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-   -   SWA or UAL? (https://www.airlinepilotforums.com/united/111712-swa-ual.html)

IAHB756 04-30-2018 08:49 AM


Originally Posted by RJSAviator76 (Post 2582891)
In 2018, it's 14.2%. In 2019, it's at 15%.

Now, our ProfitSharing plan is actually a qualified retirement account. This enables our more junior pilots to max out their retirement account sooner. I managed to do it last year as a 1-2 year FO who hustled.

I grossed 170k last year. The company put in $24k into my B-fund. I maxed out my personal 401k contribution at 18k. That put me at 42k retirement contribution prior to PS being announced. The PS was 11.37% so in my case, I got $19k in PS, but since IRS 415c limits last year were $54,000 if under 50, I maxed it out my retirement contribution and had an excess of a little over 7k which I took as cash.

Our B-plan/NEC rate was 13.4% last year.



For those with valor license plates, the parking, at least in my domicile is free right at the terminal. Guys using Spot usually pay a little under $5/day after discount, Dallas crews don't pay anything, not sure about other bases.

As for food, we do get international per diem if we fly an international leg, and they actually feed us on those if they're turns. Interestingly, suppose you do an international turn and then press on for 3 more days domestic, you're still getting international per diem the whole trip which is $2.80. Otherwise, it's $2.30. You're right though... we do spend money in terminals. Some guys bring food from home... Are you guys generally happy with your crew meal selection?

Thanks for the info. Yes, I’m pretty happy with crew meal selection. Occasionally I get something I don’t like but ordering prior to each trip is nice domestically as you can really change things up. I haven’t flown true international in a while but imagine they are happy. Meals are something I can honestly say we get right! I’ve got the waistline to prove it...

John Carr 04-30-2018 09:35 AM


Originally Posted by RJSAviator76 (Post 2583167)
Amen to that! But just the mere fact that we are arguing over literally tip money shows what tightwads and cheapskates airline pilots are...

True. As well as the TRUE STATE of how much better we’re off vs not too long ago.

The same guys boasting about all we have are probably the same ones that during the bankruptcy would say “I came here, my buddy went to SW and upgraded in a couple years. I shoulda gone to SW”.

RJSAviator76 04-30-2018 09:42 AM


Originally Posted by John Carr (Post 2583242)
True. As well as the TRUE STATE of how much better we’re off vs not too long ago.

The same guys boasting about all we have are probably the same ones that during the bankruptcy would say “I came here, my buddy went to SW and upgraded in a couple years. I shoulda gone to SW”.



Very true. In the end, we will know if we made the right decision at our retirement party.

WHACKMASTER 04-30-2018 10:20 AM


Originally Posted by syd111 (Post 2579200)
Take SWA now and see what happens with UAL down the road if it even happens. Just keep it to yourself while at SWA. JMO

This ^^^^^^ definitely.

Guard Police 05-02-2018 03:44 PM

Do your due diligence as if you were an investor. I wish I had when UAL came calling in '99.

Grumble 05-02-2018 04:20 PM


Originally Posted by Guard Police (Post 2585011)
Do your due diligence as if you were an investor. I wish I had when UAL came calling in '99.

If anyone has that much foresight they’ll do much better off playing the lottery.

oldmako 05-02-2018 04:41 PM


Originally Posted by Guard Police (Post 2585011)
Do your due diligence as if you were an investor. I wish I had when UAL came calling in '99.

In 1999, guys were leaving SW and DAL (among others) to come to UAL. Due diligence? Who were you going to ask, Joan Quigley?

APC225 05-02-2018 06:32 PM


Originally Posted by RJSAviator76 (Post 2583253)
Very true. In the end, we will know if we made the right decision at our retirement party.

And sometimes not even then.

2006 - "Tom Martin is 68 years old. After 30 years on the job, he retired as a United Airlines pilot eight years ago. When United UAL, -0.67% filed bankruptcy and then turned over its pension plan in October, his check shrunk by about 40%."

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/ti...nated-pensions

terminal 05-03-2018 04:00 PM


Originally Posted by Guard Police (Post 2585011)
Do your due diligence as if you were an investor. I wish I had when UAL came calling in '99.

Just like the market...timing is everything.

Voski 03-24-2022 08:03 AM

It's 2022 ... a lot has happened since 2018.

I'm curious what the opinions of SWA vs. UAL are today with everything that's happened and currently going on in the U.S. and throughout the world.


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