FLIGHT OPS FLYER October 23, 1998 **************** **************** More Information About The New Carry-on Bag Policy -------------------------------------------------- In response to customer demand and employee requests for safer, more consistent carry-on bag procedures, United has developed a two-part policy for carry-on bags on North American flights. The goal of the new policy is to reduce carry-on bag totals by 15 to 20 percent in order to improve on-time performance and provide customers with a more hassle-free travel experience. Phase I, which was implemented on May 15, addressed the number of bags customers and employees can bring on board: a maximum of two. The pilot flight bag has been designated as exempt from the two-bag limit, and a yellow "Carry-on Exemption" bag tag will be distributed to all pilots for use on their flight bag. Phase II of the new policy, which goes into effect November 1, addresses size: each carry-on bag may be no larger than 45 linear inches. As explained in an October 20 E-note from Sr. Vice President-Flight Operations Captain Hart Langer to all pilots, working pilots (defined as those pilots in uniform who are actually flying the trip) will be exempt from the size restrictions, as well as the number restrictions. This is because there is dedicated storage space for their bags in the cockpit and certain FOM- designated cabin areas. Deadheading pilots (and those traveling OMC) in uniform will be processed through screening similar to working pilots. However, because they travel in the cabin, they will be required to comply with the carry-on policy. Oversize or excess bags that are not checked may not be allowed onboard the airplane, and can be gate-checked like a customer's bag. Following are some of the questions that have been raised about the new policy: Q. Is the flight bag always exempt? A. Yes. The flight bag, which complies with size restrictions, is exempt from the two-bag number restriction. The yellow "Carry-on Exemption" tag is intended to be attached permanently to the flight bag. Q. How do I get a yellow tag? A. Yellow tags are being distributed, 1 to each pilot, by domiciles and the Flight Center. Q. How is 45 linear inches computed? A. 45 linear inches equals length plus height plus width. Bags that are a maximum of 22 x 9 x 14 will be within the guidelines. Q. What about when I'm traveling OMC? A. The same guidelines that apply to deadheaders in uniform apply to pilots traveling OMC in uniform: they will be processed through screening similar to a working pilot, but their excess or oversize bags, other than the flight bag, may not be allowed onboard the airplane unless they can be properly stowed in the cockpit If they cannot, those bags can be gate checked, like a passenger's bag, and retrieved at the baggage claim area. Q. When in uniform, will I be able to take my excess or oversize bags with an orange crew tag to the ramp at all airports? A. Regulations governing access to airport ramp areas (AOA) are determined by each local airport authority. Without an AOA badge particular to that airport, access is not allowed. Your bags will need to be gate checked and retrieved at baggage claim. Q. What happens when I'm traveling in street clothes? A. Pilots traveling in street clothes -- either deadheading, traveling OMC or on personal travel -- will need to comply with size and number restrictions, just like a passenger. Excess or oversize bags will not be cleared through security screening and will need to be checked. They can be retrieved at the baggage claim area. Q. Do you really want pilots to check bags when deadheading to cover a trip? A. Checking their bags is an option for pilots who are carrying excess or oversize bags. Keep in mind that approved uniform suitcases as listed in the FOM, when not overpacked, comply with the size restrictions. "This new carry-on policy is good for our customers and good for United Airlines," says Captain Langer. "It not only supports United's on-time goals, but will lead to improved onboard comfort and safety for both customers and employees. I encourage all pilots to give it a chance to work. You can provide feedback to your domicile or directly to me. The policy will be reviewed and adjusted if necessary." New Manager-Flight Crew Schedule Planning Named ----------------------------------------------- Director-Flight Crew Resources Richard Lung has announced the selection of Mark Kilayko as Manager-Flight Crew Schedule Planning, replacing Nick Damalas who is retiring on December 31 after 42 years of service to United Airlines. Mark joined United in 1988 as an International Cargo Sales and Service representative. He joined Flight Operations in April 1990 as a flight crew data coordinator, and also served as a flight crew scheduler and manpower planner, before leaving Flight Ops to work as an analyst in Operations Analysis. Mark returned to Flight Ops as a senior staff specialist-Flight Crew Planning in July 1997, and earned an MBA from De Paul University in October 1998. He assumes his new position effective October 26. New Flight Manager at SFOFO --------------------------- SFOFO Chief Pilot Captain Bill Willson has selected Captain Ana Vegega as the new SFOFO Flight Manager. Captain Vegega joined United in May 1989 as a DC-8 Second Officer, and has also flown the B737-300/500, DC-10 and B747. Currently she is a Shuttle Captain and Line Check Airman based at SFO. She is involved with the Shuttle Enculturation Program and served on the local ALPA Air Safety Committee. Prior to joining United, she worked in the Training Program at the Johnson Space Center as a Space Shuttle Simulator instructor. Captain Vegega begins her new assignment on November 1. 1999 Open Enrollment Packages On Their Way ------------------------------------------ 1999 Open Enrollment packages are in the mail. Please review it carefully upon receipt. This year, most employees can make their benefit choices using the Voice Response Unit (VRU) toll-free number. The number to call is 1-800-648- 0151 and it is available 24 hours a day. Welcome Aboard -------------- Fifteen new-hire pilots began training at the Flight Center this week, bringing the 1998 total to 418. The latest assigned pilot number was 9668. Their assignments are: 8 B727 S/O 4 to ORD, 2 to JFK, 2 to SFO, 4 DC10 S/O 1 to ANC, 2 to SFO, 1 to LAX 3 B300 F/O 3 to ORD Safety Issues ------------- There were no flight safety inquiries this week. ************************************************************ Flight Operations Communications, WHQVF 847/700-7288 "Flight Ops Flyer" also is available in the United Airlines section of CompuServe under "Pilot Information." ************************************************************