402DRVR

I'm an LCC guy considering making the jump to United, assuming getting the call sometime and an offer, long shots to be sure.

I'd appreciate any info on a couple questions. Apologies if some of this is covered but have not seen it lately.

First concern is health insurance, can anyone give a basic rundown of general costs, satisfaction, etc. I've got a sick kiddo and would want to know what we are getting into. (Guessing its better than where I am).

Second, the likelihood of getting EWR fairly quickly. I realize this changes but from what I understand a number of new hires find themselves in SFO. Is this accurate and if so how frequently is it possible to bid a new base?

Finally, how is reserve scheduled? DO you bid a short call line, a long call line, or a mix of both?

Thanks for any replies.

hummingbear

Lots of medical options to choose from- a little overwhelming, actually. I don't use mine for much more than the basic stuff, but if you're savvy about what you need, you should be able to find the one that best fits your situation. Most family plans cost in the neighborhood of $200 pre-tax per paycheck. Some others might be able to sound off about specific plans if you share what you are comfortable sharing about your family's needs.

Vacancy bids are not required to happen on any sort of schedule. With movement as it has been here the past couple years, we usually see a bid around every other month. EWR is very junior, as well as SFO. I would say the ability to get EWR as a new hire is likely, and practically guaranteed within the first 6 months. If there are no vacancy bids open, you also have the chance to base trade each month with other pilots in your same seat. There is usually some trading back and forth among East & West Coast junior guys. You have a few months of training before you get online, so if you do end up getting SFO in class, you've got a pretty good shot at getting EWR before you actually have to show up to fly.

As for RSV, all lines are long call with 12-13 days off. The company can convert you (on a day to day basis) to short call or field standby (on call at the airport) as many times as they want, with some financial incentives if they convert you too many times without using you to fly. You have the ability to aggressively pick up trips and short-call assignments. As it is at most airlines, reserve is much better if you live in base and know the contract.

Take Priority

Family of 3 BCBS traditional 80/20 plan cost me about $420/month. 250/500 Deduct with 1500/3000 max out of pocket. Good insurance.
EWR would be likely immediately available as first assignment.
All reserve is Long call 13/hr and daily assignments for open trips / Field standby / short calls.

402DRVR

Thanks guys I appreciate the info. Basically I have a kid with a disease that comes with life expectancy attached. Thankfully that number is higher than other diseases and hopefully getting bigger, so we count our blessings. However, that obviously makes health care a critical element. Sounds like yours is significantly cheaper on both the premium and the deductible.

The situation also makes commuting even less attractive than the gem it already is. A few months I can live with but to give up driving to work now for a cross country commute on the long term would not be good. Ivan drive to Newark so glad to hear it's a pretty quick transfer if necessary.

It's a long shot but if anyone on here knows a pilot at UAL who has a kid with CF I'd love to get in touch with him/her to discuss details.

JoePatroni

This family plan costs $220 per month.

EPO-$1000,80%,$30,Rx B Plan Facts Carrier name Aetna Member services phone number 1-800-334-0110 Web site aetna.com/united Find a network provider Find a Doctor or Hospital Group ID 865248 - DF Binding arbitration Not required Cost Sharing Under family cov, does individual ded apply, i.e., embedded? Yes Coinsurance percentage 80% covered until out-of-pocket maximum is met; thereafter, 100% covered Annual deductible $1,000 Individual; $2,000 Family Out-of-pocket maximum Medical: In Network - $2,600 Individual; $5,200 Family; includes copays; Prescription Drug: In Network - $4,550 Individual; $9,100 Family Lifetime coverage limit Limit does not apply

82spukram

I left B6 in 2013. Feel free to PM any questions.

As far as healthcare.....I put in the equivalent of the Blue plan into the United options and the premiums were $9/month for my wife and I (back in 2013). The plan I picked here (UAL)had similar premiums as the blue plan but had much better coverage. Prescription drug plan is throw CVS caremart and I understand that every January for some people it's a fight to get them to apply the coverage correctly for certain prescription but once they sort it out the coverage is pretty good.

I would say the biggest difference is I hardly here someone complaining about healthcare (not to say that everything is great). Reserve here could use improvements but this is far better than what I left at Jetblue.

Good luck with your choice and once again feel free to pm anything you don't want to share here.

crflyer

That is an understatement. It's far worse than reserve during both my LCC and regional airline lives. It needs a full overhaul.

That said, glad to be here

El10

Not to cause a thread drift but, what parts of reserve at your previous ailines made it better? Thanks

Triumph

Not sure about that. I've got friends at all the other legacies, and our reserve system seems superior to most other places. Now, if you want to live in the middle of nowhere you can't expect to have a cushy reserve experience. With that said, I live in domicile and have very little to complain about the current reserve system. It could definitely stand to have some things tweaked, but to say UAL has inferior reserve rules compared to regionals, not likely.

Deafguppy

Also, basic (domestic) reserve is a lot more predictable than global (international) reserve WRT honoring your scheduled days off.