Vacation trip drop for United pilots
Short answer
Yes, if the company allows it based on staffing. You are paid for the drop, and vacation comes out of next year's accrual (December–April drops: the year after).
What the contract says
“At the discretion of the Company, based upon its evaluation of available manpower, a Pilot may be allowed to drop a Trip(s) with pay and reduce their available vacation from their next vacation year's accrual.”
“A Pilot assigned to a Line of Flying shall receive pay equal to the pay value of the Trip dropped. A Reserve shall receive five and one-quarter (5:15) hours of pay for each reserve duty day dropped.”
How many vacation days does a drop use?
Enough days to cover the pay value of what you drop, not one day per trip day. The contract’s example for the 2024–2025 vacation year, at 4.25 hours per day: a lineholder trip worth 10:38 uses 2.5 days, and three reserve days at 5:15 each use 3.71 days. § 11-G-3-a § 11-G-3-b
How do I request it?
The same way as an Absent No Pay request, and you decide to use vacation at the time the request is granted. Reserve requests are handled first come, first served. § 11-G-2 § 11-G-4
What if I drop more than I’ve earned?
It can be allowed, but if you leave the company before earning enough vacation to cover it, the value is taken from your last paycheck. § 11-G-5
This page explains contract language; it is not legal advice. If your situation is not covered, ask your union representative.