Listen to our popular Pilot’s Portfolio Podcast
Listen to our popular Pilot's Portfolio Podcast to get answers to your questions!
YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
United airlines retirement benefits
Your United Airlines career offers a robust retirement package, including a generous 401k plan and other benefits. To help you make the most of your options, we’ve compiled key details about each. Understanding the specifics of your retirement benefits will empower you to make informed decisions and maximize your retirement savings. Connect with us to answer questions about your options and explore the trajectory of your financial future.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR United AIRLINES 401k
Your United Airlines 401k account can be a tremendous wealth multiplier. This account has the potential to compound your contributions and investments over the course of your career.
United Airlines contributes a generous portion of your eligible compensation to your 401k account for you. This is known as the non-elective contribution. You also have the ability to contribute your own money to the 401k plan up to the IRS maximum.
Your 401k has several key planning features you should be aware of. First, you will have the ability to indicate if you want to contribute to the pre-tax or the Roth feature of the 401k. This is helpful when managing current and future tax planning. Next, your United Airlines 401k supports after-tax contributions and Roth conversions. This is useful if your elective deferrals and the company’s contributions do not take you to the IRS maximum and you’d like to top off the account.
When it comes to portfolio construction the investment menu will offer broad options allowing you to tailor your investment strategy. You can select from target date funds, index funds or use the self directed brokerage account for a more hands-on and customized investment experience.
What you should know about your other United Airlines benefits
As a United Airlines Pilot you have robust benefits. According to airline analyst Kit Darby of kitdarby.com, 9.9% of your career value is derived from your active and retirement benefits. Each year, during open enrollment you’ll have the option to select your benefits for the upcoming year during open enrollment. Medical, Dental, Life Insurance, Legal, and a few other insurance selections will need to be made during this time.
There are other benefits that you can enroll in at any time throughout the year. Your life is dynamic and your benefits shouldn’t be on autopilot year after year. Below we highlight several key company provided, union provided or contractually secured benefits*.
*The information presented is believed to be accurate. Some benefit options are subject to contract implementation. All benefits may be subject to change.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| 401k Administrator | Charles Schwab |
| Non-Elective Contribution | 18% |
| Profit Sharing | Yes |
| Additional Retirement Contributions | Cash Balance Plan (CBP)* |
| CBP Target Asset Allocation | 30% Equity Target (20%-40% allowable range) |
| Company Provided Life Insurance | 2052 x Pilots hourly rate |
| Long-Term Disability | Contractual |
| Long-Term Disability | Benefit = 50% of 1026 annual hours X pilots blended pay rate. Benefit maximum indexed to future raises.** |
| Legal Benefit Plan | Available |
| Pilot Accident Insurance | Company Provided |
| Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement (RHRA) | Provided |
| Active Health Reimbursement Arrange (Active HRA) | Provided |
| Union | ALPA |
| ALPA National Disability Insurance | LTD Plus Up Options Available | Base/PLUS plans |
| Voluntary Insurance | Group Term |
| Contract Amenability | 2027 |
*Waiting on IRS approval for the CBP as written. **Benefits are tax-free.
%
The percent of United pilots expected to retire between 2025 - 2029
%