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?

 

We all understand the UPA by now, right??

So the question is “in uniform or not in uniform “.

 

I’m not flying for UA, but they didn’t pass anything to us regionalers about any changes. In uniform fwiw.

 

It is in our contract that we can board at anytime during the boarding process. The gate agents have probably been allowing all pilots to do this.

 

Good to know they fixed the glitch.

 

If you don’t work for ual then you have no contractual right to board early.

 

DH is boarding group 1 with pre board privileges while in uniform. If you are in group 3 you’re on a fake or you booked your own PS travel. Are you a TK or office weenie?

 

I’m UAX and our DH are always group 3.

 

That’s fine, it’s just always been the way it was, at least for the 4 years I’ve been here and suddenly it’s a problem. I thought it was a courtesy thing like offering water bottles and snacks.

 

Sadly, those courtesies can be all over the place.

Some other places, it's simply a standard/accepted practice.