Source: Bidplus Bid Package Cover Letter
Author: Skip Jourdan (ex-UAL)

Here's an extremely important reminder by none other than Skip Jourdan of www.bidplus.com:

I would like to share with you that I had to fight for my passes, so I would like to give those of you that are considering leaving a word of caution.

If you are not yet 55 years old, then in the eyes of the company, you are resigning, not retiring. And as such, you are not entitled to any benefits with the exception of those of you that have 20 years in inflight.

On page 309 of our contract, you will see that you are entitled to 7 domestic passes and one international pass annually. However, since I did not formally request my passes prior to my departure, I was told that it was too late, and that I would not be receiving them!

However, after some help from AFA and a little letter writing, I was able to secure my pass benefits. I just wanted you all to be aware of the situation. For any of you that are considering resigning, please be sure that you are aware of these beneifts, and that you make your request before you leave!

How do you like them apples?  Skip almost got screwed with this.  Make sure you follow his advice and formally request your passes just prior to your departure.  If in doubt, contact your AFA representative or formally request them anyway!

It's a shame one would have to even have to do that, considering blah blah blah...that an employer would want to take care of their...blah dee dee blah blah.  Don't mess around with this: Formally request them!