If you retired from United Airlines between August 17, 2017, and December 31, 2020, and were unable to participate in certain voluntary separation programs because you retired before they were offered, you may be included in a $27.5 million class action settlement.
Most eligible retirees do not need to file a claim. If you’re included in the settlement class and the settlement receives final approval, payments will be issued automatically.
Why Did This Lawsuit Happen?
The lawsuit claimed that United Airlines failed to provide promised cash severance benefits to certain former employees who retired before the airline introduced later voluntary separation programs.
According to the plaintiffs, employees who retired within the applicable timeframe should have been eligible for benefits comparable to those offered under later separation programs.
Who Qualifies for the Settlement?
You may be included if you:
- Retired from United Airlines between August 17, 2017, and December 31, 2020, and
- Were not eligible for the:
- Frontline Voluntary Separation Program 2 (VSP2)
- Frontline Voluntary Separation Program 3 (VSP3)
- Frontline Voluntary Separation Leave Program (VSL)
solely because you retired before those programs were offered.
The settlement applies regardless of whether you signed a release of claims when participating in another separation program.
The settlement administrator will determine each class member’s eligibility and benefit amount based on United’s employment records and the applicable allocation plan.
How Much Can You Receive?
Payments vary based on your settlement group and the court-approved allocation formula.
Settlement benefits include:
- Cash payment from the $27.5 million settlement fund
- Eight United-operated vacation passes valid for five years
The cash distribution will be calculated after deductions for court-approved attorneys’ fees, expenses, administration costs, taxes, and service awards.
In addition to cash, each eligible class member will receive:
- Eight vacation passes for United-operated flights
- Passes are valid for five years
- Service charges and taxes are waived, except certain airport and regulatory taxes
- Passes include the highest space-available boarding priority available under the settlement
Your Options
| Option | What Happens | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Do Nothing | If you’re an eligible class member, you will automatically receive your settlement payment and travel benefits if the settlement receives final approval. No claim form is required. | No action required |
| Object | Submit a written objection if you disagree with the settlement. | August 12, 2026 |
| Attend the Fairness Hearing | If you file a notice of intention to appear, you may speak at the hearing regarding the settlement. | Notice to appear due August 12, 2026 Hearing: September 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. CT |
How to File a Claim?
You do not need to submit a claim form.
If you are an eligible Settlement Class Member:
- The settlement administrator will use United’s records to identify eligible retirees.
- Payments will automatically be mailed after the settlement receives final approval and any appeals are resolved.
- If you’ve moved, update your mailing address with the settlement administrator to avoid delays in receiving your payment.
If you retired from United Airlines during the covered period, you may already be included in this settlement. Since no claim form is required for eligible class members, it’s important to keep your mailing address up to date so you can receive any payment and travel benefits if the settlement receives final approval.
