Originally Posted by nyc7erb (Post 927708)

The federal tax credit is 85% of an approved HCTC approved health insurance program's premiums. At this time, Delta's retiree program was HCTC qualified. With that, the government will give you an 85% tax CREDIT towards the cost of your health insurance. (There are other insurance programs that are HCTC qualified as well).

In order to be eligible for this tax credit, you must be 55 years old and receiving payments from the PBGC.

The 85% may go back down to 65% this year. It depends on the mood of Congress however.

The good news is that if you are going to get $$ from the PBGC and want to retire early (b4 65), Uncle Sam will pay 85% of the cost of your health insurance premiums. Not too shabby!

That knocks down the cost of "Deltacare" to around $200/month for most retirees.

My cost as a retiree at age 50, married is $212/month in a high deductible HSA. If I was 55, my net cost would be around $35/month. This plan is not with Delta, btw.

So if you are contemplating early retirement and are concerned about the cost of health care, don't be. Come on in, the water is fine!

Originally Posted by DAL4EVER (Post 927775)

Saudi airline to join SkyTeam
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Date: Monday, January 10, 2011, 1:44pm EST
Related:
Travel

Delta Air Lines Inc.’s SkyTeam alliance is headed for the Middle East.
Saudi Arabian Airlines, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, plans to join SkyTeam in 2012, Delta said. This will add 35 new destinations to the network, including Saudi Arabia's major hubs of Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. Saudi Arabian Airlines offers direct flights to Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States.
Saudi Arabian Airlines is now modernizing its infrastructure, restructuring its domestic and international network and buying new aircraft.


Any chance shedding some modern MD90s would be included with the cover charge to join Sky Team?

Originally Posted by shiznit (Post 927778)

It better include 90's and also protections for the current and future DAL pilots doing flying to the middle east!!! I know the layovers aren't always the most fun (aka no booze) but its imperative that our jobs are protected.

Originally Posted by dragon (Post 927779)

Could make for interesting layovers for crews with female pilots. Would they have to wear the Burqa, can they fly since they can't drive?

Originally Posted by buzzpat (Post 927785)

That's how it used to be when we (USAF) flew into Saudi with female pilots. Full Burqa, etc.

Originally Posted by buzzpat (Post 927785)

That's how it used to be when we (USAF) flew into Saudi with female pilots. Full Burqa, etc.

Originally Posted by caddis (Post 927796)

One thing for the Air Force to enforce that rule...not so easy for a private company.

I recently flew through Saudi on a civilian airline. As we took of and climbed through about 10k and the seat belt sign came off all the burqa clad babes got up out of there seats and started shedding the old black dresses... That and lots of booze was consumed by the same non infidels.:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by buzzpat (Post 927800)

Yep, you ought to stroll through the airport in Kuwait City. The Arab babes are decked out like they're off to the disco in Vegas.