I got told for the third time in a couple of weeks that there’s been a policy change and deadheads aren’t allowed to preboard anymore, but they’ll allow it “this time,” next time I need to board with group 3 when it’s called.

Is this an official United policy that was passed down? Just frustrating because I always tell the gate agents to please let the DH down as early as possible so they can get comfortable and find a place for their stuff.

Seems like a lot of the common courtesies that used to be extended from crew to crew are disappearing. It’s honestly just weird to be treated like a scoundrel by the gate agents for asking to walk down a little early. Of course I always ask politely and professionally and never assume, but it’s pretty embarrassing to ask something like that and look like an idiot in front of a bunch of passengers. If it’s truly policy I’ll quit asking but if it isn’t, where exactly is that coming from?