In this episode of The Flight Deck, we sit down with Captain Pete Zabel, Chair of the MEC Pass Travel Committee, to explore the often misunderstood world of pilot pass travel. From navigating ever-changing rules and dealing with gate agents to explaining Standby Process Automation (SPA) and commuter privileges, Capt. Zabel sheds light on how his small but dedicated team of volunteers helps 18,000 pilots get the most from their travel benefits. Whether you’re a frequent non-rev traveler or new to pass travel, this conversation is packed with insights to make your next trip smoother.

In this week's Committee Compass, the SOAR Committee talks about its role and features for pilots to utilize.

In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings.

This episode we are joined by our Reps from Council 171 (IAH). Captain Leo Sherman, First Officer Matthew Silker, and Captain David Whitson. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual

We wrap up Women’s History Month by sitting down with two standout ALPA volunteers and United captains: Becca Woods and Diana Klein. Both women bring years of experience, unique career paths, and powerful insights into what it means to lead in the flight deck and beyond.

Captain Brian Noyes, newly elected chair of the Master Executive Council (MEC), sat down to discuss his plans and vision for his term, set to end February 28, 2026. 

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black aviators and aerospace professionals. 

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black aviators and aerospace professionals. 

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The sixth episode is with Captain Mark Rosenhahn of the Training Committee.

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fifth episode is with Captain Brad Hutchens and Vice Chair F/O Jack Knight.

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fourth episode is with Captain Andy Sneller Chair of the MEC Hotel Committee and Vice Chair Capt. Greg Maatz.