UA does have a section for that on the app

I'm a NK furlough. The official day is Nov 1st. Can I check the furlough button on the application now, even though I'm not officially furloughed?

well since the bid hasn’t actually run I’d say no.

I would. You need a new job, it’s competitive out there. I assume since you are a furlough you might not be super competitive for a legacy job so take every advantage you have, including the furlough button. Heck, check the Asian or anything “exotic” button too, I’m sure somewhere in your background there is a unique box.

If anyone asks you if you have been furloughed I’m sure a WARN letter from a failing company who has thrice furloughed recently will satisfy their concern.

Don't listen to this dude. It's still lying on an application and shows lack of character. I know you need a job but do it the right way with integrity and dont cut corners.

Yeah, they might very well let it slide but it's equally likely they'd consider it lying and blacklist you for good. Don't take the chance.

Also when an airline offers preferential treatment to ALPA furloughs, that's a benefit negotiated by their own union and it's possible the hiring folks don't even like the program. Don't give them an easy out.

This right here^^^

You’re not getting called before Nov1 for an interview anyway. Absolutely check all those boxes you can

Trying to weed out the competition one applicant at a time? Be 100% honest/accurate and check currently employed now, and then update the application the day the furlough becomes effective.

Doesn't matter. Recruiting can see every single edit that you made and when you made it. If they see that you checked the “furloughed” box before you were sent an invitation and before you were furloughed, there’s a very good chance that it’s not going to end well for you.