LTD = Long Term Disability

It is more likely to go out on LTD for a period of time, that have Life Insurance used because you die before age 65.

An old Ford car that usually has a sagging headliner.

But that’s not important right now.

surely you can’t be serious .

I am serious. Don’t call me Shirley…

So, what is the difference between F9 and NK’s LTD offering?

According to a thread from 2018 in the Spirit forum:

"the company pays for a $5,000 benefit monthly, and you can "buy-up" an additional 10,000 for a total LTD benefit of 15,000 (until 65)"

Frontier pays 60% of base pay up to $8k max monthly with no option to buy up the coverage. Also limited to 2 years own occupation but you can buy up to 5 years own occupation.

Own occupation buy up is really a seat, longevity, and personal resume decision. If you believe Hartford (pretty sure their still the insurance) can demonstrate you have the ability to make that 60% doing something else they can kick you off after 2 or 5 years. To me where our Ltd falls short is no company medical or dc contributions. Don’t know about nk but some carriers offer one or more of those provisions. Alaska has the best deal going last I looked (their self insured which helps).They have all of the above plus can make w2 and it doesn’t count against the benefit. However, their management was looking to gut it in their opening proposal. Paraphrasing, more closely aligned with the industry. That’s code for removing provisions and or the 12 month w2 look back they have. Provisions to me are what make an Ltd policy.

I’ve heard mentions of “loss of medical” insurance. Is this the same as LTD?

I have LTD through my current employer (non-aviation) but I also have my own policy through Northwestern Mutual. The coverages actually stack, so I would get paid out by both if I had a qualifying disability.

Point being you can get decent LTD coverage outside of employer benefits for reasonable expense (mine is less than $50/mo) and well worth it to protect my income.

Thanks for the info however It’s my understanding that not all Ltd policies are compatible. Make sure they are before purchasing an outside one. You might just be reducing the Hartford benefit. I believe Alpa’s is compatible but would verify before purchasing. Maybe someone with the Alpa will chime in? Also, I don’t think you can ever get above 60% replacement even when combining. Could be wrong.