PASS TRAVEL SUMMARY
This information is years old, and although most of it is valid, United may have changed things. You REALLY need to go to the United Flying Together site: https://ft.ual.com and then click on the TRAVEL tab for ALL the up to date travel related topics. Advise us you if find any discrepancies. If you still can not find your travel answer, contact the United Employee Travel Center at this email address: [email protected] OR go to the United "HELP HUB" (login to United Flying Together, click "EMPLOYEE SERVICES", click "HELP HUB", then click the "Travel" button, go to bottom of that page to start a "CHAT" to get your answer.
Please try to research your questions, BUT if all efforts to resolve pass travel questions with the TRAVEL sections on the United and Golden Eagles websites are unsuccessful, we will try to help the member find a way to get an answer to their questions. When all else fails, members can contact the Email Coordinator, Dave Newell at [email protected], OR the Pass Travel Chairman, Jim Morehead at [email protected].
Please try to research your questions, BUT if all efforts to resolve pass travel questions with the TRAVEL sections on the United and Golden Eagles websites are unsuccessful, we will try to help the member find a way to get an answer to their questions. When all else fails, members can contact the Email Coordinator, Dave Newell at [email protected], OR the Pass Travel Chairman, Jim Morehead at [email protected].
Retiree Pass Travel Summary Updated 5/16/2017
United's pass travel program for employees and retirees includes Space-Available (stand-by) travel, discounted full-rev confirmed seats (myUAdiscount) on United, and Other Airline standby travel on ZED tickets. Obtaining e-tickets or listing is done online via https://flyingtogether.ual.com (log-in required) or by phone ($25 per person); you cannot get tickets written at the airport! See "How to Fly" below (scroll down).
Space-available (stand-by) travel: United’s new Pass Travel Program began 3/3/2012. Retirees get unlimited personal passes and eight annual vacation passes for travel on United & United Express. Retirees’ eligible pass riders get unlimited personal passes and fly at the same cost as retirees. All travel must be pre-paid by credit card. Cost of travel varies by your “Years of Service” and cabin seated; all economy class travel is svc-chrg waived. Travel by some pass riders may be taxed to the retiree as “imputed income”.
Space-available pass riders are boarded in groups (after revenue pax) and the retiree group (SA2) is boarded after all employees (SA1), except when using vacation passes (SA0). Boarding seniority within each group is determined by “board date”, based on your days, months, and years of service to the company. See RAFA’s “Board Date Seniority” page for an explanation. Space-available riders are entitled to 2 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each).
Full revenue (confirmed space) travel: "myUAdiscount" tickets may be purchased by retirees and their eligible pass riders for travel on United and United Express. These tickets include 2 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each) and Mileage Plus credit. Scroll to bottom of this page for more info.Other Airline travel: Retirees may also purchase space-available "ZED" tickets on many Other Airlines. Scroll to bottom of this page for more info and visit the RAFA OTHER AIRLINE Travel page
Retirees’ Eligible Pass Riders
for space-available and myUAdiscount travel on UA
Spouse or domestic partner (same or opposite gender)
Up to two enrolled friends (with option to change yearly. Register: Flying Together>Travel>Update pass riders)
Children, regardless of marital status, until they attain age 26 (natural, adopted and/or step)
Disabled children (disabled since before age 26)
Up to two parents (any combination of natural, adoptive and/or step, same or opposite gender) with an option to change who travels quarterly).
Retirees do not have "companion passes" or "buddy travel"; we have two Enrolled Friends. However, seven Star Alliance carriers allow you to accompany "travel partners" or "buddies" on their airlines. For info on travel partners read item #2 on RAFA's "OTHER AIRLINE travel" page.
For more details & definitions: Flying Together > Travel > Pass Riders (left column).
For more details about Enrolled Friends: Flying Together > Travel > Pass Riders > Enrolled Friends.
Boarding Priority groups for space-available travel on UA
The old BP-6 and BP-8 groups have been replaced by:
SA0V: Employees, retirees, and their accompanied pass riders if using VACATION passes;
Includes an unaccompanied spouse, domestic partner or primary friend* when using a vacation pass.
SA1P: Employees and their accompanied pass riders when using PERSONAL passes;
Includes an employee’s unaccompanied spouse, domestic partner or primary friend*.
SA2R: Retirees and their accompanied pass riders when using PERSONAL passes;Includes a retiree’s unaccompanied spouse or domestic partner.
SA3V: Unaccompanied pass riders when using a employee/retiree’s VACATION pass
Exception: unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner/primary friend* fly on vacation passes at SA0V.
SA4P: Unaccompanied pass riders when using a PERSONAL pass.
Exception: retiree’s unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner fly on personal passes at SA2R and
employee’s unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner/primary friend* fly on personal passes at SA1P.
*NOTE: Retirees do not have a “Primary Friend”.
For more details & definitions: Flying Together > Travel > Boarding priorities and procedures (left column)
How are we boarded for space-available travel on UA?
Positive Space standbys will be boarded first, then SA0 standbys, followed by SA1, SA2, SA3, etc.
Pass riders within each of the above groups are boarded in seniority order by "Years of Service", not by"Date of Hire". See RAFA's page on “Seniority and Board Date”.
How much does space-available travel on UA cost?
It depends on your "Years of Service" and what kind of pass you are using (Personal or Vacation). Visit RAFA's "Costs & IMPUTED TAXES". Retirees' travel costs must be pre-paid by credit card when listing.
More information: Flying Together > Travel > Preparing to Travel (left column) > Payments & Refunds
More information: Flying Together > Travel > Preparing to Travel (left column) > Service Charges
Space-Available Travel Passes:
Retirees and their eligible pass riders receive UNLIMITED personal passes.
Retirees receive EIGHT annual vacation passes. Valid for 5 yrs.
Personal passes: good for service-charge waived** economy class travel & svc charge travel in premium cabins (Business/BusinessFirst/First/Global First) system-wide. If retiree has 25 or more years of service then they (and their pass riders) will ride service-charge waived* in ALL cabins system-wide.
**service-charge waived = retirees & eligible pass riders only pay airport/departure/regulatory taxes/fees.
Vacation passes: good for one-way, multiple segment, service-charge waived** travel in ALL cabins system- wide at the highest boarding priority (SA0V). Valid for 5 years. One pass can be used for retiree and their pass riders when traveling together (accompanied). Roundtrip requires 2 passes
Example #1) Retiree can fly with all accompanied pass riders at priority SA0V from SFO-IAD-CDG (multiple segments) and use only one vacation pass. Another vacation pass would be needed to fly back together.
Example #2) If an enrolled friend in PHX wanted to go to Hawaii without the retiree, the retiree could give up 2 vac passes (one for PHX-SFO-HNL and 1 for the return); enrolled friend would be SA3V (unaccompanied). Better idea: let enrolled friend use their unlimited personal passes to go to Hawaii (SA4P, unaccompanied...not much difference than flying at SA3V).
Vacation passes are very valuable as they allow the retiree and accompanied eligibles to travel at the highest boarding priority without paying a service charge for premium cabins (regardless of years of service).
If you list with a vacation pass from A>B>C, but do not fly B>C, the vacation pass is used up.
If you listed in FC on any flight using a vacation pass, but flew in Y (FC was full), the vacation pass is used up.
Vacation pass details: Flying Together > Travel >Types of Travel (left column) > S/A Travel > Vacation PassesPersonal pass details: Flying Together > Travel >Types of Travel (left column) > S/A Travel > Personal Passes
Switching between pass types is not allowed less than 1 hour before domestic departure; or less than 2 hrs before international departure.
How to Fly...? Space-available Travel on United/United Express:
Go to Flying Together...
Where is the "FlyingTogether" website??? It's here: https://flyingtogether.ual.com
You need a file number and password to log in. A new password is required every 90 days.
Forgot your password? Call: 800-255-5801
To look at loads, list/pre-pay for travel and check-in, either
1) visit employeeRES on your computer/laptop: Go to Flying Together>Travel>click on the "Book a Flight" tab. or...
2) use the United app on iOS/Android devices: View RAFA's guide to using the app for Pass Travel
For a guide on how to use employeeRES visit FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel>How to book travel
No computer skills? Call the United Pass Line to list by talking to a live person (for a fee).
To create, change or cancel a pass travel booking by telephone call:
From the US dial 866-359-3727
From International dial 713-324-7277
If those numbers do not work, try 877-825-3729 + option 1 (ETC) + option 1 (ePass)
If you speak with a live agent it’s free to change the dates and/or times of an existing listing or to cancel a trip.
The $25 Booking Service Fee (per ticket) is charged for new bookings, changes to origin and/or destinations and changes to type of ePass (personal to vacation and vice versa) because they require a new eTicket to be issued. RAFA recommends retirees learn how to book, change and cancel pass travel for free by using employeeRES or the United app (if linked with your Mileage Plus number, see #2 and #3 below).
Before you travel:
Visit FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel (left column). Read everything there!
Read the Do's and Don'ts: FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel > Helpful tips
Put Pass Travel Tools on your mobile devices (smart phone/iPad/tablet)!
Then you can book travel, make changes, etc while on the go:
Confirmed travel on UA; buy myUAdiscount tickets!
Employees, retirees and their eligible pass riders may purchase full revenue confirmed tickets for system- wide travel on United and United Express with a 20 percent discount. Tickets include two free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each) and Mileage Plus credit. Depending on routing, you may buy discounted FC, Business-First, Economy or Basic Economy tickets. All fare rules apply, including cancellation fees.
Note: you may NOT hold myUAdiscount tickets and have a space-available listing for the same flight!
To purchase tickets visit the Flying Together>Travel>myUAdiscount tile on your computer or use the "Book a Flight" tab on the United app with your mobile device (if it is linked with your Mileage Plus number).
Note: To get the 20% discount & 2 free bags, you must buy your tickets on FlyingTogether>Travel>myUAdiscount; it you buy tickets on United.com you will not get 2 free bags.
Other Airline space-available ZED Travel:
United has interline agreements with 100 Other Airlines so we can fly beyond the UA network. For details/costs by airline go to the Flying Together>Travel>Other Airline/Interline Travel tile. From there, visit a special website to purchase the "Zonal Employee Discount" e-tickets (either "myIDTravelPurchase" or "ID90T", depending on the carrier. Most airlines are on the "myIDTravelPurchase" website).
First, read the helpful step-by-step guide, RAFA's "Other Airline Travel" page.
Note: Some Star Alliance carriers allow "Star Companions" (buddies), but only if accompanied by the retiree.
Compiled by Kirk Moore, RAFA Travel Benefits Committee
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Pass Travel UPDATE October 3, 2017
1) Pass Travel improvements
2) Changes to Pass Travel Tax Reporting for Retirees
3) Update your contact information NOW
4) Savvy Traveling: United app, KTN
5) More flights!
6) Discounts; cars, cruises, hotels
7) RAFA website
It may be easier to read this UPDATE on our website: http://www.rafa-cwa.org/
page-1836169
1) Pass Travel Improvements
As promised, United recently contacted the retiree groups via a
conference call, responding to the groups’ Pass Travel improvement
suggestions from the April retiree summit in Chicago. Laura Motelet,
Managing Director of the Employee Travel Center & HR Administration,
gave us the good news:
“We are excited to announce that beginning in 2018, instead of
only being able to change enrolled friend(s) once per year, retirees
will have the opportunity to change their enrolled friend(s) twice: midyear
and during year-end open enrollment. Retirees will continue to
have up to two active enrolled friends at one time, but this change will allow
retirees to register up to four enrolled friends during different time periods
within a calendar year. This enhanced pass travel privilege applies to
retirees only; all other aspects of the Enrolled Friend program remain
unchanged”.
Note: Open enrollment in December 2017 (Dec. 1 – Dec. 28 until
7:00 p.m. CT) will remain the same as usual. In June 2018 (Jun.1 – Jun. 28
until 7:00 p.m. CT) a second open enrollment will take place only for
retirees to either change or keep their Enrolled Friends for the remainder of
the year (July-December). Full details are coming soon on Flying Together
> Travel > Pass Riders (left column) > Retirees.
The ETC will announce three improvements to the myUAdiscount
program in mid-October: (1) unaccompanied minor fees will be waived, (2)
pet in-cabin fees waived and (3) we’ll be boarded in Group 3 (even when
paying Basic Economy fares)! More information will be posted on Flying
Together > Travel > myUAdiscount Program.
In a previous conference call we learned of three other Pass Travel
improvements: (1) better access to the ETC, (2) 24/7 online support via
USAW and (3) a new, improved employeeRES coming in 2018.
For the FULL STORY, read the News article on our website:
http://www.rafa-cwa.org/Retiree-Pass-Travel-Improvements
2) Changes to Pass Travel Tax Reporting for Retirees
Imputed Taxes on Pass Travel are changing.
For pass travel on or after November 1, 2017, any taxable
imputed income will be reported to you on Form W-2 and will no
longer be reported to you on Form 1099. As a result of this change,
starting on November 1, 2017, United will begin to collect any federal and
state withholding taxes that apply to your taxable pass travel income via
quarterly invoice. The first invoice will be sent in March 2018 for any travel
from November 1, 2017, to January 31, 2018, and invoices will be sent
every three months thereafter. The invoices will be mailed via U.S. mail and
they are payable by check or money order.
Despite the adjustment in reporting, there is no change to how
pass travel is taxed. Pass travel for retirees and their spouses, parents
and dependent children under age 26 is still not taxable. Pass travel for a
retiree's domestic partner and enrolled friends are taxable.
Note: In January of 2018, you will receive a Form 1099 reporting your
taxable pass travel income for travel Nov. 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2017, if
your taxable pass riders accrued $600 of imputed taxes (pass tax
value) or more in that period. Go to Flying Together > Travel > Pass
Travel Report (blue tile) to check on the total “Pass Tax Values”
accumulated. No withholding taxes will be collected for travel prior to
Nov. 1, 2017.
Read more important W-2 Pass Travel Tax Reporting information on
Flying Together here. Or go to Flying Together > Travel > W-2 Pass
Travel Tax Reporting (in left column).
Note: The online chart shows “Extended Family Buddies” and “Buddies”
are subject to tax; this only applies to employees who recently retired
in the last 30 days.
3) Update your contact info NOW!
The ETC sent retirees information via email and U.S. mail about
#1 and #2 above, did you receive it? NO? It’s important to update your
contact information in 3 places:
1) The “Saved employeeRES information” box on your “Employee
Travel Profile” in the “Quick Links” tab in “employeeRES” (“Book a Flight”
on Flying Together >Travel).
2) In “Personal Information” in “Your Profile” (in top menu bar) in
“YBR” (Your Benefits Resources) on Flying Together > Employee Services
or go to www.ybr.com/united.
3) In our RAFA database by contacting your council President here.
United will be contacting retirees soon about open enrollment for
health care Oct. 30 – Nov. 10, 2017. Make sure your phone number, email
and postal mailing addresses are all up to date in YBR (and RAFA!). Stay
in touch; update employeeRES with your latest email address and phone
number.
4) Savvy Traveling: Use the United app! Get a KTN!
Use the United app for easy booking and flying for both space
available and myUAdiscount travel. To learn more, go to Flying Together >
Travel > United app & Pass Travel tab (in the left column). Or click this
RAFA page link for more info: Use the United app and link with Mileage
Plus.
KTN: Join a Trusted Traveler Program to obtain a “Known Traveler
Number” to be eligible for TSA PreCheck and expedited customs/
immigration entry. Visit Flying Together > Travel > “Preparing for
Travel” (left column) > “Trusted Traveler Programs”. Links on that page will
take you directly to sign up on the GOES system. There are various
programs with different pricing.
Once signed up online, you will apply for an interview (the first
available interview for me was 4 months later!). Revisit the webpage often
to try and move up your interview date. Some locations have drop-in wait
lists for interviews. Take a good book, you may have to wait awhile!
IMPORTANT! After you pass the in-person interview you MUST input
your “KTN” (Known Traveler Number) in two places:
1) For space available travel go to employeeRES > Quick Links >
Employee Travel Profile (click “Add/edit Secure Flight and Travel Contact
Information” in the “Saved employeeRES Info” box). If you have more than
one Secure Flight Document (i.e. one for passport, one for driver’s license)
enter your KTN in BOTH documents.
Select row, click little pencil icon, input your KTN in the field that says
“Global Entry/Known Traveler", then hit “submit”.
2) For revenue travel (including use of myUAdiscount) go to
your MileagePlus account (united.com > MileagePlus > My Account >
Profile > Edit Traveler Details > Known Traveler Number)
For both space-available and revenue (myUAdiscount) travel: use the
United app linked with your Mileage Plus number AND join a Trusted
Traveler Program; you will fly like the wind!
5) More flights! Enhance your Pass Riding bucket list
Starting October 2017:
Daily LAX-SIN (Singapore)
Daily EWR-EZE (Buenos Aires)
More frequency begins December 20th to Hawaii:
DEN-KOA, DEN-LIH and DEN-OGG will become daily, year round.
LAX-ITO will increase to daily. LAX-KOA & LAX LIH increase to 2x
daily. LAX-OGG increases to 3x daily.
ORD-OGG will increase to daily (except Tue/Wed)
SFO-KOA increases to 3x daily. SFO-LIH to 2x daily. SFO-OGG to 5x
daily.
Current flights to HNL will continue from DEN & ORD (daily), LAX &
SFO (5x daily).
UA also connects to HNL daily from IAH, EWR, IAD, GUM & NRT.
Starting January 2018 (subject to govt approval)
Daily IAH-SYD (Sydney)
New flights to Europe for summer 2018:
Daily EWR-OPO (Oporto) 757 May 4th -Oct 4th
Daily EWR-KEF (Reykjavik) 757 May 23rd - Oct 4th
Daily SFO-ZRH (Zurich) 787-8 Jun 7th - Oct 27th
Daily IAH-EDI (Edinburgh) 757 May 23rd - Oct 4th
6) Discounts on cars, cruises, hotels
The ID90Travel.com website offers discounts for employees and
retirees on hotels, cruises, resorts, and rental cars when you travel for
leisure. It’s easy to book and to save as much as 60 percent off! Simply
click on the ID90 Travel banner in employeeRES (you may have already
noticed it under ‘My ePass Balances’) when you make your space available
travel plans to see what discounts are available at your destination or
search for exclusive rates at more than 380,000 destinations worldwide.
7) “Recent News” on Flying Together>News
Click the dark blue “Recent News” link above to see other stories.
Here are some you might like:
06/19: MERGED CMS for Flight Attendants October 2018
06/29: Mileage Plus changes
06/30: History of United at SFO Museum
07/06: Diversity in London
07/11: Oscar stands with United Flight Attendants
07/20: John Slater to become Inflight SVP
07/26: Non-stop DEN-LHR in March 2018
08/08: New flights to ski resorts this winter
08/17: No more early-outs! But there's insurance if you retire
09/01: Hurricane Harvey relief
09/11: Oscar: We will never forget
09/12: More ways to get to Europe next summer
09/18: Farewell Flight for 747: SFO-HNL
09/20: Safety is Global III new inflight video
10/02: Oscar: Compassion for Las Vegas victims
10/02: Pax can name their price to change oversold flight
Here’s a 7/18/2017 Airwise article about $10 billion renovation of JFK:
http://news.airwise.com/story/jfk-airport-on-track-for-10-billion-dollar-renovation
8) Have you seen our RAFA website?
Check out the Travel Benefits tab here: http://www.rafa-cwa.org
Read the Pass Travel Program Summary, helpful links, phone numbers & more.
For other Pass Travel Topics: Previous Travel UPDATES
Compiled by Kirk Moore, RAFA Travel Benefits Committee October 3, 2017
United's pass travel program for employees and retirees includes Space-Available (stand-by) travel, discounted full-rev confirmed seats (myUAdiscount) on United, and Other Airline standby travel on ZED tickets. Obtaining e-tickets or listing is done online via https://flyingtogether.ual.com (log-in required) or by phone ($25 per person); you cannot get tickets written at the airport! See "How to Fly" below (scroll down).
Space-available (stand-by) travel: United’s new Pass Travel Program began 3/3/2012. Retirees get unlimited personal passes and eight annual vacation passes for travel on United & United Express. Retirees’ eligible pass riders get unlimited personal passes and fly at the same cost as retirees. All travel must be pre-paid by credit card. Cost of travel varies by your “Years of Service” and cabin seated; all economy class travel is svc-chrg waived. Travel by some pass riders may be taxed to the retiree as “imputed income”.
Space-available pass riders are boarded in groups (after revenue pax) and the retiree group (SA2) is boarded after all employees (SA1), except when using vacation passes (SA0). Boarding seniority within each group is determined by “board date”, based on your days, months, and years of service to the company. See RAFA’s “Board Date Seniority” page for an explanation. Space-available riders are entitled to 2 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each).
Full revenue (confirmed space) travel: "myUAdiscount" tickets may be purchased by retirees and their eligible pass riders for travel on United and United Express. These tickets include 2 free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each) and Mileage Plus credit. Scroll to bottom of this page for more info.Other Airline travel: Retirees may also purchase space-available "ZED" tickets on many Other Airlines. Scroll to bottom of this page for more info and visit the RAFA OTHER AIRLINE Travel page
Retirees’ Eligible Pass Riders
for space-available and myUAdiscount travel on UA
Spouse or domestic partner (same or opposite gender)
Up to two enrolled friends (with option to change yearly. Register: Flying Together>Travel>Update pass riders)
Children, regardless of marital status, until they attain age 26 (natural, adopted and/or step)
Disabled children (disabled since before age 26)
Up to two parents (any combination of natural, adoptive and/or step, same or opposite gender) with an option to change who travels quarterly).
Retirees do not have "companion passes" or "buddy travel"; we have two Enrolled Friends. However, seven Star Alliance carriers allow you to accompany "travel partners" or "buddies" on their airlines. For info on travel partners read item #2 on RAFA's "OTHER AIRLINE travel" page.
For more details & definitions: Flying Together > Travel > Pass Riders (left column).
For more details about Enrolled Friends: Flying Together > Travel > Pass Riders > Enrolled Friends.
Boarding Priority groups for space-available travel on UA
The old BP-6 and BP-8 groups have been replaced by:
SA0V: Employees, retirees, and their accompanied pass riders if using VACATION passes;
Includes an unaccompanied spouse, domestic partner or primary friend* when using a vacation pass.
SA1P: Employees and their accompanied pass riders when using PERSONAL passes;
Includes an employee’s unaccompanied spouse, domestic partner or primary friend*.
SA2R: Retirees and their accompanied pass riders when using PERSONAL passes;Includes a retiree’s unaccompanied spouse or domestic partner.
SA3V: Unaccompanied pass riders when using a employee/retiree’s VACATION pass
Exception: unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner/primary friend* fly on vacation passes at SA0V.
SA4P: Unaccompanied pass riders when using a PERSONAL pass.
Exception: retiree’s unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner fly on personal passes at SA2R and
employee’s unaccompanied spouse/domestic partner/primary friend* fly on personal passes at SA1P.
*NOTE: Retirees do not have a “Primary Friend”.
For more details & definitions: Flying Together > Travel > Boarding priorities and procedures (left column)
How are we boarded for space-available travel on UA?
Positive Space standbys will be boarded first, then SA0 standbys, followed by SA1, SA2, SA3, etc.
Pass riders within each of the above groups are boarded in seniority order by "Years of Service", not by"Date of Hire". See RAFA's page on “Seniority and Board Date”.
How much does space-available travel on UA cost?
It depends on your "Years of Service" and what kind of pass you are using (Personal or Vacation). Visit RAFA's "Costs & IMPUTED TAXES". Retirees' travel costs must be pre-paid by credit card when listing.
More information: Flying Together > Travel > Preparing to Travel (left column) > Payments & Refunds
More information: Flying Together > Travel > Preparing to Travel (left column) > Service Charges
Space-Available Travel Passes:
Retirees and their eligible pass riders receive UNLIMITED personal passes.
Retirees receive EIGHT annual vacation passes. Valid for 5 yrs.
Personal passes: good for service-charge waived** economy class travel & svc charge travel in premium cabins (Business/BusinessFirst/First/Global First) system-wide. If retiree has 25 or more years of service then they (and their pass riders) will ride service-charge waived* in ALL cabins system-wide.
**service-charge waived = retirees & eligible pass riders only pay airport/departure/regulatory taxes/fees.
Vacation passes: good for one-way, multiple segment, service-charge waived** travel in ALL cabins system- wide at the highest boarding priority (SA0V). Valid for 5 years. One pass can be used for retiree and their pass riders when traveling together (accompanied). Roundtrip requires 2 passes
Example #1) Retiree can fly with all accompanied pass riders at priority SA0V from SFO-IAD-CDG (multiple segments) and use only one vacation pass. Another vacation pass would be needed to fly back together.
Example #2) If an enrolled friend in PHX wanted to go to Hawaii without the retiree, the retiree could give up 2 vac passes (one for PHX-SFO-HNL and 1 for the return); enrolled friend would be SA3V (unaccompanied). Better idea: let enrolled friend use their unlimited personal passes to go to Hawaii (SA4P, unaccompanied...not much difference than flying at SA3V).
Vacation passes are very valuable as they allow the retiree and accompanied eligibles to travel at the highest boarding priority without paying a service charge for premium cabins (regardless of years of service).
If you list with a vacation pass from A>B>C, but do not fly B>C, the vacation pass is used up.
If you listed in FC on any flight using a vacation pass, but flew in Y (FC was full), the vacation pass is used up.
Vacation pass details: Flying Together > Travel >Types of Travel (left column) > S/A Travel > Vacation PassesPersonal pass details: Flying Together > Travel >Types of Travel (left column) > S/A Travel > Personal Passes
Switching between pass types is not allowed less than 1 hour before domestic departure; or less than 2 hrs before international departure.
How to Fly...? Space-available Travel on United/United Express:
Go to Flying Together...
Where is the "FlyingTogether" website??? It's here: https://flyingtogether.ual.com
You need a file number and password to log in. A new password is required every 90 days.
Forgot your password? Call: 800-255-5801
To look at loads, list/pre-pay for travel and check-in, either
1) visit employeeRES on your computer/laptop: Go to Flying Together>Travel>click on the "Book a Flight" tab. or...
2) use the United app on iOS/Android devices: View RAFA's guide to using the app for Pass Travel
For a guide on how to use employeeRES visit FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel>How to book travel
No computer skills? Call the United Pass Line to list by talking to a live person (for a fee).
To create, change or cancel a pass travel booking by telephone call:
From the US dial 866-359-3727
From International dial 713-324-7277
If those numbers do not work, try 877-825-3729 + option 1 (ETC) + option 1 (ePass)
If you speak with a live agent it’s free to change the dates and/or times of an existing listing or to cancel a trip.
The $25 Booking Service Fee (per ticket) is charged for new bookings, changes to origin and/or destinations and changes to type of ePass (personal to vacation and vice versa) because they require a new eTicket to be issued. RAFA recommends retirees learn how to book, change and cancel pass travel for free by using employeeRES or the United app (if linked with your Mileage Plus number, see #2 and #3 below).
Before you travel:
Visit FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel (left column). Read everything there!
Read the Do's and Don'ts: FlyingTogether>Travel>Preparing forTravel > Helpful tips
Put Pass Travel Tools on your mobile devices (smart phone/iPad/tablet)!
Then you can book travel, make changes, etc while on the go:
- Go to flyingtogether.ual.com. At the log-in screen, SAVE that to your device's home screen. After signing in, click on the "Travel" link to be taken to "MobileRes", a streamlined version of employeeRES. You can check loads & your vac pass balances plus list for flights. If the flight costs money use the "Full Site" link at the bottom of MobileRes to go to the full version of FlyingTogether, then go to employeeRES to input your credit card info. Using the "full site" of FlyingTogether on your mobile device also allows you access to "Other Airline" travel (for myIDtravel and ID90T).
- Download and use the United app (united.com>Travel Information>MobileTools). This is very useful at the gate to check the standby list, seat map, etc. during boarding.
- BEST: Join Mileage Plus (it's FREE) and link your MP # in employeeRES>QuickLinks>EmployeeProfile, then you can use the United app to check-in for flights, save boarding passes,etc. We can now list for space available travel and buy myUAdiscount tickets using the United app IF our MP#s are linked.NOTE: your name in employeeRES and Mileage Plus MUST perfectly MATCH. If they don't match, then change your Mileage Plus name. View: RAFA's guide to using the app for Pass Travel.
Confirmed travel on UA; buy myUAdiscount tickets!
Employees, retirees and their eligible pass riders may purchase full revenue confirmed tickets for system- wide travel on United and United Express with a 20 percent discount. Tickets include two free checked bags (up to 70 lbs each) and Mileage Plus credit. Depending on routing, you may buy discounted FC, Business-First, Economy or Basic Economy tickets. All fare rules apply, including cancellation fees.
Note: you may NOT hold myUAdiscount tickets and have a space-available listing for the same flight!
To purchase tickets visit the Flying Together>Travel>myUAdiscount tile on your computer or use the "Book a Flight" tab on the United app with your mobile device (if it is linked with your Mileage Plus number).
Note: To get the 20% discount & 2 free bags, you must buy your tickets on FlyingTogether>Travel>myUAdiscount; it you buy tickets on United.com you will not get 2 free bags.
Other Airline space-available ZED Travel:
United has interline agreements with 100 Other Airlines so we can fly beyond the UA network. For details/costs by airline go to the Flying Together>Travel>Other Airline/Interline Travel tile. From there, visit a special website to purchase the "Zonal Employee Discount" e-tickets (either "myIDTravelPurchase" or "ID90T", depending on the carrier. Most airlines are on the "myIDTravelPurchase" website).
First, read the helpful step-by-step guide, RAFA's "Other Airline Travel" page.
Note: Some Star Alliance carriers allow "Star Companions" (buddies), but only if accompanied by the retiree.
Compiled by Kirk Moore, RAFA Travel Benefits Committee
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Pass Travel UPDATE October 3, 2017
1) Pass Travel improvements
2) Changes to Pass Travel Tax Reporting for Retirees
3) Update your contact information NOW
4) Savvy Traveling: United app, KTN
5) More flights!
6) Discounts; cars, cruises, hotels
7) RAFA website
It may be easier to read this UPDATE on our website: http://www.rafa-cwa.org/
page-1836169
1) Pass Travel Improvements
As promised, United recently contacted the retiree groups via a
conference call, responding to the groups’ Pass Travel improvement
suggestions from the April retiree summit in Chicago. Laura Motelet,
Managing Director of the Employee Travel Center & HR Administration,
gave us the good news:
“We are excited to announce that beginning in 2018, instead of
only being able to change enrolled friend(s) once per year, retirees
will have the opportunity to change their enrolled friend(s) twice: midyear
and during year-end open enrollment. Retirees will continue to
have up to two active enrolled friends at one time, but this change will allow
retirees to register up to four enrolled friends during different time periods
within a calendar year. This enhanced pass travel privilege applies to
retirees only; all other aspects of the Enrolled Friend program remain
unchanged”.
Note: Open enrollment in December 2017 (Dec. 1 – Dec. 28 until
7:00 p.m. CT) will remain the same as usual. In June 2018 (Jun.1 – Jun. 28
until 7:00 p.m. CT) a second open enrollment will take place only for
retirees to either change or keep their Enrolled Friends for the remainder of
the year (July-December). Full details are coming soon on Flying Together
> Travel > Pass Riders (left column) > Retirees.
The ETC will announce three improvements to the myUAdiscount
program in mid-October: (1) unaccompanied minor fees will be waived, (2)
pet in-cabin fees waived and (3) we’ll be boarded in Group 3 (even when
paying Basic Economy fares)! More information will be posted on Flying
Together > Travel > myUAdiscount Program.
In a previous conference call we learned of three other Pass Travel
improvements: (1) better access to the ETC, (2) 24/7 online support via
USAW and (3) a new, improved employeeRES coming in 2018.
For the FULL STORY, read the News article on our website:
http://www.rafa-cwa.org/Retiree-Pass-Travel-Improvements
2) Changes to Pass Travel Tax Reporting for Retirees
Imputed Taxes on Pass Travel are changing.
For pass travel on or after November 1, 2017, any taxable
imputed income will be reported to you on Form W-2 and will no
longer be reported to you on Form 1099. As a result of this change,
starting on November 1, 2017, United will begin to collect any federal and
state withholding taxes that apply to your taxable pass travel income via
quarterly invoice. The first invoice will be sent in March 2018 for any travel
from November 1, 2017, to January 31, 2018, and invoices will be sent
every three months thereafter. The invoices will be mailed via U.S. mail and
they are payable by check or money order.
Despite the adjustment in reporting, there is no change to how
pass travel is taxed. Pass travel for retirees and their spouses, parents
and dependent children under age 26 is still not taxable. Pass travel for a
retiree's domestic partner and enrolled friends are taxable.
Note: In January of 2018, you will receive a Form 1099 reporting your
taxable pass travel income for travel Nov. 1, 2016 to Oct. 31, 2017, if
your taxable pass riders accrued $600 of imputed taxes (pass tax
value) or more in that period. Go to Flying Together > Travel > Pass
Travel Report (blue tile) to check on the total “Pass Tax Values”
accumulated. No withholding taxes will be collected for travel prior to
Nov. 1, 2017.
Read more important W-2 Pass Travel Tax Reporting information on
Flying Together here. Or go to Flying Together > Travel > W-2 Pass
Travel Tax Reporting (in left column).
Note: The online chart shows “Extended Family Buddies” and “Buddies”
are subject to tax; this only applies to employees who recently retired
in the last 30 days.
3) Update your contact info NOW!
The ETC sent retirees information via email and U.S. mail about
#1 and #2 above, did you receive it? NO? It’s important to update your
contact information in 3 places:
1) The “Saved employeeRES information” box on your “Employee
Travel Profile” in the “Quick Links” tab in “employeeRES” (“Book a Flight”
on Flying Together >Travel).
2) In “Personal Information” in “Your Profile” (in top menu bar) in
“YBR” (Your Benefits Resources) on Flying Together > Employee Services
or go to www.ybr.com/united.
3) In our RAFA database by contacting your council President here.
United will be contacting retirees soon about open enrollment for
health care Oct. 30 – Nov. 10, 2017. Make sure your phone number, email
and postal mailing addresses are all up to date in YBR (and RAFA!). Stay
in touch; update employeeRES with your latest email address and phone
number.
4) Savvy Traveling: Use the United app! Get a KTN!
Use the United app for easy booking and flying for both space
available and myUAdiscount travel. To learn more, go to Flying Together >
Travel > United app & Pass Travel tab (in the left column). Or click this
RAFA page link for more info: Use the United app and link with Mileage
Plus.
KTN: Join a Trusted Traveler Program to obtain a “Known Traveler
Number” to be eligible for TSA PreCheck and expedited customs/
immigration entry. Visit Flying Together > Travel > “Preparing for
Travel” (left column) > “Trusted Traveler Programs”. Links on that page will
take you directly to sign up on the GOES system. There are various
programs with different pricing.
Once signed up online, you will apply for an interview (the first
available interview for me was 4 months later!). Revisit the webpage often
to try and move up your interview date. Some locations have drop-in wait
lists for interviews. Take a good book, you may have to wait awhile!
IMPORTANT! After you pass the in-person interview you MUST input
your “KTN” (Known Traveler Number) in two places:
1) For space available travel go to employeeRES > Quick Links >
Employee Travel Profile (click “Add/edit Secure Flight and Travel Contact
Information” in the “Saved employeeRES Info” box). If you have more than
one Secure Flight Document (i.e. one for passport, one for driver’s license)
enter your KTN in BOTH documents.
Select row, click little pencil icon, input your KTN in the field that says
“Global Entry/Known Traveler", then hit “submit”.
2) For revenue travel (including use of myUAdiscount) go to
your MileagePlus account (united.com > MileagePlus > My Account >
Profile > Edit Traveler Details > Known Traveler Number)
For both space-available and revenue (myUAdiscount) travel: use the
United app linked with your Mileage Plus number AND join a Trusted
Traveler Program; you will fly like the wind!
5) More flights! Enhance your Pass Riding bucket list
Starting October 2017:
Daily LAX-SIN (Singapore)
Daily EWR-EZE (Buenos Aires)
More frequency begins December 20th to Hawaii:
DEN-KOA, DEN-LIH and DEN-OGG will become daily, year round.
LAX-ITO will increase to daily. LAX-KOA & LAX LIH increase to 2x
daily. LAX-OGG increases to 3x daily.
ORD-OGG will increase to daily (except Tue/Wed)
SFO-KOA increases to 3x daily. SFO-LIH to 2x daily. SFO-OGG to 5x
daily.
Current flights to HNL will continue from DEN & ORD (daily), LAX &
SFO (5x daily).
UA also connects to HNL daily from IAH, EWR, IAD, GUM & NRT.
Starting January 2018 (subject to govt approval)
Daily IAH-SYD (Sydney)
New flights to Europe for summer 2018:
Daily EWR-OPO (Oporto) 757 May 4th -Oct 4th
Daily EWR-KEF (Reykjavik) 757 May 23rd - Oct 4th
Daily SFO-ZRH (Zurich) 787-8 Jun 7th - Oct 27th
Daily IAH-EDI (Edinburgh) 757 May 23rd - Oct 4th
6) Discounts on cars, cruises, hotels
The ID90Travel.com website offers discounts for employees and
retirees on hotels, cruises, resorts, and rental cars when you travel for
leisure. It’s easy to book and to save as much as 60 percent off! Simply
click on the ID90 Travel banner in employeeRES (you may have already
noticed it under ‘My ePass Balances’) when you make your space available
travel plans to see what discounts are available at your destination or
search for exclusive rates at more than 380,000 destinations worldwide.
7) “Recent News” on Flying Together>News
Click the dark blue “Recent News” link above to see other stories.
Here are some you might like:
06/19: MERGED CMS for Flight Attendants October 2018
06/29: Mileage Plus changes
06/30: History of United at SFO Museum
07/06: Diversity in London
07/11: Oscar stands with United Flight Attendants
07/20: John Slater to become Inflight SVP
07/26: Non-stop DEN-LHR in March 2018
08/08: New flights to ski resorts this winter
08/17: No more early-outs! But there's insurance if you retire
09/01: Hurricane Harvey relief
09/11: Oscar: We will never forget
09/12: More ways to get to Europe next summer
09/18: Farewell Flight for 747: SFO-HNL
09/20: Safety is Global III new inflight video
10/02: Oscar: Compassion for Las Vegas victims
10/02: Pax can name their price to change oversold flight
Here’s a 7/18/2017 Airwise article about $10 billion renovation of JFK:
http://news.airwise.com/story/jfk-airport-on-track-for-10-billion-dollar-renovation
8) Have you seen our RAFA website?
Check out the Travel Benefits tab here: http://www.rafa-cwa.org
Read the Pass Travel Program Summary, helpful links, phone numbers & more.
For other Pass Travel Topics: Previous Travel UPDATES
Compiled by Kirk Moore, RAFA Travel Benefits Committee October 3, 2017
