MEC Reserve Committee
When starting your new role here as a Flight Attendant or when you have accepted a transfer to a new base, there’s a valuable benefit built into our Contract that often goes underused: Settling Time. You may use up to three (3) consecutive days, and they are specifically intended to help you adjust to your new base location to ensure a smoother transition.
Here is what you need to know:
WHO is eligible for Settling Time? Any Flight Attendant who is reporting to an initial base assignment or who is transferring to a new base assignment can request Settling Time.
WHERE am I required to move? As the term “settling” implies, there must be an actual move between one residence and another. Change of residence need not be to the new base, but rather to the location from which you intend to commute. Remember, it must be used for activities which are actually associated with the move from one residence to the other, such as attending a closing, arranging for hook-up of utilities or moving furnishings to the new residence. At the time you make the request, United may require verification.
WHEN can I use Settling Time? Settling Time must be used within 12 months of either the day you report to your initial base or the effective date of any accepted transfer. You may request up to three (3) consecutive days, which may include scheduled days off as well as work days. The company may delay whatever settling time is requested by up to seven (7) days, based on anticipated coverage needs.
CAN I use both Settling Time and Travel Time? Yes. Settling Time is a separate provision from the time provided to travel to your new base. It may be requested to coincide with the travel time but also may instead be taken anytime within the 12-month period.
HOW do I request Settling Time? To request days for settling, simply fill out the form in HelpHub. You must provide at least seven (7) days advance notice.
Are these days PAID or UNPAID? When used for an initial base assignment, first voluntary base transfer, transferring to a newly opened base, or are ever involuntarily transferred (or volunteer to take the place of someone being involuntarily transferred), these days are pay protected. When used for subsequent base transfers, these days may be taken on an unpaid basis.
For more information, you can read the specific language in Section 17.H.1 and 17.H.2 of our CBA, review details in the Flight Attendant Base Transfer Guidelines on Flying Together, or contact your Local Council.