Former workers rail about Jan. 1 change that gives current employees priority It's the end of the line, literally, for retirees of United Airlines, who are fuming over a new policy that will make it harder for them to use one of their treasured perks: free standby coach seats on flights. Starting in January, United retirees will no longer have boarding priority over current United employees, as they have for years. Waiting at the end of the line for potential unused seats isn't only about prestige or respect for longtime workers. It means some retirees won't be able to get on their preferred flights if planes fill up. They might have to stand by on several flights before being able to board. That's more likely since United Continental, like many airlines, in recent months has cut down on the number of seats it makes available nationwide. It did that so the airline can fly fuller planes and preserve company profits. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-11-09/business/ct-biz-1109-united-retirees-20111109_1_united-retirees-active-employees-and-retirees-united-continental