Retiree Pass Travel Summary
United's pass travel program for employees and retirees includes Space-Available (stand-by) travel and discounted full-rev confirmed seats (myUAdiscount) on United/United Express. We can also standby for travel on Other Airlines using ZED tickets. Obtaining e-tickets or listing on UA/UAX is done online via https://ft.ual.com (log-in required) or by using the United app (IF your Mileage Plus number is linked to employeeRES) or by phone ($25 per person); we cannot get tickets written at the airport! Buying ZED tickets on Other Airlines is done online only. See "How to Fly" below (scroll down).
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). Read United's explanation of Space Available travel here (must log on):
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 (can change twice per year. Register: FT > Travel > Pass travel > "Manage 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).
For more details about Enrolled Friends: FT > Travel > Eligible pass riders > In this section > "Enrolled friends".
Boarding Priority groups for space-available travel on United/UAX
The old BP-6 and BP-8 groups have been replaced by: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.
Pass riders within each of the above groups are boarded in seniority order by "Years of Service", not by
How much does space-available travel on UA cost?
Space-Available Travel Passes:
Retirees and their eligible pass riders receive UNLIMITED personal passes.
Retirees also 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: FT > Travel > Programs and policies > Types of travel > "Space available pass travel" > "vacation passes"
How to Fly...? Space-available Travel on United/United Express:
LAST Updated 8/1/2019 Most information here is still good; but some links may be obsolete.
United's pass travel program for employees and retirees includes Space-Available (stand-by) travel and discounted full-rev confirmed seats (myUAdiscount) on United/United Express. We can also standby for travel on Other Airlines using ZED tickets. Obtaining e-tickets or listing on UA/UAX is done online via https://ft.ual.com (log-in required) or by using the United app (IF your Mileage Plus number is linked to employeeRES) or by phone ($25 per person); we cannot get tickets written at the airport! Buying ZED tickets on Other Airlines is done online only. See "How to Fly" below (scroll down).
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). Read United's explanation of Space Available travel here (must log on):
https://ft.ual.com/travel/typesoftravellandingpage/spaceavailablepasstravel
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 (can change twice per year. Register: FT > Travel > Pass travel > "Manage 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, eleven
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 about Enrolled Friends: FT > Travel > Eligible pass riders > In this section > "Enrolled friends".
Boarding Priority groups for space-available travel on United/UAX
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:
FT > Travel > Programs & Policies > (look in fly out menu "In this section") > "Boarding priorities"
How are we boarded for space-available travel on UA?
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.
Payments & Refunds information:
FT > Travel > Top Hits > "Get a refund"
Service Charges information:
Space-Available Travel Passes:
Retirees and their eligible pass riders receive UNLIMITED personal passes.
Retirees also 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: FT > Travel > Programs and policies > Types of travel > "Space available pass travel" > "vacation passes"
Personal pass details: FT > Travel > Programs and policies > Types of travel > "Space available pass 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://ft.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: FT >Travel> Top hits > "employeeRES" or...
2) Use the United app on iOS/Android devices: View RAFA's guide to using the app for Pass Travel or
visit FT > Travel > Pass Travel > "United app and Pass Travel"
For a guide on how to use employeeRES visit:
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 + employee travel + 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:
GET PREPARED by reading all the items here:
Including the ten Do's and Don'ts!
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 ft.ual.com. At the log-in screen, SAVE that to your device's home screen so it's a shortcut. 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. Or also view: FT > Travel > Pass Travel > "United app and 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 FT > Travel > Top Hits > "myUAdiscount" 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 FT > Travel > Top Hits > "myUAdiscount" or by using the United app (if linked to your MP#). If you buy tickets on United.com or call United reservations you will not get the 20% discount and 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 FT > Travel > Top Hits > "Other airline interline travel". 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.