The lay offs are yet another response to soaring fuel prices.
The lay off notices will go out in July and take effect in September.
United employs about 6,600 pilots.
The airline announced last week plans to eliminate 1,600 employees overall.
United is also grounding at least 70 planes, raising its cheapest fares by as much as $90 one way and is charging $15 for the first bag that passengers check.
