Airtran Jumpseat ATL-CUN

[tired_pilot]

Ive never jumpseated international on Airtran. Is there anything I should know thats different then domestic?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DonVerita]

1. Pay your international departure taxes at a ticket counter or customer service station before going to the gate. This is also where you can find out if a seat is even available; unless you know an ATN crewmember who can look up loads on the spot from their smartphone or computer.

2. There must be a seat in the cabin available for you. Only AirTran pilots can ride on the actual cockpit jumpseat on international flights. TSA thing that applies to all airlines. Even though this rule was rescinded some time ago, most airlines haven't modified their procedures yet. I think it has something to do with Gen Dec Homeland Security database verification of inbound OAL crewmembers.

3. If any gate agent gives you a hassle, just explain that you are a jumpseater travelling in a cabin seat, not the actual cockpit jumpseat. If that doesn't work, ask to speak to the Captain of the flight. He/She will fix it provided that 1 & 2 above have been taken care of.

 

[shagadelic]

2. There must be a seat in the cabin available for you. Only AirTran pilots can ride on the actual cockpit jumpseat on international flights. TSA thing that applies to all airlines. Even though this rule was rescinded some time ago, most airlines haven't modified their procedures yet. I think it has something to do with Gen Dec Homeland Security database verification of inbound OAL crewmembers.

I'm going to Cabo next month....does this apply to Southwest as well?

 

[DC10]

Unfortunately, yes. I had to leave a jumpseating SWA pilot at the gate in Montego Bay for this reason. I called dispatch to try and get him in the cockpit but was told by the supervisor that SWA pilots are considered the same as other airlines in this regard.