FDX pilots, what do you think about Jumpseat?

[JetMech1]

I am just curious to what FedEx pilots think about other FedEx employees being able to jumpseat, now that we can only do it on company business?

 

[WorldOnTime]

I am just curious to what FedEx pilots think about other FedEx employees being able to jumpseat, now that we can only do it on company business?

I think it would be fine once everyone has gone through the same background check as the pilots have. But that's just me...

 

[stonewall]

I've got no problems with it as long as all the security checks are in place. Pilots going to and from work should get priority, but if a seat is open I don't have a problem with anyone riding on it.

 

[DornierPilot]

I agree. If the company will pay for the exact same background check that we go through, I don't have a problem with any of the other employees jumpseating. It's as simple as that!

 

[FedEx1]

Yep, me too- go thru the background check and welcome aboard. Most of us feel bad about it- we know it was a real perk of the job. And we DIDN'T take it away- management did.

 

[Huck]

There was an incident that caused the termination of personal jumpseats. I won't get into it here (let's all refrain) but ask any pilot in person about it.

 

[sandman2122]

I wouldn't change a thing.

Actually I would with regard to when an off-liner jumpseater (AA, DAL, Jetblue, etc.) gets "locked" into his/her FedEx jumpseat days in advance = I would propose they could get bumped at the last minute by a FedEx pilot going to-from work.

 

[USNFDX]

There was an incident that caused the termination of personal jumpseats. I won't get into it here (let's all refrain) but ask any pilot in person about it.

It was much more and bigger than that particular incident.

 

[Purpled]

I wouldn't change a thing.

Actually I would with regard to when an off-liner jumpseater (AA, DAL, Jetblue, etc.) gets "locked" into his/her FedEx jumpseat days in advance = I would propose they could get bumped at the last minute by a FedEx pilot going to-from work.

Sandman,

I think the offline guys can only reserve 24 hrs in advance. Since we couldn't even bump 'personal' jumpseaters inside the 3 day window it doesn't bother me that they have a seat locked in. In fact, I like that I can tell guys that they can reserve a seat, unlike any other carrier that I am aware of, and that they won't be bumped. We don't have as many seats to offer, so I think it's a token show of good faith.

Later.

 

[USMCFDX]

Doesn't the new TSA requiremenet for cargo ramp workers require background checks on all people inside the secure area, ie same checks the pilots went through? I think this is one reason FedEx as a corporation was against the new rules. Quite a large expense.

If this is true I guess it could lead to personal jumpseats again.

 

[sandman2122]

Purpled,

Right, off-line pilots can only book their jumpseats 24 hrs in advance, and are instantly locked into their seat because it's "within 2 business days prior to flight" which doesn't include Sat-Sun.

In fact, I like that I can tell guys that they can reserve a seat, unlike any other carrier that I am aware of, and that they won't be bumped.

To which they reply:"Wow, our jumpseat policy is BETTER than yours because I can bump YOU off my airlines' jumpseat right up to showtime!"

Also, off-line pilots don't get disciplined for not making their jumpseat - unlike our 30 day suspension we face if we miss a flight.

I simply suggest to "level the playing field": allow FedEx pilots to bump off-line guys right up to show time AND discipline off-line guys (30 day suspension) if they miss one of our jumpseats. Or do away entirely with the discipline program our wonderful FDX Jumpseat office has - that probably won't happen.

As a commuter, a "token show of good faith" won't cover my hotel expense in Memphis when an off-line guy takes my jumpseat home.

Adios,

 

[Champ42272]

Personally, I believe ONLY pilots, mechanics and dispatchers (those with a valid FAR 121 reason to be on the jumpseat should be given a ride, of course that would include offline pilots). It is far too dangerous back there with the dangerous goods (or undeclared DG) to have people back behind the bulkhead. Just wait until someone gets hurt, and their lawyers will sue the operating crew.

Just my opinion, I may be wrong. But for those of you at FedEx, remember how they manage the pilot workforce: Fire, ready, aim. It hasn't happened yet....

Champ42272

 

[AlbieF15]

Sandman--if you are on the way home to your avatar, I'd be upset to miss a flight too...

 

[TriStar_drvr]

Also, off-line pilots don't get disciplined for not making their jumpseat - unlike our 30 day suspension we face if we miss a flight.

I simply suggest to "level the playing field": allow FedEx pilots to bump off-line guys right up to show time AND discipline off-line guys (30 day suspension) if they miss one of our jumpseats. Or do away entirely with the discipline program our wonderful FDX Jumpseat office has - that probably won't happen.

Uh, that's known in the industry as a commuter policy. Airlines that have it, have negotiated with management to get it. At my airline, it's not a freebie. Miss a trip, and you get docked the pay for the trip. However, there is no disciplinary action.

Since you guys are working on a new contract, you an push your negotiating team to negotiate a change to your JS priority list to FedEx pilots first then off line guys. Try to get a commuter policy in place too.

However, I'd be happy to trade you my current commuter policy for your current pay and benefits...

 

[Purpled]

Dude, chill. Sorry to get involved in such an emotional personal issue. I'm sure that I'd be upset if the same happened to me.

ba bye.

 

[sandman2122]

From Tristar drvr:

Uh, that's known in the industry as a commuter policy. Airlines that have it, have negotiated with management to get it. At my airline, it's not a freebie. Miss a trip, and you get docked the pay for the trip. However, there is no disciplinary action.

Tristar: I may have wrote a misleading post. The company won't dock your pay (unless you end up missing a trip) going to/from work, BUT our Jumpseat Dept. will/can suspend you for 30 days. I've heard some good folks in Flt Management, yes Flt Management, overturn a few commuters suuspensions though.

From Purpled:

Dude, chill. Sorry to get involved in such an emotional personal issue. I'm sure that I'd be upset if the same happened to me.

It's not an emotional personal issue - I thought it was a professional issue that's a common courtesy across the board. Personal - I guess so since I commute along w/70% of the crewforce. This thread simply made me realized how our jumpseat policy has some good points with the negative ones. I would like to see if ALPA really gives a cr@p about making things better...

My son won his baseball playoff game today with 1 RBI so it's Adios and it's Corona time for mom and dad!

 

[active_herk]

Purpled,



I simply suggest to "level the playing field": allow FedEx pilots to bump off-line guys right up to show time AND discipline off-line guys (30 day suspension) if they miss one of our jumpseats. Or do away entirely with the discipline program our wonderful FDX Jumpseat office has - that probably won't happen.

As a commuter, a "token show of good faith" won't cover my hotel expense in Memphis when an off-line guy takes my jumpseat home.

Adios,

Personally, I don't mind the fact that an off-line guy can make a reservation on our jumpseats. To begin with, if I am at the airport and get bumped from the jumpseat on another airline because one of their pilots show up, I usually have options on other carriers and can get home some other way, albeit later. If a non-FedEx pilot gets bumped off our jumpseat, what other option does he/she have? There is a significant difference as far as I am concerned.

Additionally, if you are worried about an off-line guy grabbing our jumpseat, there is a simple solution...just book it before the off-line guy is able to. That way you have it and they can't get it, and then they don't have to worry about getting stuck at a FedEx ramp in the middle of the night. Every time I have had a jumpseat reserved, and something happens that causes me to miss it (assuming it was the company's fault I missed it), I haven't lost my jumpseat privileges.

With regards to the jumpseat discipline, I do agree that an off-line pilot should be held to the same standard we are. If they don't show up for a reserved jumpseat, they should temporarily lose their jumpseat privileges just like we do.

 

[sandman2122]

I just realized I'm a terrible typist.............must be my public education.

 

[wrightflyer]

This "incident" that led to the termination of company jumpseating...it would'nt involve a couple of Denver Couriers trying to join the Mile High Club would it?

 

[USNFDX]

This "incident" that led to the termination of company jumpseating...it would'nt involve a couple of Denver Couriers trying to join the Mile High Club would it?

No....but I'd like to hear about this one!

 

[VaB]

No....but I'd like to hear about this one!

Yeah, I'd like some details. I heard it was 2 chicks.

 

[sandman2122]

No, it was 3.

One had to hold the video camera!

 

[seahorse]

Since you guys are talking about it, I would like to know why your station people (and jumpseat committee) is so anal retentive about being there exactly 1-hour before departure?

I don't work for FDX, but one night I showed up around 40 minutes before departure, and this rude lady denied me boarding. I was legitimately delayed due to traffic on the interstate. She caused me a great inconvenience.

 

[DornierPilot]

Sorry about your traffic jam!

I suppose there is no other explanation other than they have rules to follow in order to get a free ride. Life is full of them.

BTW, it's not the Jumpseat Committee (ALPA), it's Jumpseat Administration. This department runs with an iron fist for some reason. Employees can't be late either or we lose our J.S. privileges. Just be thankful that offline crewmembers aren't penalized for missing showtime (like we are)!

 

[Falconjet]

With our reservations system a jumpseat reservation is almost like a trip. You simply don't miss check in time if you want the ride.

I have seen a crewmember who operated inbound, went to jumpseat out, but forgot to check in with jumpseat admin between the flights get bumped off his ride home.

The guy was on the jet with us ready to go home, and he had to get off the jet and go back into the hub to try to get his privileges reinstated and find another way home. He just forgot to check in with jumpseat admin during the turn, was there the whole time.

They are unforgiving of mistakes, that is just the way it is. If you were hoping for a ride and couldn't get one because someone else had reserved the last seat and then just decided to not show up, you would be even more po'd. The penalty for not following the rules protects everybody from a lackadaisical attitude toward the privilege and prevents abuse.

That is just our system.

Thanks to everybody else who allows us to jumpseat on them (even from a non jumpseater).

FJ

 

[AlbieF15]

Jumpseat administation is where many prison guards go for a second career after retiring. It gives them a chance to finally let their hair down and exert some power without the threat of lawsuits.

 

[active_herk]

Since you guys are talking about it, I would like to know why your station people (and jumpseat committee) is so anal retentive about being there exactly 1-hour before departure?

I don't work for FDX, but one night I showed up around 40 minutes before departure, and this rude lady denied me boarding. I was legitimately delayed due to traffic on the interstate. She caused me a great inconvenience.

Which ramp was it?

 

[Purpledog]

I am glad that it is run with an iron fist. Dealing with pilots is probably like trying to herd cats. Can you imagine all the 'no shows', 'forgot to cancels', 'gamers' if there was no penalty? Just look at how many inconsiderate f***s slam the doors to the sleep rooms and talk on their phones in the loungers. You'd never be able to book a jumpseat because they would all book it just in case. To the original question. Nobody minds riders as long as they have been through a real background check and it doesn't hinder pilots from getting to work.

 

[skykid]

You'd never be able to book a jumpseat because they would all book it just in case.

You are on to something there. FedEx is as close as you are going to get to the military, but in this case the system does work (with some room for improvement). We could have a pure seniority based jumpseat, I bet most don't want that.

It is important for FedEx pilots to bend over backwards to help offline jumpers. I was riding to the lot on Democrat from the MEM terminal with a first time American jumpseater. Another FedEx pilot was also going to the crashpad, but took the time to go with the guy to Ops to help him get checked in. Next time I'll do that.

 

[sandman2122]

.............