Hello all, I know many elements of this topic have been discussed in other forums, but I’d appreciate at least a few general viewpoints of what life at United is really like. I am in the very fortunate position of being (new) at a legacy and also having a cjo from United, which has always been my goal. I’d live in base in either situation.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that, for at least the last several years during this wave, United has been the place to be. The flying opportunities and growth speak for themselves.

However, with some not-so-glamorous work rules (global reserve), I am genuinely curious as to whether these rules significantly affect quality of life. So, how is life as a reserve? How is it as a line holder?

I know some of this is subject to change if/when there is a new contract, but I appreciate any input.

-D

 

Honesty, I’d stay put at any other legacy right now (and I’m a 25+ year UA guy). The grass always looks greener but rarely is. United culture is on the ropes and WILL be damaged from our ongoing negotiations. In fact, I tell most new hires I fly with to consider the other legacies.

 

Rolled days off and involuntarily conversion to FSB and scheduling ability to assign trips at their discretion (out of silo, reserve type used for a trip assignment etc.) put real crimps in quality if life. Regional reserve rules are better. Allegedly minor changes will happen with the contract but realistically needs a total rewrite of the reserve section to bring it up to industry standard.

Line-holder wise, good luck trading trips, or having MPG low enough to pickup premium flying (when not in contract negotiations). Less reassignments than AA or DAL.

Commuter clause is regional level, except worse because the “prudent commuter” language puts the onus on the commuter to come in on days off and pay out of pocket for lodging to cover trips in the event of a projected weather event. Blame for missing trips for not being able to get in due to cancelled flights into base can be put squarely on the pilot. Commuting Requires 2 flights minimum, no reserving Jump-seats in advance. Both AA and DAL are better (Single flights, jumpseat reservation etc.).

UAL is great for showing up to fly your 86hr line as assigned (mostly) and going home. There need to be massive changes to the contract to bring it to the same level as Delta… the Negotiation committee updates show they’re not even close to getting the issues addressed.

DAL FTW. If you’re at AA, you probably want to consider staying there with the new TA, or going to Delta. If you’re at Alaska, go to DAL.*

*Unless you live within 30-60 minute drive of a United base where another legacy doesn’t have wide-body flying. If you do, great- most of the negative stuff won’t affect you.

 

Thank you both for your responses and I welcome other perspectives as well.

I don't mind working 85-90 hour lines (at least at this point in my life), but I highly value having my days off remaining as days off. Telling the family down the line that I got a three-day trip with one reserve day remaining or that I'm being extended an additional day or two while on the road would be crushing.

 

I wouldn't recommend jumping ship especially if you're with DAL. The reserve rules are worse than some regionals, and it sounds like those rules are the changes that the company is balking at the most in the new contract. I don't consider the global reserve rules the worst of the bunch. Morale is low and getting worse.

I live in base and can upgrade but I won't until I can hold a line (and one with no "dayovers").

 

You get 6 hard days off a month on widebody reserve. Every other day you’re at the whim of scheduling. On basic reserve expect 2 FSB sits or short-call conversions on every reserve period in addition to assigned flying. You’ll regularly get calls after midnight your last day off so they can convert you FSB or short call to bring you into base the first day on reserve and then not use you but keep you so late you can’t commute home.

 

"Crushing"?

Then don't come to UAL.

 

Maybe a got a little carried away using that word specifically but it's a high priority.

 

I wouldn't be commuting unless I got unlucky with an award out of training but I can appreciate how that would affect commuter QOL.

 

If you come to United get ready to be crushed. And that’s not hyperbole.