AirTran is NOT charging for THE jumpseat

[FL717]

There is a thread below that is titled to sound like we are charging for "the" jumpseat. I wanted to start a new thread that counters the misleading title of that thread. I think Ty Webb did a great job explaining what is going on and responding to several "idiotic" posts trying to stir the pot about our companys new policy. I commute every week to/from work and have had to explain our new procedure to several offline pilots.

The new policy has changed that we allow only ONE jumpseat rider.. period. This is similar to 90% of all air carriers out there.. I know.. I've riden most. All AirTran pilots know this and we will non-rev to allow the offline guys to get first come-first serve on the "jumpseat". Of course only AirTran pilots can ride in the cockpit, and if the plane is that full, an offline pilot probably couldn't get on anyway. After a pilot has signed up and been authorized the "jumpseat" all other pilots that show up at the gate can on the spot non-rev for $25.00. This is unlike 99% of all other carriers, because you would not have that option and been left behind.

Our great open cabin policy has been taken from us and believe me our pilot union is fighting this, but our jumpseat policy is still better than 99% of the air carriers out there. I sure wish Major/Regional Airline X would let me walk up non rev for $25.00 if there was only 1 jumpseat rider allowed. I also wish AirTran and all carriers had an open cabin policy.

In any event... this is not the pilots fault at AirTran or any other carrier.. so please don't take any frustrations out on us.

 

[TurboS7]

I jumpseated back on Airtran from MSP after a wonderful vacation in Northern Wisc. with my family. Airtran treated me wonderful even after a 3.0 hour delay at ATL as all the airplanes were full.(I was happy that was great for Airtran) In the end 5 pilots jumped to FLL 1 American, 2 Delta, me, and another offline cargo guy. I couldn't believe Airtran's liberal policy on the jumpseat, thanks guys. As for the $25.00 I will gladly pay it, I just thought it ironic that all the DAL guys were jumping on Airtran instead of their own airline. Especially after seeing the way the the airline and pilots get shot at on this board. Thanks Airtran guys and don't apologize, you still offer the best deal out there.

 

[General Lee]

S7,

The reason the Delta guys jumped on Airtran is because the unbelievable amount of Delta pilots living in Florida (No State income tax) and the Delta jumpseat is really hard to get. Depending on whether or not you are going to or from work, Delta guys/gals can get the jumpseat on the phone 3 or 4 days beforehand. If you are not on the phone at exactly 12noon 3 or 4 days prior (depending on if you are going to or returning from work)----you will not get it. And, Delta has lowered fares so much that the planes are full---so it is hard to get a seat in back. Commuting to Florida on Delta is tough.

The Airtran guys/gals are great, though. One Airtran Jumpseater
gave up the cockpit (this was pre-911) jumpseat and sat on the flight attendant jumpseat for me once. I will never forget that.
And those 717's are nice planes.


Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[FlyingSig]

I concur with the AirTran pilot sentiment.... When I was at CoEx commuting out of FL, found myself going through ATL. DAL(plan A) was full and so was AirTran(plan B). AirTran pilot gave me the jumpseat and said he'd wait for the next flight because his wife wasn't home that day. Class act - hope to get to repay the favor someday.

 

[frank rizzo]

If its anybody that cheap its the delta pilots they take the their own jumpseat instead of paying twenty five bucks to ride in the back, these guys are tighter than two coats of paint, yet they are making money hand over fist !

 

[Morning Wood]

If it means being able to list for your own airline's jumpseat
and be able to sit in the actual if the flight is full, why would
another airline be their first choice to get to work or get home?
That's really a silly thing to even accuse them of, don't you think?

 

[NEDude]

Apologies

I am the one who posted the the "idiotic" message about the new policy. Here is my formal apology for that message. It was an off the cuff remark born out of the frustration of the ever restricting jumpseat rules. As a commuter the changes since 9/11 have been tough to swallow as I am sure many of you are aware. Air Tran guys have been good to me in the past and I am thankful.

Again my apologies.

 

[AAflyer]

Hey Frank,

How much comes out of your pay check for non-rev travel?
Oh, I am sorry you don't fly for the airlines. Wait until YOU pay these charges before you are so quick to judge. I sometimes on average pay up to $180-200 a month with the commuting and traveling I do, multiply that by 12 months and and then a few years. It adds up BIG time!!!!!

I would look at it as being frugal, not cheap. If you commute and end up paying for hotels and extra meals on the road, and extra couple hundred buck can help regardless what you make.

AAflyer,

No need to insult and belittle airline pilots, we get enough of that sh1t from the flying public.

 

[FL717]

The comment by Frank Rizzo was untrue and an example of "idiotic". I really don't need to respond to it... but it creates the opportunity to share this. I had a Delta 727 Captain (right after 9/11) come down to the gate where I was waiting, (the plane was almost completely full) and told me not to go anywhere because he'd put me on the sh#tter if he had to just to get me home. I managed to somehow get the very last seat. The point is he took the time to offer his help and concern. Delta has been absolutely GREAT to me on my commute for years (even when I worked for other air carriers). So have every other major/regional that I have ever rode on. Thanks guys and gals!!

There are that 1% at all Air Carrier Captains and employees that use jumpseaters as their target or punching bag due to their own agendas ... and others that make generalized remarks and assumptions that have no basis in fact.

Which one of those are you Frank Rizzo?

NEDude: I second your frustration. I almost moved and gave up commuting the first 30 days after 9/11. It was that bad!

 

[General Lee]

Frank Rizzo doesn't want anyone to set a benchmark for salaries. He wants everyone to make as little as possible so they can be as miserable as he is. Life sucks for Frank.

Bye Bye---General Lee

 

[dsee8driver]

Airtran is A-Ok!

Being a cargo pilot based in Ohio, I got to Jump on Airtran quite a bit out of Fort Lauderdale. The galls and gals of AT are great and were always very nice. I also have quite a few times been bumped off a Delta jumpseat by a Delta pilot with seats available in the back. They seemed to be the unfriendliest IN MY OPINION when it came to jumpseating. (I know, there is always that few but crap, do they all live in FL? ) I have not done any jumpseating post 9/11.

 

[TurboS7]

Can't we all just be friends??????/

 

[Ty Webb]

Re: Apologies

I am the one who posted the the "idiotic" message about the new policy. Here is my formal apology for that message. It was an off the cuff remark born out of the frustration of the ever restricting jumpseat rules. As a commuter the changes since 9/11 have been tough to swallow as I am sure many of you are aware. Air Tran guys have been good to me in the past and I am thankful.

Again my apologies.

Hey, your apology is definitely accepted, and I know that all of us at Airtran will do our utmost to get you home or to work, and without cost.

 

[TurboS7]

You guys are gracious, good training good examples.

 

[jsoceanlord]

i wouldn't object to a fee to cover the free snacks/drinks, disposable head sets, tying up the check in line, etc

 

[frank rizzo]

oh your all bunch of chisel chest tough guys ! thats right this is the super across the way