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My AA jumpseater

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macdu

macdu

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2005
Posts
276
I am a nice guy, really. Thats why I didn't say something to this AA guy. But I have been a commuter for 15 years and I know that as a jump seater myself, I am "asking for a ride", a free ride. I always ask the captain for a ride home, or, to work. Even if I have been issued a ticket for a seat in the cabin I always ask for his or her "OK". It's a professional courtesy.
This is what is not "OK", as the first thing out of your mouth; "I guess I am sitting up here". This was a senior international guy, not some greenhorn(although we all know there are no greenhorns at AA these days). There was no, hello, my name is...............I am with---- . The next time this happens my response is going to be something that sets him or her back on their heels. ie. Find another way home.
 
"I guess you're not"
That easy.

macdu said:
This is what is not "OK", as the first thing out of your mouth; "I guess I am sitting up here".
Click to expand...
Apparently it is, because you let him. He sat in your seat for the entire ride, and you didn't say anything? Instead you come here and hit the bold button to really emphasize how important it is to you. Are you hoping he reads this?
 
"I guess I am sitting up here".
Click to expand...

I get that from a lot of jumper seaters. I do not think they mean disrespect . I think it is just an ice breaker and a way to say hi. JMO...
 
I wonder if this is the same guy: A few years ago when I was a young green co-pilot we had an AA guy who came into the cockpit and said something like "I'm Joe Blow with AA." Captain says the "back is wide open, help yourself to a seat." AA guy says "no, I'm gonna sit up here today." Capt doesn't even look up from the weather brief he is reading and says "I don't think so, get off the jet." I think about that every time I politely ask for the js.
 
MCDU--In the guy's defense, that's the phrase most Natives use when entering the cockpit on AA aircraft.

It's basically telling the crew that there are no seats in the back and he's forced to sit up front. So, it's another cultural thing at AA. TC
 
I don't care what the culture 'might' be at AA regarding jumpseats ...

It's been said MANY times before ... jumpseating is a privilege. End of story. To act with a sense of entitlement demonstrates an intellectual defect and unmitigated arrogance.

The AA pilot mentioned is NOT representative of what I have experienced when they present on my aircraft. Without exception they have been polite and appreciative.

Let's hope this AA pilot was simply having a bad day.
 
This kind of situation happens with pilots from all airlines occasionally. I'm sorry yours just happened to be associated with an AA guy this time. You're correct, totally unprofessional. Next time, don't be hesitant to inform him of the jumpseating etiquette before he "helps himself" to your jumpseat.

73
Professional commuter

p.s. TV9... ol' TC is using the best of his TWA wisdom and experience PLUS the cunning, hungry-hawk shrewdness of being a Sky Nazi. Throw in a hint of sarcasm, and you have a winning combination, in my book. ;)
 
OK, I am back after my 8 hours of sleep after posting last night. What I didn't mention was that after getting seated in the jumpseat and getting the final count, there turns out to be two seats open in back and he goes to the back. So, I did have the opportunity to say something to him and I should have but I didn't. Yes I am spineless. But I now have been educated.
BTW, when he grabbed his bag he couldn't have missed seeing my old TWA bag tag.
 
I've had the same thing.

Him: I'll be riding with you guys.

Me: You mean you'd like to ride with us?

Him: Oh, yeah. Hi, my name is .... I fly for .... can I ride with you today?

Me: Sure - welcome aboard.

Problem solved. No muss, very little fuss.
 
slaquer5 said:
I get that from a lot of jumper seaters. I do not think they mean disrespect . I think it is just an ice breaker and a way to say hi. JMO...
Click to expand...

I usually start with a "knock, knock" at the cockpit door to get their attention if they are facing forward. Followed by an introduction of who I am, where I work, certificates/id/medical in left hand, and right hand extended to shake both pilot's hands while asking for a ride to work or home.

There's something wrong with American culture these days. Good day or bad day, how hard is it to organize yourself personally before stepping on the plane and making an ass out of yourself?

Macdu, your experience is not alone.
 
I do that all the time and then say my name, it's worked for almost 30 yrs with out a problem. Guess some people are little sensitive.
 
macdu,

You definitely are not alone with your JS experience. Heck a lot of our own pilots here at UPS think that they are entitled to the jumpseat on company. One guy showed up late, in jeans and a T-shirt.... the captain didn't even notice his attire till we were in cruise and he still didn't say anything to him. I had a chat with Cappy about it at dinner that night and he said that he's going to pay closer attention to that kind of disrespect. I also love our management guys in their mid 20's that show up and think they own the jumpseat. Had a captain "educate" this management "kid' and booted him off the js a couple of weeks ago. Sometimes we all need to re-educate these apathetic souls about jumpseat etiquette. Heck... I know I'm a pee on in the right seat, but some of these jagoffs that don't even introduce themselves to the first officer. Thats when I make it a point to get out of my seat after they sit down and go introduce myself and shake their hands<---- politely.....

Someone said it on here earlier..... if we want to be looked at as professionals in this industry, then we have to act like professionals. Ain't that freaking hard when commuting on or off company.

Net
 
Stifler's Mom said:
I usually start with a "knock, knock" at the cockpit door to get their attention if they are facing forward. Followed by an introduction of who I am, where I work, certificates/id/medical in left hand, and right hand extended to shake both pilot's hands while asking for a ride to work or home.

There's something wrong with American culture these days. Good day or bad day, how hard is it to organize yourself personally before stepping on the plane and making an ass out of yourself?

Macdu, your experience is not alone.
Click to expand...

That's how I did it when I commuted. Even when CMR/delta relations were at their worst, I never had any problems.:beer:
 
The condition of this industry and the sacrifices employees have made since 9/11 are pushing some people to the brink.

I'm giving everyone a pass these days.

Good luck to us all.
 
Macdu,

Not sure who you work for, but if it's not a legacy or SWA, then this international AA guy is taking a jumpseat that won't be reciprocated. Next time ask him why you can't jumpseat on his international flight (if appropriate).

HOF
 
You people have to be kidding me, if he says he's going to be sitting in the cockpit , so what? I'm a DAL 7ER Captain and don't care what the guy says as long as he doesn't offend me. I think it's the guys who have never commuted that are the worst, jump seat control freaks. Best thing that happened to me in the last 6 months was before I went to the ER and we had an AMR jumpseater going MIA-ATL-PNS and had to divert to PNS for WX, i looked at him and told him to buy a lottery ticket on the way home because I said this was his lucky day.
 
dalad said:
I'm a DAL 7ER Captain and don't care what the guy says as long as he doesn't offend me.
Click to expand...

I think that is the point everyone here is making. They are offended that a jumpseater has the attitude that they are entitled to the JS. It has been and always will be the Captain's JS. Ask for it, never assume it's yours.
 
SWAdude said:
The condition of this industry and the sacrifices employees have made since 9/11 are pushing some people to the brink.

I'm giving everyone a pass these days.

Good luck to us all.
Click to expand...

Never let this industry push you to the "brink".
What?
You didn't know the airlines were political, management scoundrels, ticket-prices elastic as hell, and the career very unstable? It's been that way for 30 years.

Do what's right, but never let this job or any job take your happiness. You're only pissing off yourself the most, and your innocent co-workers---

We have bigger issues that jumpseating-- if someone's borderline or crosses the line-- set him/her straight in a professional way-- But don't get dramatic.
 
Be a professional

macdu said:
I am a nice guy, really. Thats why I didn't say something to this AA guy. But I have been a commuter for 15 years and I know that as a jump seater myself, I am "asking for a ride", a free ride. I always ask the captain for a ride home, or, to work. Even if I have been issued a ticket for a seat in the cabin I always ask for his or her "OK". It's a professional courtesy.
This is what is not "OK", as the first thing out of your mouth; "I guess I am sitting up here". This was a senior international guy, not some greenhorn(although we all know there are no greenhorns at AA these days). There was no, hello, my name is...............I am with---- . The next time this happens my response is going to be something that sets him or her back on their heels. ie. Find another way home.
Click to expand...

As nice as you believe yourself to be, I'm thinking you should reconsider your position here. After all, you have determined that the professional response to this jumpseater's words is to send him packing. When did it become professional to respond negatively toward someone who is unprofessional? At that, were his words really so inappropriate?

Here he is, mind and body still awake on the backside of the clock, assuming he has a ride home. What's wrong with that? We all agree that the jumpseat is a privilege and not a right, but it is a privilege that has been handed out quite liberally. Why? Because professional pilots look out for one another!

We should remember that our companies are footing the bill, not us. So why would we hesitate in helping one another? At our discretion we can offer our bagel or roll, or something else that demonstrates our selflessness. But to hold the jumpseat above someone based on a poor greeting - that is an insecure and selfish act on your part sir.
 
Say Again Over said:
Guess I'm sitting up here? That's pitiful, totally unprofessional.
Click to expand...


How about......"I'm guessing you are wrong" or "Well my friend, you guessed wrong....try again"
 
PSL said:
I don't care what the culture 'might' be at AA regarding jumpseats ...

It's been said MANY times before ... jumpseating is a privilege. End of story. To act with a sense of entitlement demonstrates an intellectual defect and unmitigated arrogance.

The AA pilot mentioned is NOT representative of what I have experienced when they present on my aircraft. Without exception they have been polite and appreciative.

Let's hope this AA pilot was simply having a bad day.
Click to expand...
You may have not noticed but its not the Capt's J/S anymore. Just ask the company or union...
 
Quarterly thread on poor jumpseating etiquette ..... Check.
 
TV9Driver said:
Wow TC! Defending the nAAtives..... I never thought i'd see the day!
Click to expand...

TV--I just call 'em like I see 'em. Besides, there's enough j@ckoffs out there, I don't need to go hunting for them. ;)

AA73--Thanks for the compliment...I think. :D TC
 

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