A "tradition" means that it's something that is passed on from one generation to another... In this case captain to new hire during probation... Something these captains received when they were new hires. This might have been a normal tradition back in the 80s-90s but it's not a tradition anymore.

Nobody is expecting a free drink/meal... Just saying the term "tradition" is a bit overstated/overused.

I'm glad the first year pay has gone up. About time. Glad at least some of you are getting drinks and meals too. Treating others well is important. Lets hope the CAL will start doing too as well as other carriers.

How are the crew meals? I have always had the theory you can tell how the company is really doing by looking at the fruit on the crew meals.

Blue berries, kiwi fruit is expensive= a good sign company doing well. Pineapple, cantaloupe cheaper= not as good, but OK. Bunch of grapes, and melon cheaper still= bad shape. Lose grapes= about to file chapter 11. Soggy old water melon =we are about to go under.

Check it out and report back. It was pretty accurate in all the time I was flying.

Can anyone tell me about orthodontic coverage on UAL's dental plan? What level of coverage do you get for basic orthodontics (i.e. kids' braces)?

When I last looked at orthodontics it was a $2000 once in a lifetime benefit per family member under the Metlife traditional dental plan. I'd guess that a typical orthodontist will charge around $5,000 for a typical kid case. So plan on coughing up about $3,000 out of pocket. Maybe more if your kid is good at busting brackets from time to time, like mine.

Dude seriously?

I just used the benefit 3 times in 3 years for my 3 kids. The orthodontist charged $4500 per kid minus 10% for cash up front and MetLife paid me back $2000 for a total out of pocket bill to me of $2100. I was lucky that there were no added charges and each kid was done within 18 to 24 months. I also maxed out my HSA and applied a large portion of that account (probably about $1500) to the $2000s so really that brings the out-of-pocket cost down even further to an amount closer to $1500 per kid, but thats why I did it over 3 years.

Good to know- thanks for the info. Blockout- I don't see it, but sorry if you felt the question was out of line.

Don't worry about Blockhead he was not a loved child..


Good plan Really,

Those guys are just trying take advantage of you and get some of your sweet Ex-Con sugar.... :rolleyes:

I switched plans several years ago just to cover ortho for spouse and two children. Saved a lot of money by picking the right plan. Hope this is readable. If not, try this link.

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/me...362-dental.jpg

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/me...362-dental.jpg


Orthodontia

METLIFE CORE/TRADITIONAL $31.05/mo
50% after deductible; $2,000 lifetime maximum per person

METLIFE PPO PLAN $18.41
No coverage

METLIFE PPO PLUS PLAN $21.33/mo
50% after deductible; $2,000 lifetime maximum per person

AETNA DMO PLAN $12.27/mo
60%

Original topic. First year pay numbers already given are accurate. Big plus at UAL is starting day 1 of training at that pay rate 90 hours per month and the furnished hotel and per diem. While I understand this is insignificant compared across career earnings, it is hard to pay a hotel bill/living expenses now with career earnings. YMMV.