Consolidated Global Services Thread: Benefits, Questions, Experiences [2025]
Subscribe-
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Dec 31, 2024, 5:30 am by wxguyUnited Global Services ("GS") is the highest tier of MileagePlus elite status. It is by invitation only, reviewed annually -- the invite criteria are 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 2024/2025). The sole published way to qualify is to become a 4MM, having flown four 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. Many of the GS benefits are unpublished, and criteria seem to change from time-to-time. This thread is an excellent source of current information, though "your mileage may vary."
Last year's thread: Consolidated Global Services Thread - Qualifications, Benefits and Experiences [2024]
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 check-in 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) are 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; 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. Note that this program is in flux for 2025. In-terminal golf cart transfers are provided in some cases.
- 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.
Quote:
HND-ORD ON (Premium Economy) shows PN9 so upgrade cleared immediately
ORD-BOS XN shows "Upgrade Not Available".
I called GS line and the agent told me that it would require an additional 20 PP to upgrade ORD-BOS.
Does this sound right?
Does not sound right but I have had the same thing happen. The agent said that the domestic connection was not eligible for upgrading at the time of ticketing and the international leg cleared when I applied the PPS. Said I must have overlooked this. Originally Posted by kb1992
Booked a PE award ticket for a relative and tried to upgrade using 30 plus pointsHND-ORD ON (Premium Economy) shows PN9 so upgrade cleared immediately
ORD-BOS XN shows "Upgrade Not Available".
I called GS line and the agent told me that it would require an additional 20 PP to upgrade ORD-BOS.
Does this sound right?
When the domestic leg later "became eligible for upgrading" I had to apply additional PPs or remove the upgrade and reapply for both segments together (and would have been waitlisted at this point). Second call the agent took care of it "as an exception" which I was happy with. Try calling again? For GS using their plus points and miles all tickets are eligible for upgrading, even if the system hiccups and burps while ticketing.
I'm on what will probably be my last trip as United GS. Just in case I forgot how crappy it is:
* I got to SFO this morning (Jan 1) at 8 am to see it the most crowded I've ever experienced. Thank goodness for the GS reception, right? Nope. Apparently, it's closed for the morning.
* Once again, I'm at the top of the upgrade waitlist, with GS status and Plus Points applied, only to see the last couple of seats sold for TOD as I wait in the very long security line
* I got to SFO this morning (Jan 1) at 8 am to see it the most crowded I've ever experienced. Thank goodness for the GS reception, right? Nope. Apparently, it's closed for the morning.
* Once again, I'm at the top of the upgrade waitlist, with GS status and Plus Points applied, only to see the last couple of seats sold for TOD as I wait in the very long security line
Quote:
When the domestic leg later "became eligible for upgrading" I had to apply additional PPs or remove the upgrade and reapply for both segments together (and would have been waitlisted at this point).
Second call the agent took care of it "as an exception" which I was happy with. Try calling again? For GS using their plus points and miles all tickets are eligible for upgrading, even if the system hiccups and burps while ticketing.
Originally Posted by uanj
Does not sound right but I have had the same thing happen. The agent said that the domestic connection was not eligible for upgrading at the time of ticketing and the international leg cleared when I applied the PPS. Said I must have overlooked this. When the domestic leg later "became eligible for upgrading" I had to apply additional PPs or remove the upgrade and reapply for both segments together (and would have been waitlisted at this point).Second call the agent took care of it "as an exception" which I was happy with. Try calling again? For GS using their plus points and miles all tickets are eligible for upgrading, even if the system hiccups and burps while ticketing.
Ive experienced this multiple times. Usually solved by HUACA
Quote:
* I got to SFO this morning (Jan 1) at 8 am to see it the most crowded I've ever experienced. Thank goodness for the GS reception, right? Nope. Apparently, it's closed for the morning.
* Once again, I'm at the top of the upgrade waitlist, with GS status and Plus Points applied, only to see the last couple of seats sold for TOD as I wait in the very long security line
I know your pain - traveling on 1/1 is always pretty awful - after UA wouldnt upgrade my wife from Tokyo to New York after spending $4.5k one way for a flight on 1/3 we took a flight today - never seen Haneda so bad - and our first bus gate departure in 10 years from Japan - just too many flights and not enough people working - security was backed up out the door - never seen it so bad.Originally Posted by porciuscato
I'm on what will probably be my last trip as United GS. Just in case I forgot how crappy it is:* I got to SFO this morning (Jan 1) at 8 am to see it the most crowded I've ever experienced. Thank goodness for the GS reception, right? Nope. Apparently, it's closed for the morning.
* Once again, I'm at the top of the upgrade waitlist, with GS status and Plus Points applied, only to see the last couple of seats sold for TOD as I wait in the very long security line
We recently got a new place in Florida - our new home airport is RSW - and Ive been fascinated watching how UA has monetized F - basically if you dont pay for it - dont count on it - they would rather sell the seat for $99 than give a GS an upgrade for free
Happy New Year my friend!
2025 is my year of becoming a free agent. Wished I had been able to taste the sweet years of being GS.
Quote:
Yeah -- that's the sucky part -- it was really good for many years -- honestly felt like a rock star sometimes. Those days are long gone though....Originally Posted by NJSwamplands
2025 is my year of becoming a free agent. Wished I had been able to taste the sweet years of being GS.
I'm thinking it is better that you didn't taste the good life -- it's less bitter that way.,...
Quote:
I typically try to avoid EWR at all costs but I have a trip coming up in March where I land on a Saturday evening and then have to fly out again on Sunday afternoon so I am trying to maximize the small amount of time at home. I know ORD and IAH well for INTL/DOM transfers but much so with EWR and IAD. Is GS likely to be of any more benefit at any of these xfr points?
Here are my choices:
I know other people have mentioned the FRA flight, but dont entirely rule out MUC or LHR if the price isnt too bad. Remember that LHR has the last remaining quality GS staff that have saved the day for me time and time again (I hope thats still the case).Originally Posted by limey1K
Need some advice....I typically try to avoid EWR at all costs but I have a trip coming up in March where I land on a Saturday evening and then have to fly out again on Sunday afternoon so I am trying to maximize the small amount of time at home. I know ORD and IAH well for INTL/DOM transfers but much so with EWR and IAD. Is GS likely to be of any more benefit at any of these xfr points?
Here are my choices:
To prevent issues on the day of travel, Id highly highly highly (did I say highly?) recommend taking a train for your intra-Europe connection. DB operates a train thats ~3.5 hours to FRA. No bus to deal with and can often times be cheaper when booking so far in advance.
Anyone else looking forward to the FCO-DEN flights in May?
Quote:
To prevent issues on the day of travel, Id highly highly highly (did I say highly?) recommend taking a train for your intra-Europe connection. DB operates a train thats ~3.5 hours to FRA. No bus to deal with and can often times be cheaper when booking so far in advance.
Anyone else looking forward to the FCO-DEN flights in May?
I am looking forward to DEN-FCO :-)Originally Posted by brockandroll
I know other people have mentioned the FRA flight, but dont entirely rule out MUC or LHR if the price isnt too bad. Remember that LHR has the last remaining quality GS staff that have saved the day for me time and time again (I hope thats still the case).To prevent issues on the day of travel, Id highly highly highly (did I say highly?) recommend taking a train for your intra-Europe connection. DB operates a train thats ~3.5 hours to FRA. No bus to deal with and can often times be cheaper when booking so far in advance.
Anyone else looking forward to the FCO-DEN flights in May?
I am actually ending the day in The Hague, taking the train to AMS and flying LH to FRA that night. I'll jump on the FRA-DEN flight in the morning and be back in DEN by 2:30pm!
Thanks everyone for the advice!
Quote:
I have found the LH to UA transfer from cityline to be much more consistent at MUC instead of FRA. I'd take the IAD transfer point, it's doable in 90 minutes.Originally Posted by limey1K
I looked at that option but I wasn't sure if the LH to UA transfer included the potential for a bus ride form the LH leg to the terminal. I had a CityLine LH leg this year that was late getting me to MUC with a 90 min connect time, then adding in the bus ride and immigration and I was one of the last to board the MUC-DEN flight.
Quote:
I posted this comparison a while back - since I wrote it I’ve regained GS so I now have both GS and CK. In the time since I previously was GS United seems to have devalued some of the options for opening inventory for award tickets and upgrades for traveling companions but otherwise what I wrote still mostly holds except upgrade success has gone down a lot for both programs. I am nearly 1MM on United which will neutralize the status for my wife advantage for CK (actually advantage United since she would get GS vs EXP).Originally Posted by limey1K
Just curious if anyone on here is GS and also CK or 360 and if so, if you'd be willing to share the qualifications/experiences with the other "top tiers"? Thx
I've had top tier status on Delta, United, and American over the years. Never at the same time so not a head to head comparison but evolving over time as my travel shifted. When I moved to the US (Knoxville) in 1998 it was a Delta market - the joke was when you died you'd first go to Atlanta and then find out where you final destination was. Initially highest status was Platinum but somewhere along the way I got an unpublished status called Executive Partner. This may have been somewhat 360 like but really it was more what became Diamond, some extra perks but nothing special. I think 360 came later but I never had it so can't really comment.
In 2010 when Continental merged with United I took a look at schedules and decided United would work better for me, status matched to 1K and within a year or two was elevated to GS. This was definitely a step up from what I had with Delta in terms of perks although I did (and do) miss the generally friendly service mentality and newer fleet of DL. I had GS until I moved to Santa Fe in 2018 which is a small airport but has much more AA service. I status matched to EXP and the following year became CK and have been ever since. Some things have changed between the GS (2012-2018) and CK (2019-2023) periods - notably Flagship and Polaris - so not a totally apples to apples comparison.
In terms of differences I would say both provide very good backstop against disruption - in my experience CK has been more aggressively proactive in finding and blocking alternative solutions quickly even before I call so I'd give the edge to AA on that although GS was quite good also and I would rank this as one the most valued benefits (getting home no matter what...). +1 CK
I quite like the Flagship lounge access as I almost always go through DFW. Polaris was only just announced when I left UA but I would say the limitation to GS on international business is a negative compared to AA. I use Flagship on domestic economy a lot and enjoy being able to get something better than lentil soup for a meal even if it's not the full Flagship Dining. +1 CK
I received tarmac transfers with both GS and CK. I only recall getting them on connections to international flights in ORD while GS, I get that with CK but also have had tarmac transfers on tight domestic connections at DFW which on several occasions saved a connection (in a sense part of the IRROPS CK service). Maybe someone with more recent GS experience can comment on whether that is possible - I didn't see it. +1 CK
I think the one area where GS has the edge was in freeing up availability for premium class miles seats or upgrades. There were various things that GS agents could do to accommodate you moving around inventory. It was somewhat arcane and basically assumed you were spending time on Flyertalk to even understand what was possible. Agent knowledge was also a bit uneven so sometimes it took some effort/HUCA. +1 GS
Last year and this year I got the opportunity to extend EXP status to someone - in my case my wife. She absolutely loves this when she isn't traveling with me and even though her upgrade rate isn't very high due to less than normal EXP LP it is valued. At least when I was GS this didn't happen. She has almost taken to encouraging me to travel more so I don't lose CK - from Apr 1-20 she was kind of like the recent postings from defrocked CK flyers in frame of mind. +2 CK
I have had very high upgrade success in both programs - not 100% but probably not far off 90%. tie CK/GS
General level of service with dedicated lines is pretty much a wash - both very good. tie GS/CK
If I rack it all up I would say AA Concierge Key is better but in the end my loyalty has been determined by which airline gets me where I am going with the most efficient and timely routing. If I moved back to Knoxville I'd stay with AA because they are now very strong there (post US AA merger) but if I were more logically tied to a United hub I'd probably switch and be content with GS. Tie in convenience would go to AA.
Quote:
In my 4 years as GS, I have never received a christmas card nor "well done" cards.Originally Posted by drklain
Anyone receive a gift box or anything for Global Services this holiday period? Got my requal in early December but only received a Christmas card with some "well done" cards to hand out. No box of goodies like in previous years or any mention of baggage tags. Perhaps they are waiting until January this year? I vaguely remember getting the items before Christmas in previous years....
Quote:
I've had top tier status on Delta, United, and American over the years. Never at the same time so not a head to head comparison but evolving over time as my travel shifted. When I moved to the US (Knoxville) in 1998 it was a Delta market - the joke was when you died you'd first go to Atlanta and then find out where you final destination was. Initially highest status was Platinum but somewhere along the way I got an unpublished status called Executive Partner. This may have been somewhat 360 like but really it was more what became Diamond, some extra perks but nothing special. I think 360 came later but I never had it so can't really comment.
In 2010 when Continental merged with United I took a look at schedules and decided United would work better for me, status matched to 1K and within a year or two was elevated to GS. This was definitely a step up from what I had with Delta in terms of perks although I did (and do) miss the generally friendly service mentality and newer fleet of DL. I had GS until I moved to Santa Fe in 2018 which is a small airport but has much more AA service. I status matched to EXP and the following year became CK and have been ever since. Some things have changed between the GS (2012-2018) and CK (2019-2023) periods - notably Flagship and Polaris - so not a totally apples to apples comparison.
In terms of differences I would say both provide very good backstop against disruption - in my experience CK has been more aggressively proactive in finding and blocking alternative solutions quickly even before I call so I'd give the edge to AA on that although GS was quite good also and I would rank this as one the most valued benefits (getting home no matter what...). +1 CK
I quite like the Flagship lounge access as I almost always go through DFW. Polaris was only just announced when I left UA but I would say the limitation to GS on international business is a negative compared to AA. I use Flagship on domestic economy a lot and enjoy being able to get something better than lentil soup for a meal even if it's not the full Flagship Dining. +1 CK
I received tarmac transfers with both GS and CK. I only recall getting them on connections to international flights in ORD while GS, I get that with CK but also have had tarmac transfers on tight domestic connections at DFW which on several occasions saved a connection (in a sense part of the IRROPS CK service). Maybe someone with more recent GS experience can comment on whether that is possible - I didn't see it. +1 CK
I think the one area where GS has the edge was in freeing up availability for premium class miles seats or upgrades. There were various things that GS agents could do to accommodate you moving around inventory. It was somewhat arcane and basically assumed you were spending time on Flyertalk to even understand what was possible. Agent knowledge was also a bit uneven so sometimes it took some effort/HUCA. +1 GS
Last year and this year I got the opportunity to extend EXP status to someone - in my case my wife. She absolutely loves this when she isn't traveling with me and even though her upgrade rate isn't very high due to less than normal EXP LP it is valued. At least when I was GS this didn't happen. She has almost taken to encouraging me to travel more so I don't lose CK - from Apr 1-20 she was kind of like the recent postings from defrocked CK flyers in frame of mind. +2 CK
I have had very high upgrade success in both programs - not 100% but probably not far off 90%. tie CK/GS
General level of service with dedicated lines is pretty much a wash - both very good. tie GS/CK
If I rack it all up I would say AA Concierge Key is better but in the end my loyalty has been determined by which airline gets me where I am going with the most efficient and timely routing. If I moved back to Knoxville I'd stay with AA because they are now very strong there (post US AA merger) but if I were more logically tied to a United hub I'd probably switch and be content with GS. Tie in convenience would go to AA.
wow and thank you! I really appreciate all the effort you put into this. Originally Posted by sqw
I posted this comparison a while back - since I wrote it Ive regained GS so I now have both GS and CK. In the time since I previously was GS United seems to have devalued some of the options for opening inventory for award tickets and upgrades for traveling companions but otherwise what I wrote still mostly holds except upgrade success has gone down a lot for both programs. I am nearly 1MM on United which will neutralize the status for my wife advantage for CK (actually advantage United since she would get GS vs EXP).I've had top tier status on Delta, United, and American over the years. Never at the same time so not a head to head comparison but evolving over time as my travel shifted. When I moved to the US (Knoxville) in 1998 it was a Delta market - the joke was when you died you'd first go to Atlanta and then find out where you final destination was. Initially highest status was Platinum but somewhere along the way I got an unpublished status called Executive Partner. This may have been somewhat 360 like but really it was more what became Diamond, some extra perks but nothing special. I think 360 came later but I never had it so can't really comment.
In 2010 when Continental merged with United I took a look at schedules and decided United would work better for me, status matched to 1K and within a year or two was elevated to GS. This was definitely a step up from what I had with Delta in terms of perks although I did (and do) miss the generally friendly service mentality and newer fleet of DL. I had GS until I moved to Santa Fe in 2018 which is a small airport but has much more AA service. I status matched to EXP and the following year became CK and have been ever since. Some things have changed between the GS (2012-2018) and CK (2019-2023) periods - notably Flagship and Polaris - so not a totally apples to apples comparison.
In terms of differences I would say both provide very good backstop against disruption - in my experience CK has been more aggressively proactive in finding and blocking alternative solutions quickly even before I call so I'd give the edge to AA on that although GS was quite good also and I would rank this as one the most valued benefits (getting home no matter what...). +1 CK
I quite like the Flagship lounge access as I almost always go through DFW. Polaris was only just announced when I left UA but I would say the limitation to GS on international business is a negative compared to AA. I use Flagship on domestic economy a lot and enjoy being able to get something better than lentil soup for a meal even if it's not the full Flagship Dining. +1 CK
I received tarmac transfers with both GS and CK. I only recall getting them on connections to international flights in ORD while GS, I get that with CK but also have had tarmac transfers on tight domestic connections at DFW which on several occasions saved a connection (in a sense part of the IRROPS CK service). Maybe someone with more recent GS experience can comment on whether that is possible - I didn't see it. +1 CK
I think the one area where GS has the edge was in freeing up availability for premium class miles seats or upgrades. There were various things that GS agents could do to accommodate you moving around inventory. It was somewhat arcane and basically assumed you were spending time on Flyertalk to even understand what was possible. Agent knowledge was also a bit uneven so sometimes it took some effort/HUCA. +1 GS
Last year and this year I got the opportunity to extend EXP status to someone - in my case my wife. She absolutely loves this when she isn't traveling with me and even though her upgrade rate isn't very high due to less than normal EXP LP it is valued. At least when I was GS this didn't happen. She has almost taken to encouraging me to travel more so I don't lose CK - from Apr 1-20 she was kind of like the recent postings from defrocked CK flyers in frame of mind. +2 CK
I have had very high upgrade success in both programs - not 100% but probably not far off 90%. tie CK/GS
General level of service with dedicated lines is pretty much a wash - both very good. tie GS/CK
If I rack it all up I would say AA Concierge Key is better but in the end my loyalty has been determined by which airline gets me where I am going with the most efficient and timely routing. If I moved back to Knoxville I'd stay with AA because they are now very strong there (post US AA merger) but if I were more logically tied to a United hub I'd probably switch and be content with GS. Tie in convenience would go to AA.
Quote:
GS today is a sad shadow of what it was back then in this regard. Though it still may be ahead of CK/360.Originally Posted by sqw
I think the one area where GS has the edge was in freeing up availability for premium class miles seats or upgrades. There were various things that GS agents could do to accommodate you moving around inventory. It was somewhat arcane and basically assumed you were spending time on Flyertalk to even understand what was possible. Agent knowledge was also a bit uneven so sometimes it took some effort/HUCA. +1 GS
Quote:
Now that I'm GS, my experience so far is that yes, it's of course better than 1K is today, but I felt more special as a 1K 20-25 years ago than I do as a GS now. Some of the agents though are absolute gems - but I found a few of those as a 1K too. Originally Posted by ctownflyer
GS today is a sad shadow of what it was back then in this regard. Though it still may be ahead of CK/360.
Only one flight so far this year which was FRA-SFO. There were 7 GS in Polaris, and all of them had family with them, for a total of 26 GS-related passengers according to the purser. The mattress pads were "reserved" for GS and it was quite comical to see the FA's try to hide them when distributing to avoid non-GS pax asking for them. Slippers, otoh, were pro-actively handed out to the entire cabin, which is something I've never seen before trans-atlantic.
The irony I'm starting to see about GS is that if you're having to fly paid J to earn it, the only truly meaningful benefits it provides you are IRROPS handling and upgrade priority (plus award upgrades etc.) for your family and friends using your miles and plus points. Not diminishing those at all, but it's hard to rationalize actively seeing out GS on UA for that if it would cause you to spend extra $.