS keeps me on UA. If I wasn’t, I would hit 1K and the other $45k would go elsewhere. So it would be shortsighted to assume “hub-dwellers” are stuck. It’s true domestically but not so much internationally.
It’s hard to know what UA is planning this year. On one hand, having more GSs is a good thing for them. It improves loyalty without a lot of added cost. Very few benefits cost UA incrementally:
- GS lobbies are built and staffed
- GS phone agents aren’t dedicated
- Upgrade space is handled through Revenue Management, and only offered if needed
- Miles and Plus Points are awarded at exactly the same rate as 1Ks
The only benefit that has a potential cost, that I can think of, is the forced segment upgrade. It’s not an advertised benefit, most GSs likely don’t know it exists, and now that it’s limited to a single segment the risk/use is lower.
My takeaway is UA should welcome a manageable-sized GS population. It’s a powerful tool that generates loyalty. Reducing the ranks to create more exclusivity would be foolish, in my opinion.
If you assume the lowest qualification threshold, $50k, it means $26k ($50k-$24k 1K threshold) would be at risk from everyone being cut. That’s nowhere near the spend they put against the GS program.
May 25, 2024, 4:33 pm
#63
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 12
I have chased and achieved GS for over 10 years now. I must say though that I think this going to be my last year of the "chase" for many reasons:
1) United's flight cancellations, crew delays, equipment issues at non-United hubs has been staggering for me this year (ATL and DFW).
2) Aging fleet is substandard compared to many even on premium routes. The 777s with the 2-4-2 config are simply a joke.
3) SFO is my hub, however the maintenance issues here for United are way above normal. Its a mess here.
4) Fighting thru the multiple 1K folks at the gate because they have no other place to line up is just not what I feel like doing on every flight.
5) I do 65-75 of spend each year on J Fares but the per flight cost in comparison to Delta and American for the J Fares is just getting out of hand.
Anyone else feeling this way or am I just being unreasonable?
1) United's flight cancellations, crew delays, equipment issues at non-United hubs has been staggering for me this year (ATL and DFW).
2) Aging fleet is substandard compared to many even on premium routes. The 777s with the 2-4-2 config are simply a joke.
3) SFO is my hub, however the maintenance issues here for United are way above normal. Its a mess here.
4) Fighting thru the multiple 1K folks at the gate because they have no other place to line up is just not what I feel like doing on every flight.
5) I do 65-75 of spend each year on J Fares but the per flight cost in comparison to Delta and American for the J Fares is just getting out of hand.
Anyone else feeling this way or am I just being unreasonable?
May 25, 2024, 4:53 pm
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Honolulu Harbor
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 15,152
I've flown UA 20 times so far this year. Only one extended delay. Experiences may vary, obviously.
May 25, 2024, 5:41 pm
#65
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: 6,589
Yeah that's the problem -- I've had five flights this year and three went sideways -- all international.... One's individual experience always colors your opinion.....
May 27, 2024, 5:26 am
#66
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AADULtArer
Posts: 5,932
im just glad you made your GS challenge so that I am allowed to talk to you again.
Sushi in Sendai 2024!
after being axed from the GS program because most of my tickets were OPM
May 27, 2024, 6:19 am
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,445
If X = Corporation receiving a substantial negotiated discount, UA does not want to "pay" for their employees twice.
So, yes, UA cares where the Other People's Money (OPM) comes from.
May 27, 2024, 7:57 am
#68
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: IAH & CMH
Programs: UA GS, UA MM, Marriott Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Uber Platinum :)
Posts: 797
and I don’t mean referencing someone who spent $60K and didn’t get GS….
Nobody knows for sure… and there’s contradictory evidence such as the ppl suddenly getting GS after being demoted (theory = demotion was a glitch, nothing to do with source of $).
The company I work for gets a substantial corporate discount (I’m guessing in top 20 customers), and I got GS with $50K spend… (booked via AmEx travel services). The majority of my tickets are Z fares.
My guess is they tweak their formula every year, taking into account frequency, hub, fare type, spend, etc. but a $ is a $, even if it’s a discounted fare.
for the ppl that didn’t make it with spend on 016 metal (minus starter bonuses etc) of over $60K I’d be interested to know what the breakdown of all their tickets / fare class was…
May 27, 2024, 8:42 am
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
Programs: UA Silver, Hilton Silver. Life: UA .57 MM, United & Admirals Clubs (spousal), Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,445
Obviously UA is not going to disclose their algorithms. All we can go by are reports of those affected, including you.
May 27, 2024, 6:40 pm
#70
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Doylestown, PA, USA
Programs: UA 1k Marriott Titanium
Posts: 555
please publish an actual source for this statement.
and I don’t mean referencing someone who spent $60K and didn’t get GS….
Nobody knows for sure… and there’s contradictory evidence such as the ppl suddenly getting GS after being demoted (theory = demotion was a glitch, nothing to do with source of $).
The company I work for gets a substantial corporate discount (I’m guessing in top 20 customers), and I got GS with $50K spend… (booked via AmEx travel services). The majority of my tickets are Z fares.
My guess is they tweak their formula every year, taking into account frequency, hub, fare type, spend, etc. but a $ is a $, even if it’s a discounted fare.
for the ppl that didn’t make it with spend on 016 metal (minus starter bonuses etc) of over $60K I’d be interested to know what the breakdown of all their tickets / fare class was…
and I don’t mean referencing someone who spent $60K and didn’t get GS….
Nobody knows for sure… and there’s contradictory evidence such as the ppl suddenly getting GS after being demoted (theory = demotion was a glitch, nothing to do with source of $).
The company I work for gets a substantial corporate discount (I’m guessing in top 20 customers), and I got GS with $50K spend… (booked via AmEx travel services). The majority of my tickets are Z fares.
My guess is they tweak their formula every year, taking into account frequency, hub, fare type, spend, etc. but a $ is a $, even if it’s a discounted fare.
for the ppl that didn’t make it with spend on 016 metal (minus starter bonuses etc) of over $60K I’d be interested to know what the breakdown of all their tickets / fare class was…
lots of people did double what I did on OPM and are 1ks today.
May 27, 2024, 8:52 pm
#71
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 124
please publish an actual source for this statement.
and I don’t mean referencing someone who spent $60K and didn’t get GS….
Nobody knows for sure… and there’s contradictory evidence such as the ppl suddenly getting GS after being demoted (theory = demotion was a glitch, nothing to do with source of $).
The company I work for gets a substantial corporate discount (I’m guessing in top 20 customers), and I got GS with $50K spend… (booked via AmEx travel services). The majority of my tickets are Z fares.
My guess is they tweak their formula every year, taking into account frequency, hub, fare type, spend, etc. but a $ is a $, even if it’s a discounted fare.
for the ppl that didn’t make it with spend on 016 metal (minus starter bonuses etc) of over $60K I’d be interested to know what the breakdown of all their tickets / fare class was…
and I don’t mean referencing someone who spent $60K and didn’t get GS….
Nobody knows for sure… and there’s contradictory evidence such as the ppl suddenly getting GS after being demoted (theory = demotion was a glitch, nothing to do with source of $).
The company I work for gets a substantial corporate discount (I’m guessing in top 20 customers), and I got GS with $50K spend… (booked via AmEx travel services). The majority of my tickets are Z fares.
My guess is they tweak their formula every year, taking into account frequency, hub, fare type, spend, etc. but a $ is a $, even if it’s a discounted fare.
for the ppl that didn’t make it with spend on 016 metal (minus starter bonuses etc) of over $60K I’d be interested to know what the breakdown of all their tickets / fare class was…
May 27, 2024, 9:19 pm
#72
Join Date: Jul 2013
Programs: DYKWIA, But I'm a "Diamond Guest" UA 1K/2MM
Posts: 2,277
I'm 700K from 3MM on United, but I am unlikely to go for it.
People say that the domestic 3 are all the same, but I find that the Alaska-Qatar-BA combination works pretty well. Alaska is awesome!
May 28, 2024, 8:50 am
#73
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: TPA
Programs: UA GS; Marriott Titanium / LT Plat
Posts: 683
Over 200 people at my company, most of whom had been GS for several years, lost their GS status this year. My personal spend was over $130k all on United metal. I wasn’t the high spender. There were lots of examples of that this year discussed on the 2024 GS status thread. The common theme was people whose tickets were purchased via a corporate vendor. A couple weeks ago, the people at my company were returned to GS status. No explanation. Simply a “welcome to GS” email from United.
You were at $130K, didn't make it, but now back to GS without explanation (just the email) -- you were one of the ones who got it back?
May 28, 2024, 9:16 am
#74
Join Date: May 2002
Location: US
Programs: UA GS 2MM
Posts: 1,757
I simply said, in my opinion, it would be foolish to reduce GS population to create more exclusivity. There doesn’t appear to be a lot of incremental cost to adding one more GS and there are plenty of data points - me being one - where the program has increased loyalty.
Your point about not having all the information is correct. But by that logic, we should not have this speculative thread around 2025 “qualification insights and guesses.” We should shut it down because none of us have “access to United’s internal data.” - no guesses allowed.