Ever wondered how United Airlines keeps its workforce of over 100,000 employees connected and informed? The answer lies in Flying Together, United's comprehensive employee intranet portal that serves as the digital hub for everything from payroll to exclusive travel benefits.
What is United Flying Together?
Flying Together is United Airlines' internal employee portal, accessible at flyingtogether.ual.com. This secure platform serves as the central hub where United employees access everything they need for their work and personal benefits, including some of the industry's most coveted travel privileges.
The portal functions as more than just a typical employee website - it's a comprehensive ecosystem that connects employees across different departments, time zones, and locations. From ground crew in Chicago to flight attendants in Tokyo, Flying Together ensures everyone stays connected to the company's resources and community.
Key Features and Services
Employee Services Hub
Flying Together provides access to essential employee services including:
- Payroll and Benefits: Employees can view paystubs, manage health insurance, and access retirement plan information
- Work Schedules: Flight crews and ground staff can view their assignments and request schedule changes
- Training Materials: Access to company training programs and certifications
- Employee Directory: Contact information for colleagues across the organization
- Company News: Real-time updates on policy changes, announcements, and industry developments
Travel Benefits and Pass Riders
One of the most valuable features is the travel section, where employees can:
- Book Non-Revenue Travel: Access to standby flights for employees and their families
- myUAdiscount: Purchase confirmed tickets at a 20% discount with two free checked bags
- Interline Travel: Book discounted travel on partner airlines through agreements with over 100 carriers
- Manage Pass Riders: Add eligible friends and family members to their travel benefits
The platform supports "United Pass Riders" - friends and family of employees who can access specific travel benefits and information through the portal. This inclusive approach allows employees to share their aviation lifestyle with loved ones, creating a broader community around the United Airlines brand.
Communication and Collaboration Tools
Flying Together facilitates company-wide communication through:
- Discussion Forums: Platforms for employees to share ideas and collaborate on projects
- Service Desk: Technical support and assistance with benefits questions available 24/7
- Mobile App Integration: Access to key features on smartphones and tablets
- Instant Messaging: Real-time communication between departments and teams
Employee Travel Privileges: The Ultimate Perk
United employees enjoy some of the industry's most comprehensive travel benefits through Flying Together, making it one of the most attractive aspects of working for the airline.
Space-Available Travel
Free or heavily discounted standby travel on United flights, with priority determined by years of service and pass type. The priority system includes different levels (SA0, SA1, SA2, etc.) that determine boarding order:
- SA0: Highest priority for certain employee categories
- SA1P: Personal travel for employees
- SA2R: Retiree travel
- SA3: Lower priority leisure travel
Confirmed Discount Travel (myUAdiscount)
The myUAdiscount program allows employees to purchase confirmed tickets at 20% off regular fares, including two free checked bags and MileagePlus credit. This benefit is particularly valuable for employees who need guaranteed seats for important travel.
Partner Airline Access
Through interline agreements, United employees can travel on partner airlines at significant discounts, expanding their travel options globally. The platform integrates with specialized booking sites like myIDTravelPurchase and ID90T to facilitate these bookings.
Access and Security Features
Flying Together requires employee ID and password authentication, with additional security measures including:
- 90-Day Login Requirement: Accounts are suspended if not accessed within 90 days
- VPN Access: Remote access capabilities for employees working from home
- Mobile Integration: Ability to link employee ID with MileagePlus number for streamlined app usage
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhanced security for sensitive employee data
Former employees and retirees maintain limited access through a separate portal (eres.ual.com) for benefits-related information and can verify employment through The Work Number using United's employer code 10209.
Maximizing Employee Travel Benefits
For United employees looking to maximize their travel benefits, the Flying Together portal offers several strategic advantages:
Planning and Booking Strategy
Smart employees use the portal's tools to:
- Monitor load factors on flights before listing for standby travel
- Book myUAdiscount tickets during sales for confirmed travel
- Coordinate with family members' pass rider privileges
- Track their priority status for better planning
Travel Insurance Considerations
While United employees enjoy extensive travel benefits, many choose to supplement with additional coverage through providers like Faye Travel Insurance for international trips or when traveling on partner airlines where United's coverage may be limited.
The Business Impact of Flying Together
Flying Together represents more than just an employee portal - it's a strategic tool that helps United maintain operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. According to aviation industry reports, airlines with comprehensive employee portals see 15% higher employee retention rates and 20% fewer HR-related inquiries.
The system particularly shines in managing the complex world of airline employee travel benefits, where priority levels, partner agreements, and booking procedures can be incredibly intricate. Having everything accessible in one place helps employees maximize their travel benefits while reducing confusion and support calls.
How Flying Together Compares to Other Airlines
United's Flying Together portal is considered one of the most comprehensive in the industry. While other major airlines like American Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer similar employee portals, United's integration of travel benefits, real-time communication, and mobile accessibility sets it apart.
The platform's user-friendly design and comprehensive feature set have made it a model for other airlines looking to modernize their employee communication systems.
Future Developments
United continues to enhance Flying Together with new features and improvements. Recent updates have included:
- Enhanced mobile app functionality
- Better integration with third-party travel booking systems
- Improved user interface design
- Expanded self-service options for common HR tasks
Bottom Line
United Flying Together demonstrates how airlines can effectively manage their workforce in an increasingly complex industry. For United's employees, it's an indispensable tool that connects them to their benefits, colleagues, and the broader company mission.
While most travelers will never see Flying Together, understanding how airlines support their employees provides insight into the industry's operations and the valuable benefits that make airline careers attractive despite the challenges.
For United employees, Flying Together isn't just a portal - it's their gateway to staying connected with one of the world's largest airlines and accessing the travel privileges that make working in aviation uniquely rewarding. The platform exemplifies how modern employee benefits extend far beyond traditional compensation, creating a lifestyle that many find irresistible.
Whether you're a current United employee maximizing your travel benefits or considering a career in aviation, Flying Together represents the gold standard for airline employee portals and the comprehensive benefits that come with working for a major carrier.
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