Airtran charging for jumpseating

[FL717]

Re: Airtran Jumpseat

I just jumped on them yesterday and I had to pony up $25! I think it is a bunch of crap since we take unlimited jumpseaters and don't charge them, but then again, I certainly don't fault the crews. They were all exceptionally nice and treated me great. I'm sure they aren't the ones who dreamed up this little gem of a rule anyway.

CBCS

My question to you is: If its a bunch of crap.. then why did you "pony" up $25.00. If you showed up and the jumpseat was taken, then why didn't you simply walk away and catch another flight. You don't HAVE to pay a penny to jumpseat on AirTran. You CHOSE to pay $25.00 to on the spot non-rev since the jumpseat was already taken when you got there. Now you're gonna get on this board and backhand slam the policy.... a policy YOU took advantage of and benefited from (you obviously had to be somewhere.. right)?

Our one J/S rider per flight policy is in line with 75% of the industry. The fact your airline is different is irrelevant. AirTran took unlimited jumpseaters for YEARS, but but I guess that doesn't really matter to you does it? AirTran now only allows one FREE jumpseater, but hey, we also allow additional pilots who show up to non-rev on the spot for $25.00 in a pinch, but I guess that doesn't matter either.

In my opinion you're out of line in posting your negative comment here.

 

[Ty Webb]

Amen, and pass the ammunition, FL717.

I have been turned down time and time again by DAL and AMR when there were plenty of open seats- I would gladly have bought a non-rev pass for $25.

I used to feel bad about the change in policy, and felt sure that we would make it a part of our contract negotiations next year. Of course, it would turn into a "bargaining chip" which means that we would lose out on some other issue that could have improved OUR quality of life, but that would have been OK with me.

After hearing this kind of pathetic whining and crying about it- some of which came from a UPS clown (whose company doesn;t even carry anyone) I don't feel as bad about it, and I doubt that I would still be willing to give up a QOL issue for myself so that some of these whiners can get their ungrateful hides to work.

 

[FL717]

Amen, and pass the ammunition, FL717.

I have been turned down time and time again by DAL and AMR when there were plenty of open seats- I would gladly have bought a non-rev pass for $25.

I used to feel bad about the change in policy, and felt sure that we would make it a part of our contract negotiations next year. Of course, it would turn into a "bargaining chip" which means that we would lose out on some other issue that could have improved OUR quality of life, but that would have been OK with me.

I have commuted for almost 5 years to both 135 and 121 jobs. I was always used to the one jumpseat rider only allowed policy until I got to AirTran. AirTran was one of the few that did... and STILL DOES allow unlimited jumpseaters. I have been left behind by a half empty airplane several times by other carriers, but did I get on a internet message board and act as if I was due something? Of course not.

What I find interesting is this: Our policy is right in the middle of the road between Unlimited jumpseaters (best plan) and only one jumpseater period (worst plan). If you do the math, our policy is BETTER than carriers that only allow one jumpseater period, but my god, people get on here and act as if we have lowered the bar on jumpseating. Its simply not true. I WISH all carriers that will not allow unlimited jumpseaters would at least allow me to "pony" up $25.00 if I have to get somewhere.

The other option... show up early and get the FREE ride, or find another free flight. Welcome to the commuter blues.

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

I have not asked for a j/s on Airtran but if it meant being able to go home or get somewhere I needed to go, I would not only pay the $25 but would say thank you!! All you Airtran guys and others are continued to be welcome on my slow, slightly temperature troubled ATR!

 

[e120pilot]

Everyone complaining about paying $25 for a ride when the jumpseat is taken on Air Tran really needs to get over it. I've jumpseated on every major, and quite a few nationals/regionals. Air Tran would definitely be at the top of my list for jumpseating. Every time I've been on their airplanes, I've been treated like royalty. The only time I didn't get put in Business Class, the Captain apologized that the front cabin was already full. Several times the gate agent attempted to charge me for an extra pass, and one of the pilots helped me get on for free. Regardless, I'd still rather pay the $25 and get on the jet, than sit there and watch a plane leave with 20 open seats.

I've had a number of Air Tran jumpseaters ride on my flights as well. Every one of them was extremely courtious, and thankful for the ride.

I really hope the Air Tran guys realize that these morons complaining about this are really clueless. Here at ASA, I hear nothing but good things about riding on AT. Thanks for the rides!

This thread should die, and those of you morons that don't like the Air Tran jumpseat policy should find another ride to work!

 

[skykid]

I jumpseat Airtran about a dozen times a year to go fishing in Pensacola - I love those guys. The gate agents in Hotlanta and P-cola take care of you and are fun to talk to, along with the inflight crews. About half the time they FORGET to collect my money. Pensacola loves Airtran and it looks to me like they are always full. Twice I have sat by Clark Howard, the radio talk show host and had great discussions on the airline biz. There is a multimillionare lawyer who represents Roy Jones the boxer, and took the tobacco companies for about a billion dollars. I've seen him and his team on Airtran 3 times out of Pensacola. This guy and others helped bring Airtran to P-cola, and I'm glad they did. I used to spend all day trying to get out on Delta, but these guys find a way to get you on board. I've had flight crews come back to make sure I was on board after talking in the terminal. I'd even love to shake hands with my buddy Ty Webb for a flight out after some fishing!

 

[FL717]

I'd even love to shake hands with my buddy Ty Webb for a flight out after some fishing!

I'd stay away from Ty Webb!! He's pure evil you know...

Well.. he did get me back to Atlanta one day.. so he's only partly evil.

 

[skykid]

Nah, I just like to argue with him.

 

[Ty Webb]

You guys are killin' me.


If it were up to me, it would be like one of those "Buy here, Pay here" places used to advertise in Tampa:

"Everybody Rides!!!!"

 

[klhoard]

AirTran Jumpseats

It really p1sses me off to see guys get on here and complain about having to "pony up" $25 for a ride on AirTran. You can't hitchhike from ATL to MEM for that kind of money, and certainly not between any other city pair either.

Without exception, AirTran pilots and gate agents go far out of their way to cater to offline jumpseaters, and have "forgotten" to charge me the fee several times even though I already had my checkbook open.

An AirTran captain once gave up his seat in the cabin and rode in the cockpit so I could have the absolute last seat going to MEM that day. Did he have to do that - no. Did I appreciate it - absolutely!! Would I have paid $25 - absolutely, but they wouldn't take my money!! Will AirTran pilots be welcome on FDX jets once we get clearance from the FAA - Absolutey!!

I want every AirTran pilot to know that you're appreciated by the FedEx pilots, fee or no fee. Don't let the cheap jerks on here bother you. . .

 

[FL717]

Once again....

Anyone have an IDEA how to get your $25 refunded, if you did not get on an Airtran airplane?

Thanks for the other times I did get on Airtran guys!

thanks,
Extra 300S

I notice most people have come to just ignore you which I probably will start after this post. I will address you only once.. because you really don't deserve the attention so enjoy the only time you and I will converse on this.

Let me get this straight... you show up too late for the free jumpseat.. then decide to pay the $25.00 non rev fee to get on THAT flight, then change you mind, walk clear across a terminal to catch a different flight on another airline, then you remember that you want your $25.00 back, and come on this anonymous forum and b!tch about how to get your refund?!

First off.. if what you say is 100% true - you are an idiot and shouldn't be in public unsupervised.

Second.. after reviewing past posts you have made on this message board - you are usually full of sh!t, so why should that be any different this time.

Third.. please.. just go away. You have no credibility. You're not even funny. At least some flamers are somewhat humorous.

Good bye.

 

[Extra300S]

Nice reply 717


I asked a simple question as it has come up several times during Jumpseat meetings with our pilot group. I have never rode the jumpseat except last week and found the first leg to be a non-event, however connecting throught ATL I offered to pay the $25 so a Southwest guy could get to work, I was actually first, the plane went out full, he did get on, I did not. I ended up walking down the concourse to ASA and caught a ride with them.

I did not get a chance to refund the little paper ticket form. I am a former Jumpseat Chairman for a Major Airline, I will note your attitude as a snot nosed kid who probably paid 10K for his Valuejet job. I hope you do not represent the Airtran pilot group in any way shape of form. I will be forwarding your comments to the Airtran JSC Chairman.

My hats off to ASA who provided a ride for a United guy in need!

Sorry United turned you down B717, I can see why.

UAL A-320 F/O

 

[e120pilot]

"Sorry United turned you down B717, I can see why."

Spoken like a true United pilot

 

[FL717]

After reading the following post, I will respond as follows:

I asked a simple question as it has come up several times during Jumpseat meetings with our pilot group.

Then you should ask that question at your supposed "jumpseat" meeting.

I am a former Jumpseat Chairman for a Major Airline,

Then you should know the route to get your question answered, and realize the sensitivity of posing your "question" on this forum.

I will be forwarding your comments to the Airtran JSC Chairman.

Which is where you should have directed your comments in the first place. See my additional comments below.

Sorry United turned you down B717, I can see why.
UAL A-320 F/O

Finally.. you can name call, make up stories about me..(i.e. I never worked at Valuejet.. i.e. I never applied let alone interviewed at UAL). You feel free to forward my comments to my J/S Coordinator.. I know him well. I stand by my comments. You are an idiot!

 

[ScRaMJeT]

Don't let them bother ya

FL717, Don't let them bother you. They are just trying to get under your skin because they know you love your airline. Airtran is a great airline, even though its hard to get an interview there.

flybrowntails is just expressing his anger because he spends sleepless days away from home, and long nights, dozing off in his 727. As a matter fact I heard him say, he hates his schedule because quote "I've been fighting sleep for months in addition i've been doomed to boredom at this place".

Extra300S he is just mad because he's scared he may be out of a job in a few months and he's wishing he was at airtran.

FL717 calm down don't them get to you.

Scramjet

 

[ETXflyer]

Easy Big Fellas!

Man, I guess I touched nerve! Maybe "a bunch of crap" wasn't the best way to express my opinion on the subject, and yea, I guess I am a cheap bast@rd, but I will admit, it was absolutely worth $25 to get where I was going. I look at jumpseating as a way to get to and from work and I trying to make the point that it seemed unfair. I don't think that I am a "pathetic whiner" or "moron" because I have a different opinion about this. I do know that when ANY ONE of my fellow aviators jumps on my plane, I will continue to make them feel as welcome and at home as I can, regardless of what carrier they fly for. I will also continue to to jump on Airtran when I can and pay the $25 when I have to. I won't complain about it to anybody, but if if there is a FORUM for discussion on the subject, I will still have my same opinion.

 

[Caveman]

I propose a simple plan to make all jumpseating fair and equitable. Exact reciprocity. If your airline allows unlimited JS then we will do the same for your guys. If your airline only allows one, well when we have one on board already you don't get a seat. If the 1st ones free and the rest have to pay, same deal for your guys and gals.

A while back I suggested that the best way to get the Feds to back off the no JS policy on UPS,FedEx, et al was to deny a few JS so that their management would put some political pressure on the feds. Nothing like a bunch of cancelled flights because pilots couldn't get to work to raise the consciousness of the boss. I was flamed to hell and back for that idea. I still think it would have worked though.

It'll be interesting to see how this new freight JS experiment plays out. If only ATA members are allowed to participate I can't wait to see what happens when an ATA member airline pilot shows up at a non ATA member airline looking for a ride.

BTW, CMR will take all JS's we can find seats for.

 

[trainerjet]

I propose a simple plan to make all jumpseating fair and equitable. Exact reciprocity. If your airline allows unlimited JS then we will do the same for your guys. If your airline only allows one, well when we have one on board already you don't get a seat. If the 1st ones free and the rest have to pay, same deal for your guys and gals.

A while back I suggested that the best way to get the Feds to back off the no JS policy on UPS,FedEx, et al was to deny a few JS so that their management would put some political pressure on the feds. Nothing like a bunch of cancelled flights because pilots couldn't get to work to raise the consciousness of the boss. I was flamed to hell and back for that idea. I still think it would have worked though.

Evidently, you don't get the big picture. The pilots have very little, if anything, to do with the jumpseat policies at most airlnes. I'm surprised that you believe you can change the policy at your company at your own whim to suit your "exact reciprocity" plan based upon who shows up that day requesting a jumpseat. I refuse to use the jumpseat as any sort of political tool to further my agenda. I will not hold pilots hostage just so I can prove a point. Denying a jumpseat will have ZERO effect on any airline's management personnel. Let alone enough effect to force them to "put some political pressure on the feds". Believing otherwise is just naive.

 

[flybrowntails]

"flybrowntails is just expressing his anger because he spends sleepless days away from home, and long nights, dozing off in his 727. As a matter fact I heard him say, he hates his schedule because quote "I've been fighting sleep for months in addition i've been doomed to boredom at this place"."

Wow-making a simple comment is expressing anger? (okay) Sleepless days away and dozing in the 727--sounds fun but no I'm sorry. That's a fantastic quote I made(?) "doomed at UPS"--once again no I'm sorry.

I hope everyone has a better day.

 

[Caveman]

"Evidently, you don't get the big picture."

Why not, because I disagree with you?

"The pilots have very little, if anything, to do with the jumpseat policies at most airlnes."

So what.

"I'm surprised that you believe you can change the policy at your company at your own whim to suit your "exact reciprocity" plan based upon who shows up that day requesting a jumpseat."

I never said that I could change our policy. I suggested that if equal reciprocity were the policy at all airlines then no one could complain about it being unfair.

"I refuse to use the jumpseat as any sort of political tool to further my agenda."

Me either and I don't have an agenda. I'm just thinking out loud. You know. Exchange of ideas and all that sort of thing.

"I will not hold pilots hostage just so I can prove a point."

Me either.

"Denying a jumpseat will have ZERO effect on any airline's management personnel. Let alone enough effect to force them to "put some political pressure on the feds"."

I disagree. Money talks. If UPS can't complete flights because of pilots not being available, sooner or later it will cost them enough money to get interested and involved. Right now there is no pain for UPS management so in their world there is no problem.

"Believing otherwise is just naive."

No it's not naive. It's a different point of view than yours, but it isn't naive.