KIRO NEWSRADIO OPINION

‘You don’t check in, you get left’: Gee and Ursula believe airline’s new rule will boost efficiency

May 29, 2025, 5:00 AM

United Airlines...

A United Airlines jet moves along a runway. (Photo: Bruce Bennett via Getty Images)

(Photo: Bruce Bennett via Getty Images)

United Airlines will soon require passengers to check in at least 45 minutes before departure. Those who fail to check in by the deadline could be denied boarding, according to USA Today.

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, co-hosts of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, supported the stricter check-in time.

“What’s happening is you have a bunch of people that are late, a bunch of people who are late no matter what,” Gee said. “They’re not accountable. They use their forefinger, and they should be using their thumb. So because of this, Ursula, I think this is one that you and I gonna agree on. I want you to be on time, and I want airlines to be more efficient. This will help people be more efficient. And you just get left. You don’t check in, you get left.”

Ursula did agree with Gee, hopeful the new rule will lead to fewer delays.

“Good for them for doing this,” Ursula said. “The real reason, though, is more people are traveling. And the worst thing is, when you are delayed, because there are those last minute—I love it when the airlines are able to get everybody in their seats quickly, and they’re like, ‘OK, we’ve got all our passengers. Ready to go.’ That is the best feeling. The worst is when they’re just waiting and waiting.”

Gee and Ursula say checking in is simple as they discuss United’s new rule

Gee added that checking in is not that difficult.

“Can you just check in the night before the 24 hours, when you’re allowed to check in, that way your airline knows who’s gonna be coming,” he insisted.

But what time do Gee and Ursula get to the airport?

“Your boy gets to the airport at least two hours early,” Gee said.

“Yeah, even for domestic flights,” Ursula responded.

And for the people who don’t mind cutting it close to get to their flight, Ursula calls them “eternal optimists.”

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio. 

Gee and Ursula Show

KIRO Newsradio Opinion

boeing renton Flydubai 737 MAX...

Charlie Harger

Harger: Twenty-seven kids on a diving Flydubai 737 MAX got home safe. Thank a Boeing worker in Renton

Earlier this week, a Flydubai jet headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv nearly went down. Officials said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane.

26 minutes ago

seattle white workplace hostile...

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin Show

‘Some of these programs go way too far’: Ursula weighs in on white Seattle worker’s revived workplace lawsuit

A court revived a white ex-Seattle worker's lawsuit over the city's anti-racism program. Gee and Ursula said some training helps, but some goes too far.

3 hours ago

mariners john stanton changes...

Ursula Reutin

Ursula: John Stanton is embarrassed. So what’s going to change?

Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton expresses embarrassment. Ursula Reutin expanded on what changes lie ahead for the team and its fans.

14 hours ago

stolen excavator...

Gee Scott

Gee: Wait, what?! You’re selling a stolen excavator on Facebook Marketplace?

A stolen excavator listed for $24,000 on Facebook Marketplace caught its owner’s eye, and led Pierce County deputies straight to the seller.

16 hours ago

earthquake...

Ursula Reutin

Ursula: Tuesday’s earthquake is a reminder to prepare for ‘the big one’

Tuesday’s 4.2 magnitude earthquake near Gig Harbor was not “the big one.” But it was a reminder to prepare.

18 hours ago

RV encampment...

Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill Show

‘Kids or drug addicts?’: Jake and Spike blast Seattle’s response to Woodland Park RV encampment

KIRO hosts Jake and Spike question Seattle’s response to an RV encampment raising safety concerns for young runners at Woodland Park.

19 hours ago

‘You don’t check in, you get left’: Gee and Ursula believe airline’s new rule will boost efficiency