Thank you Alaska for the Jumpseat. NOT!

[Formula 1]

I was denied jumpseat on Alaska tonight because the gate agent told me that Jackson system was not working and there was no seats in the back of the airplane because the previous flight cancelled. I asked to see the captain but the supervisor said no. I sat at the gate for 45 minutes and waited while they checked my ID with their Jackson system (their version of CASS I guess), but it would not work. Since I waited so long, I missed connect through LAS to try to make this direct flight. Now I am sleeping in the crew lounge.

 

[Wally]

I'm sorry to hear you missed your commute and had to spend the night in the crew lounge. But I'm wondering, what is the point of your post? I'm guessing this was just a random problem, but if you really think it warrants, you would be much better off passing along these details to your airline's jumpseat coordinator. Although I would omit the "NOT!" reference.

Good luck,
Wally

p.s. It's JACS (pronounced "Jacks").

 

[PSL]

I believe the point of his post was to illustrate two areas of frustration:

1) The CASS system which was in place did not work (obvious).

2) He thought he should be able to speak to the captain and was frustrated the ground personnel blocked him from doing so (not so obvious).

I don't know how Alaska's JS works, but even if he would have gotten to me (SWA) I can not authorize off line JS to ride up front without CASS approval.

Again .. sorry that he had to sleep in the lounge but offline jumpseating can be a challenge at times.

 

[ivauir]

I have also had trouble ith JACS. While I've told my jumpseat coordinator, maybe the Alaska guys would like to know there is a problem.

 

[Freight Dog]

I had a similar experience with United and CASS. I was getting "unknown error - call Flight Ops." After about 10-15 minutes of trying to no avail... they tried it again on a different computer and my ugly mug scared the bejeezus out of them the first try.

 

[capt. megadeth]

Was it an American agent working the Alaska booth?

I've experienced that and what should have been a 6 hour flight to ANC, turned into 18 hours thanks to the nazi.

 

[Mookie]

I was denied jumpseat on Alaska tonight because the gate agent told me that Jackson system was not working and there was no seats in the back of the airplane because the previous flight cancelled. I asked to see the captain but the supervisor said no. I sat at the gate for 45 minutes and waited while they checked my ID with their Jackson system (their version of CASS I guess), but it would not work. Since I waited so long, I missed connect through LAS to try to make this direct flight. Now I am sleeping in the crew lounge.

obviously you went back to the crew lounge and started drinking. i can guarantee you that the captain did not know you were having this problem or he/she would have done everything to get you on, unless you work for "RedWood."

relax...commuting sux and sometimes you get screwed. everyone on this board who has at one point been left behind, so no reason to single out an isolated situation with a stupid gate agent.

if you don't want to commute...then apply here.

mookie

 

[skypine69]

Alaska is always good to me when I jump on them. However, JACS is tempermental and when it is down, there is nothing the CA can do for you. Part of commuting, sucks...but it is how it is!

 

[kingair1]

I agree with WALLY'S POST. I would omit the "NOT!" reference. Its a broad statement for a specific problem that never really happens much. The JAX's system is reliable ! ( MOST OF THE TIME ! )

 

[bmpilot2003]

I'm sorry to hear you missed your commute and had to spend the night in the crew lounge. But I'm wondering, what is the point of your post? I'm guessing this was just a random problem, but if you really think it warrants, you would be much better off passing along these details to your airline's jumpseat coordinator. Although I would omit the "NOT!" reference.

Good luck,
Wally



p.s. It's JACS (pronounced "Jacks").

Problems with gate agents not letting guys talk to the captain is not a random problem it is a GROWING problem. Gate agents think they control the jumpseat.

 

[RadioClash]

Problems with gate agents not letting guys talk to the captain is not a random problem it is a GROWING problem. Gate agents think they control the jumpseat.

Had a gate agent deny me the jumpseat a while back, I asked to speak with the captain, who I knew personally, and she said no. When I said that it is the captains jumpseat and I would like to speak with him she then said "no it is my jumpseat and I determine who gets on it."

I held my breath and walked off.

 

[Old School 737]

double post

 

[Old School 737]

I think that if JACS does not work the gate agent can pull up the real CASS. But I don't think many know how to do it. If you saw the CPT or FO he would have helped out. Sorry for the lame gate agent.

 

[Ben Franklin]

Gate agents think they control the jumpseat.

While I agree that gate agents don't control the jumpseat wholly, they do in fact control who gets on and off the airplane while the boarding door is open at the gate.

I think it might have something to do with FAA procedures involving ground security.


Sincerely,

B. Franklin

 

[Capi_Cafre']

You're obviously fairly new to the industry so let me give you a bit of friendly advice: This type of situation doesn't even rate a "3" on a 10 point scale of commuting disasters. Get used to it.

 

[PCL_128]

While I agree that gate agents don't control the jumpseat wholly, they do in fact control who gets on and off the airplane while the boarding door is open at the gate.

True, but any good Captain will simply respond that "this airplane isn't leaving until he's on it. You can list the delay code anyway you want. I really don't give a d@mn." The gate agent will back down every time.

 

[Caveman]

I had a similar incident very recently. I was JS out of LAS on DAL. The gate agent informed me that the Delta gates do not have internet access, therefore they could not verify me in CASS and I could only get a seat in the back. I did get a ride home (thanks BTW), but if the cabin was full I would not have been able to ride the actual JS because they have no means to verify me in CASS. I asked if it was a temporary problem and she said that's the way it has always been at LAS. I asked if the front ticket counter could access CASS and she told me no, it was the same out there.

So, what's the skinny? Was she blowing smoke up my skirt or is there really a CASS problem with DAL in LAS? If so, is anybody addressing it?

 

[hoover]

When I said that it is the captains jumpseat and I would like to speak with him she then said "no it is my jumpseat and I determine who gets on it."

Actually, it is neither. The jumpseat belongs to the company. Only those that the company approves can occupy the jumpseat. The company give the Captain the right to deny a jumpseat, but not to approve it.

 

[cfm56-7]

Now I am sleeping in the crew lounge

HA HA

 

[Wesb737fo]

Actually, it is neither. The jumpseat belongs to the company. Only those that the company approves can occupy the jumpseat. The company give the Captain the right to deny a jumpseat, but not to approve it.

Which is why WE...the flight crews have to look out for each other.

Cass problems are one thing, if it's broke...fine...you can't ride because the rules say so. I can live with that. If it is constantly broken well.... horse sh!t, get if fixed. The problem is mgmt doesn't give a ....the pilots do.

As far as the pilots giving up all control to gate agents on who gets the ride, I say Bu11Sh!t, if this is the case WE need to take it back.

When I have the time I usually check the gate area to see if anyone is looking for the jumpseat. I haven't seen any problems lately, but If I do it will go to the jumpseat coordinator.

my .02