Pros

The flight privileges are terrific. I have been to places that people can only dream about. If you have good seniority like I did, the airline can become your own personal jet fleet. Hop on a plane after work to LAX for dinner and be back the same night. There are many good people working at United, union workers included, who try to do the right thing to keep the airline flying. The people are down to earth and there is little pretention. They have just been distracted so much with all the problems with the airline industry - 9/11, bankruptcy, losing pensions, high fuel costs, merger rumors etc. The airline has good products such as economy plus and the new international business class cabins. I view it as a top tier domestic airline and was proud to be associated with the airline product.

Cons

Management is too concerned with hiding their mistakes and looking good for their bosses. Many of the people in mid and upper management at United are not qualified to be in the positions they are in. Many moved their way up because all the good people left during the bankruptcy years. I wonder if many in management could even get the same position if they were forced to reapply for their jobs? My manager did not even finish college. You work with and work for a lot of dumb people who are frauds that know how to BS and it can get frustrating. Some in management also lacks ethics and integrity. They will lie to your face and embarass you to save their asses.

Advice to Senior Management

Pull your heads out of your asses and be honest about the reality of the situation. It's ok to admit you make mistakes or you're wrong. The company should have everyone in management resubmit their credentials for their jobs and even consider hiring talent from innovative industries such as consumer products and electronics/technology. I am sure they will be able to find plenty of strong and talent candidates in the professional and executive job market with the current recession. One strong player will be worth at least two to three weak players in the management ranks. The company should hire management with integrity, who hold themselves, as much as they hold others accountable.