United Retirement Checklist

As retirement approaches, United Airlines pilots must take several important steps to ensure a smooth transition out of the cockpit and into retirement. Below is a retirement checklist to keep you on track.

Retirement Checklist:

6 Months Out

• Identify your monthly income withdrawal needs from your retirement savings
• Update goals in your financial plan and review them with your advisor
• Ask your healthcare providers if they participate in Medicare
• Think about when to take Social Security – at retirement, full retirement age (FRA), or later

3 Months Out

• Medicare window opens for 7 months – sign up and select desired supplemental plans
• Submit paperwork for all applicable retirement benefits
• Elect Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) benefit – Legacy UAL

1 Month After

• Check with your advisor about rolling any remaining PRAP/PCRA money into corresponding IRAs
• Roll A-Plan CPRP (lump sum) into IRA – Legacy CAL
• Update goals in your financial plan
• Submit changes in income to reduce Medicare payment

Using this checklist can help United Airlines pilots ensure a smooth transition into retirement and a successful conclusion to their aviation career.