United Global Services: All the Benefits & Everything You Need To Know

Key Takeaways

• United Global Services is an invitation-only program offering top-tier benefits, such as the highest priority for upgrades, dedicated phone lines, and personalized assistance at the airport.
• Global Services members can be driven to their connecting flights in a Jaguar at specific airports.
• The program targets high-spending customers, frequent flyers, and corporate clients.

Many people earn elite status with United Airlines every year. Some road warriors might even earn United MileagePlus Premier 1K, the highest status level available to most travelers. However, an unpublished tier with United tops them all: United Global Services.

If you’re a Global Services member, you can expect to be a top-priority passenger and enjoy a bunch of fun perks, both in the air and on the ground. While this will be out of reach for the vast majority of travelers, it’s still amazing to see what United will do for some customers.

Let’s take a look into what United Global Services is and see what it has to offer.

Elite Status on United

Having MileagePlus elite status with United comes with many perks. As you’d expect, you earn more benefits as you move higher in the elite ranks. For many who travel for work, this can mean fighting to earn Premier 1K status to improve their chances of upgrades on domestic flights.

However, earning top-tier Premier 1K status with United requires a flyer to spend a lot flying United. For United, elite status progress is measured by 2 types of qualifying activity earned during the calendar year: PQFs and PQPs.

PQFs, or Premier Qualifying Flights, represent the total flight segments flown. To earn status, at least 4 flight segments need to be flown on United or United Express in addition to other requirements. United Basic economy flights do not earn PQFs.

On the other hand, PQPs, or Premier Qualifying Points, is a metric based on the base fare of the flight, including carrier-imposed surcharges but not taxes and other fees. All tickets, including Basic Economy fares, earn PQPs.

To qualify for United Premier status, you have two options. You can qualify for Premier status through a combination of PQFs and PQPs or meet a higher PQP goal.

To earn Premier 1K, you must fly at least 54 segments AND spend $18,000 on flights with United or spend $24,000 on United flights.

United credit card members can earn Premier Qualifying Points (PQP) through their annual credit card spend and apply this earned PQP toward Premier 1K status.

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United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

60,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
• First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• 2x miles on United^® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
• Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
• Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck^® or NEXUS fee credit
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

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United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$525

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)

Cons

• $525 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

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Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel and dining
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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United Quest℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Quest℠ Card

The United Quest card is a fantastic option for United flyers looking to earn more miles and enhance their flights.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$250

APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The newest addition to United’s lineup of cards is the United Quest℠ Card. With it, you can bolster your United MileagePlus miles, thanks to the bonus categories, while enjoying the card’s many perks designed to help save you money on each United flight.

With an annual fee that falls between the United℠ Explorer Card and United Club℠ Infinite Card, the United Quest card makes for a fantastic card option for United frequent flyers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 spent on travel, dining, and select streaming services
• $125 annual United credit

Cons

• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Does not offer airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP
• 3x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel, dining, and select streaming services
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• Up to a $125 United^® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and priority boarding
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Gateway℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

United Gateway℠ Card

The United Gateway card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without paying an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. Learn more.

30,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$360

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Gateway℠ Card is a great option for those looking to earn more United miles without wanting to pay a credit card annual fee. Plus, the card offers other solid benefits like a 25% back on United inflight purchases, purchase protection, and rental car insurance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 at gas stations and on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• If you are a frequent United flyer, other cards offer more perks
• It does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus miles
• No annual fee
• 2x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles at gas stations
• 2x miles on local transit and commuting
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months; after that, 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

United Club℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

United Club℠ Business Card

The United Club Business card is a great option for frequent United flyers looking for United Club access.

Welcome Offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

50,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$600

Annual Fee

$450

APR

21.99%–28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Business Card is a premium card option for dedicated United loyalists seeking a card that offers complimentary United Club access, helps them earn and retain status, and doesn’t skip on the benefits.

From free checked bags to upgrades on award tickets and the ability to earn Premier qualifying points, there is plenty to the United Club Business card that United flyers are sure to love.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 spent on United purchases
• 1.5x miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership

Cons

• $450 annual fee
• Earning rate for United purchases is poor compared to other United cards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 50,000 bonus miles + 1,000 Premier qualifying points (PQP) after $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open
• Earn 2x miles on United purchases
• Earn 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• Employee cards at no additional cost
• United Club membership — up to a $650 value per year. Relax in comfort while waiting for your flight with complimentary beverages, snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and more
• Free first and second checked bags for you and a companion, save up to $320 per round-trip
• 25% back on United inflight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.99%–28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Hot Tip: Check out our in-depth guide on the best ways of earning United miles.

With these basics about United status in mind, you can begin to see just how elite you must be to have United Global Services.

What Is United Global Services?

United Global Services is an invitation-only elite status with United MileagePlus given to some of United’s most elite and profitable customers. The invite criteria are not public but require substantial annual spending with United Airlines.

With a United Global Services membership, passengers can expect several perks and customer service far exceeding anything other United passengers receive.

Qualifying for Global Services

The eligibility requirements for Global Services remain unpublished, so it is not known exactly how one can earn an invitation. However, these members are typically high spenders with United.

Although it’s not truly known, there have been estimates that Global Services members spend upwards of $50,000 on airfare with United each year. These unpublished requirements to reach United Global Services are more than double the requirements needed for Premier 1K status.

Currently, there’s only 1 true published way to earn Global Services, and that’s through United’s Million Miler program. You are awarded Lifetime Global Services status if you earn 4 million lifetime miles with United MileagePlus.

However, it would also take a lifetime to get there. If you were to fly 100,000 miles per year, it would take 40 years to achieve this metric.

Global Services Benefits

While it’s hard to confirm all the perks Global Services members receive, several specific benefits have been revealed. Let’s take a look at some of these perks.

Global Services Customer Service

Customer service is at its best for Global Services members. They can expect a dedicated phone line that rarely has any wait time, United staff tracking their flight status to ensure connections are made, and getting served meals before anyone else when flying business class or first class.

As a Global Services member, you also have access to a private United Global Services phone number with 24/7 help and a dedicated email address for requests.

Private Check-in

Global Services members never have to worry about check-in lines when departing Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Newark (EWR), or San Francisco (SFO). There are dedicated check-in areas just for Global Services members.

Upgrade Priority

Global Services members are at the front of the line regarding upgrade priority. This can be especially important when booking economy-class tickets on transcontinental or international flights.

For flights on United, complimentary upgrades start clearing 120 hours before a flight compared to 96 hours for United Premier 1K members.

Upgrades on Award Flights

Premier members with one of the co-branded United cards are eligible for Complimentary Premier Upgrades (CPUs) on award flights. To upgrade, there must be space in the RN fare class.

Meanwhile, Global Services members can receive a CPU if there is space in the PN fare class, which often has much better availability. While Global Services members receive access to this PN fare class availability, Premier members do not.

More Upgrade Availability With Miles and Certificates

Global Services members can also redeem United miles for upgrades into the PN fare class.

Additionally, Global Services members can also use PlusPoints to upgrade award tickets.

Companion Saver Award With a Cash Ticket

When you consider that those with Global Services are not only spending a lot of money on United but also traveling frequently, the companion perk is a nice touch from United.

If a Global Services member books a cash ticket, they may bring a companion for the cost of a saver-level award ticket. This allows members to extend a work trip into a vacation with a spouse, loved one, or friend.

Not only that, but these companion saver level awards are available in whatever cabin the Global Services members have booked. If a member has paid for a business class ticket, their companion can book a business class award at the saver level.

Car Transfers Between Flights

Probably one of the coolest benefits of being a Global Services Member is a ride to your flight in a Jaguar. Global Services members won’t receive this every time they connect, as it’s only used for tight connections at specific airports.

Airports with this tarmac car transfer service include Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO).

Priority Boarding

Global Services members will be the first to board and settle into their seats. Global Services members even board before passengers flying in United Polaris.

Dedicated Cancellation Assistance

If a flight is delayed or canceled, a designated concierge can rebook you for the next flight out. In some situations, this can happen before a member even knows of a cancellation.

Star Alliance Gold status

Global Services members receive Star Alliance Gold status, which provides additional benefits when they fly with other airlines in the Star Alliance.

Final Thoughts

United Global Services is an invitation-only elite status given to some of United’s most prolific spenders. Though most people will never spend enough to be considered for an invite to Global Services, a look at the benefits of membership is a great insight into how customer service at an airline could work.

Global Services status comes with a number of benefits, including enhanced customer service, private check-in, upgrade priority, and priority boarding, among others.