FrankTheTank

Know how you can split the cost of the new Parka over 2 years? Well, apparently what really happens is you get payroll deducted the difference this calendar year and then next year you have to file an out-of-pocket expense report come next year (Jan09)... Not a big deal but much different from when I was a new hire with the leather jacket... So now I am out 50 bucks and change until next year... Good thing they were clear on that... Again not a big deal but thought I would give ya'll a heads up... But 50 Bones is a good bit of beer...

KnightFlyer

Ran into the same thing earlier this year with the wool overcoat. Works like you said now; the way we did it with the leather jackets is no more. I had the same ****, too.

boost

Really?!!
I was just about to ask the same question as I couldn't find the expense it over 2 yrs option.

You know, the commuter I worked at 10 yrs ago had a $450 dollar a year uniform expense account. We were paid like crap but man did we look sharp!

That said, I took the new coat, actually just the shell part on a trial run and overall am very happy with it. The coat is quite bulky with the liner, but with the shell and sweater for when it is really cold, it is great. It is completely waterproof and stops the wind much better than the leather jacket. I have quite a collection of airline clothes now and this is the most high tech comfortable piece yet...(besides my underarmour underwear that is!) I went with a medium and it feels just a bit short in normal clothes but looks more fitted than the large in uniform for me. Still looks weird with no wings or fedex insignia in uniform but I can live with that.

It fits way better in the suitcase than any other options and didn't have to carry it after needing it in some places and not in others. I still get some strange looks from the other pilots though...until I say "its approved", at which point it is like that Seinfeld episode where everyone is feeling your fabric.

Anyway thumbs up on the jacket, thumbs down on the fox system yet again. Maybe we could ask for a different set up where we don't get dinged now on the money.

P.S. Don't bother with the reflective stuff, it is a good idea but functionally so cumbersome it is useless. In fact my reflective stuff came with velcro attachments and the pockets of my jacket with button attachments so I couldn't use them if I wanted to. Plus the back pocket makes a good storage for the hood in lieu of the back reflector.

MacMan

How big are you to get away with a medium instead of large? I put on a fellow crewmember's large and it seemed a little bulky but I don't think I can go with a medium. I'm 5'12" and 14.2 stones...sounds better than 200 lbs.

MacGuy2

I'm 5'10" and 180 and had to get a large. The medium with the liner in was too tight around my not so trim waist. MG2 (But yes, the large is actually a bit too large, but I'd rather it be a bit too large than a bit too small.)

Unknown Rider

Does 5'12'' sound better than 6'?

Unknown Rider

Does anyone know how long you have before you must file an expense report for a uniform item?

repoman

They recently told me 90 days

KnightFlyer

For reimbursement of uniform expenses, these procedures should be followed:

A $150 uniform allowance is available each calendar year. New hire pilots are eligible for $300 their first calendar year. The uniform allowance may be spent from Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 each year and expense reports must be filed no later than Jan. 31 of the following year. Receipts cannot carry over from year to year (i.e., 2004 receipt cannot be used for a 2005 uniform expense report). One exception to this policy is the purchase of the leather flight jacket, wool topcoat or goretex parka. The cost can be claimed over two consecutive calendar years – the year of purchase and the following year.

The uniform items must be purchased from an approved vendor or approved tailor. Purchases from other sources will not be reimbursed and you may be prohibited from wearing the items. The only reimburseable items that can be purchased from any department store, etc. are: uniform shoes, belt, winter gloves, winter hat, winter scarf.
Pilots must pay for all purchases by cash, check or credit card in advance, and then file for reimbursement. Expense reports for uniform purchases need to be filed within 90 days of the expense.

Merchandise must be paid for at time of purchase. VF Solutions will not charge you for an item until it is instock and delivered/shipped.
When filing an expense report, the original credit card receipt for the company issued credit card must be submitted. A copy of the canceled check (front & back) or copy of the personal credit card statement slip is also acceptable. The VF Solutions itemized receipt or store receipt can also be used as proof of payment for reimbursement but it must show the amount invoiced (including tax) and method of payment.
If you have any questions regarding your expense report, please review the FOX Q & A under the General Info link. If your question has not been addressed, you can contact Crew Travel Process Control Group at 901-224-5100 and follow the phone prompts, or, you can call directly to 901-395-7588, whose phones are open from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, Central time.