The Guide to United Global Services

Many United Airlines passengers achieve elite status each year. The most loyal flyers even reach Premier 1K status, which is the highest status in the MileagePlus program.

But, there is a tier higher than Premier 1K that’s not published on the airline’s Premier status page. It’s called Global Services.

You can expect five-star service and top-notch treatment as a United Global Services Member, both on the ground and in the air.

How to get the Global Services status with United. What benefits can you expect?

What are United Global Services?

United Global Services, an invitation-only level of the United MileagePlus program is above the publicly-listed Premier 1K.

Global Services members have many benefits such as priority boarding, priority security screening, priority upgrade priority, United Club access, language assistance and United Club access.

United Global Services makes the airport experience all about you. United Global Services offers top-tier members access to help and support for passengers who need it outside the airport.

Members of United Global Services receive all perks and a similar VIP service, the United Signature Service.

United Signature Service is offered by Global Airport Concierge at these airports:

How do you qualify for United status?

You can move up the status ladder if you fly more often with United and its partners. You can enjoy more perks the higher your status.

You must fly at least four segments on United to be eligible for elite status in MileagePlus.

To qualify for Premier 1K status, you will need to fly at least 54 Premier Qualifying Flights (or PQFs) and spend $18,000 or $24,000 on United flights. Premier Qualifying points, or PQPs are calculated based on any flight purchased.

How do I get United Global Services

While there is no set criteria for this status, it is believed that you will need to spend at least $50,000 annually on United flights via its booking platform and fly at least 150,000 miles per year.

The elite status table outlined above really puts things in perspective. It is more than twice the requirements for Premier 1K status.

Another way to become a Global Services Member is to fly 4 million lifetime miles with United. This exclusive status tier won’t come easy or cheap.

The benefits of being a United Global Services Member

You can be sure that United will give you extra special treatment after you have spent so much money on one airline. While not all Global Services perks have been made public, you can still expect the following.

Global Services members don’t need to wait in general check-in lines to check their luggage if you are traveling close to the flight. You can use a private check-in lane at San Francisco, Newark, and Chicago-O’Hare airports.

Global Services members can board United aircraft with unaccompanied minors, disabled passengers, active military personnel, families with children under two years old, and Premier 1K members.

United has a clearing system that determines who gets the best seat. Global Services members are at the top of this list. This is a great advantage for trans-Atlantic or trans-Pacific flights that are booked in economy.

A designated concierge will keep track of flight changes and book you a rebooking without any hassle if your flight is delayed or canceled. Sometimes, you will not even be aware of cancellations. Your name will be placed on the rebooking waiting list.

You might be able to ride in style from your next gate in a Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar, or Jaguar if your layover is brief and you don’t want to miss your flight.

Global Services members are eligible for Star Alliance Gold membership which includes benefits when flying with Star Alliance airlines.

Perks include priority check-in at airports, priority baggage handling, airport lounge access and access to airport lounges.

Global Services members can access United Club lounges when flying domestically on United flights. All passengers who have a Polaris ticket are eligible to use the Polaris lounges, even Global Services passengers.

A spouse who lives with you can share your Global Services benefits. They don’t even need to travel on the same route to enjoy the perks.

You can also buy a cash flight and have your travel companion join you at the same time for the price of a savings award ticket in miles. This applies regardless of which class you fly in. This is useful if you want your spouse or partner to accompany you on a business trip.

Don’t be put off by long wait times or annoying hold music. Global Services members have 24/7 access to United Global Services’ phone number and a dedicated email address.

United Global Services, recapped

To be invited to United Global Services requires a lot of money and time. Only the most successful elites are allowed to join. Many flyers won’t be invited to United Global Services, so don’t worry if you don’t see Global Services on your boarding card.

Having MileagePlus Premier 1K status allows you to enjoy many significant benefits from United. However, if you are lucky enough to be invited into the Global Services circle, it is worth the effort.

(Top Photo courtesy United Airlines)