I’m currently a poolie waiting to start with United. I had to defer my class date due to being on an all expenses paid trip to the desert courtesy of Uncle Sam. There is a lot of time over here to think/stare at the wall/workout so I thought I’d ask a few questions about training to kill some time.

How long does training usually last in Denver? Are there ever any breaks, or does one typicall roll right through till complete?

Does the company fly people back home on weekends or during training breaks?

How is the hotel? Close to training center or closer to downtown where there are more restaurants? Standard hotel rooms or suites?

Has anyone ever brought their family out for a visit? Had any luck paying for an upgrade to a suite if one did have family come?

After this tour is over I’ll have been away from the wife and kids for about 5 months so if I can avoid another 3 months or so of not seeing them in Denver that would be super.

Also, if I’ve asked anything that can’t be answered on a public forum due to security reasons that wasn’t my intention. I can accept a PM or just disregard the question.

Thanks

 

Those are great questions, and if I was away from my family that long I would certainly want to know the answer too.Typically, you will have a couple days off a week and the company will positive space you home on those days. Lots of people bring their families out for a visit - I’m not sure about the room upgrades though. Someone else can probably answer that better than me. Thanks for your service, welcome to United!

 

You’ll have 2 weeks of INDOC with 2 days off. Then you’ll have a few days or maybe a week or two before you return. Aircraft training is 4 weeks. So 6 weeks total.
Hotel great, right downtown. Free bus down the street to train station, free train to DIA (with your mil ID). Better that the double van shuffle. Certainly a more comfortable ride. Just watch out for the bums.
My buddy had a kick a$$ room. I had a closet. Sweet talk them.
Yes Family visits! Many go to mountains etc, etc.

BUT and it’s a big BUT, once you start training it’s over as far as family time...UNLESS you plan to live in base. You only get 3 official days off, before IOE or after. Then straight into your schedule. Commute to reserve, you’ll be gone more than home. Facts of airline life.

 

Welcome. Where about is the family? You will get time off for short visits. I would be to hot on bringing them out, during sim training anyway. You may not have much time to entertain them, that comes later.

Where would you like to be based? Once there, move or commute?

 

We currently live in the panhandle of Florida but will definitely move to live in or near base. Leaning towards the DC area as a base and living west of IAD near the Shenandoah Valley. From what I’ve read on this forum it seems like the 737 might be my best bet for flying mostly IAD trips?

 

757/767 is 99% IAD.

The 737 on reserve you still are going to cover BWI and DCA. I ended up at BWI plenty of times on RSV. Super early shows 5am and arrive after 10pm. It's a crap shoot but a majority of the flying will be IAD yes.

 

I don't see a problem having your family in Denver during indoc (your first 2 weeks as a newhire), but don't have them out there during your aircraft training - too much of a distraction.

I don't think you'll have immediate pass privileges for the family so plan on buying them tickets. If you have pass privileges, just plan on buying them tickets. Nonrevving sucks.

Indoc used to be put up at the Doubletree across the street from the training center; I don't know if that's changed or not.
Aircraft training is usually put up at the Sheraton downtown.

As previously mentioned, you'll have a couple of days off every week during training that will allow you to go home.

 

How big of a deal is the wings ceremony during Indic, worth bringing in people from out of town?

 

A couple in my class did. I don't think it's worth it personally. It's a quick thing.

 

I agree.

I wouldn't go out of my way to have a friend/relative attend.