International Jumpseat

[threegreen123]

Does anyone know the REAL deal with overseas travel, especially jumpseating international? I have heard everything from "you can't do it" to "its just like jumpseating in the states, just pay taxes on the way home". It seems to be a big question around this base, you seem to get a different answer from everyone. Can we jumpseat on the big carriers to Europe, etc, the same way we do here? Or is it restricted to Non-Rev pass stuff nowdays? Anyone jumpseat there successfully?

My other question is regarding IDs and the trip home. I know a lot of gate agents around the country have never heard of CHQ, or other regionals for that matter. So...in foreign airports, would they let you through security with it? Or would the ticket counter accept it to get you a boarding pass? How's all that work?

 

[Twotter76]

Jumpseating internationally isnt really that different from going domestic - the main difference is that they usually (depends on the airline) want you to check in at the ticket counter (outside security) so you can pay the international departure taxes (both going to and from the US). After you have paid those they will give you a standby pass which will get you through security. Works the same outside of the US as it does here but you are right in that not all gate agents are familiar with the process outside of the US. It is much easier to try and catch the crew before they go through security and see if they will help you there.

You can jumpseat on some of the major carriers to Europe (your list will vary from everyone elses - check with your jumpseat coordinator to see which carriers will let you ride internationally) but understand that under the current TSA rules you can leave the country on the jumpseat (well technically I think you have to have a seat in back even if you are online) but I dont think you can come back. So you would require a pass of some variety. It is probably easier to write passes nowadays than it is to jumpseat. Dont forget about Polar and Atlas - I think (not sure) that they are taking international jumpseaters again and they are a good ride.

Good luck

 

[767200]

Here at Trans States I was told that on AMR you need a pass for international travel; on United you can jumpseat, but depending on the country the agents my cause you some problems.

 

[scar1900]

I just came back from Rome on USAirways. I jumpseated on the way out, but had to non-rev on the way back (using my USAirways travel card). Most places will recognize commuter ID's. If they don't just speak to a supervisor who can look it up. Like previously stated, going out of the US is easy. The return is harder due to the fact that you cannot just walk up to the counter and jumpseat. There is a way to jumpseat inbound, but it involves calling someone at least 24 hours prior to departure and getting listed on the release. Good luck.

 

[flap operator]

I jumpseated home from LGW last August on NW. Walked up to the counter, signed up, paid the taxes and went through security. No probs... even got a biz class seat. I haven't heard of anyone having issues coming home, except if the plane is full.


FO

 

[threegreen123]

Thanks for the info...

Speaking of Atlas or Polar Air Cargo...seems like a good option. Does anyone know how you find route maps for them?? I see they have jumpseat forms on the internet, so they must be accepting them again.

Flap Operator...do you work for one of the NW feeders? Or is NW just that easy to jumpseat international on? I realize it probably varies on what airline we work for, but I've always found them to be one of the easiest to jumpseat on domesically.

 

[fxbat]

Can CHQ get one-world or zed non-rev tickets? If you can their very cheep, refundable and a nice backup if you cant get the jumpseat on another carrier.

 

[flap operator]

I fly for Mesaba. I think another thing that helps is having our badges look very similar to that of the NW mainline badges. So, if the counter agent or captain or whoever, is unsure of just who the heck Mesaba is, one glance at the badge identifies me as someone aligned to NW. Most times, they actually think I fly for NW. Mesaba Airlines, is written pretty small in one corner - so most people overlook that part.

Have fun. Incidently, I plan on going overseas in the next few days, hopfully I won't have any issues coming home this time.


FO

 

[avrodriver]

Jumpseated on Northwest from Osaka to DTW about two months ago. Went to the counter, showed her my Air Wisconsin ID, paid taxes, sat my ass in business class, no one made a fuss. I've had very good luck on Northwest,Delta, Alaska, and America West as an offline international jumpseater.......I've also heard awesome things about USAir. American and CO are good for Mexico & Carribean, but some gate agents aren't familiar with the concept that those destinations are exempt from the whole no international jumpseat thing ( you know aside from the big doggs). Polar has an awesome website that will show you where the flights go, what time, and what days....kinda like a timetable type thing.......go to the website. Atlas, just call and ask, they are very helpful and are greatful to extend the priv, will even tell you where you can park your car!!!! There's all my secrets........just promise you won't screw me out of the jumpseat, I haven't been left yet and I know my time is coming soon!!! Have fun. AD