What I like about our system is that we are hedged against both short and long term events. My only input to improve the system is to increase LTD payouts to something better than 50%. United currently has 55%. I'd like to see that or 60% in C2015. That would do much more for our downside protection than incentivizing guys to squirrel away hours.[/QUOTE]

I would love 60%. That I agree with. The rest of the post is wrong.
UAL gets the same 50% we get however it is capped at 8000 a month. In addition it is not pensionable. At Delta we eliminated the cap and it's fully pensionable. Our plan is not just better but way better!

UAL plan-The monthly benefit is 50% of your "monthly earnings." Your monthly earnings are equal to 1,026 times the hourly rate you are earning for flight hours as of your disability date divided by twelve. This equates to a monthly benefit of 42.75 times your hourly rate. Your monthly benefit is limited to $8,000 per month or $96,000 per year.