SEATTLE'S MORNING NEWS

Gee Scott: United Airlines’ new check-in policy is about ‘more accountability’

May 28, 2025, 5:02 AM | Updated: 5:16 am

United Airlines baggage policy...

A traveler looks for baggage amid rows of unclaimed luggage at the United Airlines baggage claim area at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on June 29, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo Courtesy of Mario Tama/Getty Images)

(Photo Courtesy of Mario Tama/Getty Images)

United Airlines implemented a new policy for domestic passengers without checked luggage, requiring them to check in 45 minutes before departure, updated from the previous 30 minutes.

Gee Scott joined “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor, to embrace United Airlines’ policy change. He says he wants to hold late-arriving passengers accountable.

“I love more accountability,” Gee said, “What ends up happening is, the people who do things the right way, and are on time, then wonder why some of these planes are delayed.”

Positive effects on SeaTac

Gee sees this policy change as an opportunity to revamp the current congestion issues at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

“When you go to (Sea-Tac), everything is packed, you have to have some type of structure,” Gee said.

The new check-in policy, effective June 3, aims to align with the United Airlines checked-baggage deadline policy, according to USA Today. It could potentially limit delayed flights as a result.

Listen to the full conversation below.

Listen to “Seattle’s Morning News” with Charlie Harger and Manda Factor weekday mornings from 5-9 a.m. on KIRO Newsradio. Subscribe to the podcast here.

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Gee Scott: United Airlines’ new check-in policy is about ‘more accountability’