Originally Posted by JoePatroni (Post 3230667)

This. Thank a hotel committee member whenever you can…..they are phenomenal.

Originally Posted by Broncofan (Post 3230694)

I’m probably in the minority here and I acknowledge that. But I really dislike downtown layovers unless it’s a short drive. Give me something a little closer to the airport that’s in a nice shopping center that’s near a park or something. Fighting traffic for an hour both ways for a 15 hour layover isn’t worth it.

Originally Posted by jumppilot (Post 3230637)

edit: I think every new hire should memorize this list. It’s what makes United great. And wear the pin, please. New hires get special benefits when someone sees a half winger pin. It’ll save you money on your overnights.

Originally Posted by Airhoss (Post 3230699)

Actually I agree, and especially if it’s a 15 hour Manhattan layover. What a PITA!

Originally Posted by jumppilot (Post 3230637)

Of course everyone can cherry pick a contract and say this is better or that is better. I’m merely going from my experience.

1) I bought a ticket on Delta to Atlanta last year and saw all their pilots going to their MVs riding in coach. I’m glad we get FC for that.

2) My crew meal wasn’t available so I expensed a meal at the airport restaurant. Is that common in airline contracts?

3) No management rights in contract interpretation.

4) VEBA RHA

5) Our vacancy bids have a much shorter effective date than other airlines. Try waiting a year to get activated. Not activated 90 days after the effective date? Congratulations! You can displace in to anything your seniority can hold.

6) Hotels for new hires in training.

7) SRLs

8) 12 month guaranteed parental FMLA. Surprisingly, that isn’t standard industry-wide.

9) FDP extensions aren’t a given. If I don’t want to extend, we aren’t extending. No jeopardy. Not every airline has that viewpoint from their management.

10) Dry cleaning expenses paid. Even on an overseas overnight where they use the EPA-illegal chemicals to make it super clean. Little item, but I appreciate it.

11) Global DHs in First Class. Economy Plus domestic. Oh, it’s not available? You do not have to board under any circumstances. It’s the company’s problem at that point. See point #3.

12) Hotel room unacceptable due to noise, temperature, etc? We have a process to walk to another hotel (follow it properly, please. PDR the Hotel Committee for guidance.) You pay for the new room, the company reimburses you.

13) The transportation provider didn’t show up within 30 minutes after block-in to go to the overnight hotel? Seek alternate transportation and reimburse it. Don’t even need to call the company to ask permission.

14) See point #3.

There are many other items that someone can add. I’m sure someone will post about rolling thunder and all the money Southwest pilots can make, and those are very valid viewpoints. I’m merely going off of my worldview.

I’m proud to be a United Airlines ALPA pilot and wear my pin without hesitation. I even carry extras in case I lose mine. We wouldn’t have any of the above items if it wasn’t for all the tireless volunteers who made/make it happen, nor if it wasn’t for my fellow pilots who demand safe and comfortable working conditions.

edit: I think every new hire should memorize this list. It’s what makes United great. And wear the pin, please. New hires get special benefits when someone sees a half winger pin. It’ll save you money on your overnights.

Originally Posted by Knotcher (Post 3230801)

Plus we got energy bars in the crew room...my UPS buddy was sooo jelly

Originally Posted by Rmk1991 (Post 3230852)

Speaking of the contract, what is your drop language like? I understand you can drop to zero at UAL but how likely is it that you will be able to do on the line? Also, if you picked up some flying on days off what kind of credit could you reach? What do people who hustle normally credit? I know about senior manning so obviously those people who choose to participate would be up quite a bit more than the rest.