YES and NO

NO,

United charges a fee based on mileage and class of seating. A couple example, First from PVG to ORD cost me $166.65 (fare 124.73 and taxes 41.92), economy from LAX to SMF was $11.50 (fare 5.49 and tax 6.01), and last first from SNA to BOS was $44.12 (fare 35.83 and tax 8.29). So, it is not too bad. Guessing on mainland to island flights will be around 45-50 bucks in first and 25-30 bucks in economy. These fares are all one way, so take that into consideration.

YES,

However, as a mainline employee (i.e. not United Express) you can travel free (not sure about taxes or not) to most places on a lower priority as a BP 10. This is a good option when the flight is wide open.

List of priority on United:

BP-Boarding Priority

BP 1 revenue standby, paid for a seat on that flight, most likely an oversold flight.

BP 2 is the same

BP 3 and 4 business travel for employees

BP 5 is revenue standyby for an earlier flight

BP 6 is for retirees

BP 7 is used for some emergency travel, death in the family

BP 8a Employee, spouse and kids under 20 or 18, traveling for pleasure.

BP 8b Parents and kids 20-23 in school

BP 8c Companions of united employee and Express employees traveling on date of travel senority.

BP 9 would be other airline stand by. American employee buying ID90 ticket.

BP 10 Employee, spouse and kids under 20 or 18, traveling for pleasure without being charged a fare.

BP 11 Offline jumpseats.

Good luck.