Is 1st Class, Non-rev a thing of the past???

[your_dreamguy]

Just jumped on AA yesterday. Open 1st class seats but got sent to economy. I was in uniform as well. Everytime, I've jumped on AA, they never give me first class, even with open 1st class seats. The same with CAL. I spoke with a CAL FA about it once and they told me they couldn't upgrade me because it's against their FA procedures. They said they would need to justify an upgrade by coming up with some excuse such as "the pilot was upgraded to first class to add to the safety of flight and overlook a suspicious passenger." So, what is going on here??? I am old school. I will be upgrading to CA soon and if there's a non-rev onboard, I will help them out. After all, I thought this was a perk for being in a demanding, rapidly changing work environment with all the responsibility we have. I thought Part 121 pilots were respected. I am SAFELY transporting you (FAs and gate agents) and YOUR FAMILY around. I am not demanding a first class seat, however, continuously not giving me a first class seat with open first class seats looks disrespectful, wouldn't you say? In addition, if you want me to consider your airline at the bottom of my list when I apply for another job or when multiple jumpseaters approach me, you've got it. I can only thank a US Airways CA a few months back. After he approved me for JS, he got out of the cockpit, walked to the first class section and asked the lead FA if there were any first class seats. The lead FA said there were. The US Airways CA TOLD the lead FA that I was going to sit in an open first class seat and then told me "welcome aboard" and went back to the cockpit.

Your 2 cents please?

 

[CRJ_Driver]

Just jumped on AA yesterday. Open 1st class seats but got sent to economy. I was in uniform as well. Everytime, I've jumped on AA, they never give me first class, even with open 1st class seats. The same with CAL. I spoke with a CAL FA about it once and they told me they couldn't upgrade me because it's against their FA procedures. They said they would need to justify an upgrade by coming up with some excuse such as "the pilot was upgraded to first class to add to the safety of flight and overlook a suspicious passenger." So, what is going on here??? I am old school. I will be upgrading to CA soon and if there's a non-rev onboard, I will help them out. After all, I thought this was a perk for being in a demanding, rapidly changing work environment with all the responsibility we have. I thought Part 121 pilots were respected. I am SAFELY transporting you (FAs and gate agents) and YOUR FAMILY around. I am not demanding a first class seat, however, continuously not giving me a first class seat with open first class seats looks disrespectful, wouldn't you say? In addition, if you want me to consider your airline at the bottom of my list when I apply for another job or when multiple jumpseaters approach me, you've got it. I can only thank a US Airways CA a few months back. After he approved me for JS, he got out of the cockpit, walked to the first class section and asked the lead FA if there were any first class seats. The lead FA said there were. The US Airways CA TOLD the lead FA that I was going to sit in an open first class seat and then told me "welcome aboard" and went back to the cockpit.

Your 2 cents please?

I don't know, but the Us AirS Captain sounds like a great guy. I had a Delta Captain once delay a flight 10 minutes to get me on.

 

[SoCentralRain]

My 2 cents:

Uh, after you upgrade, any prospective jumpseater comes up to you and you're going to "help them out"?

Please, for the love of god, show me where the first class section is on your -1900 or, better yet, your Twin Otter.

 

[SoCentralRain]

PS- The "old school" way of doing things went along with turbojet engines, pensions and stewardesses.

Welcome to the new paradigm. Line starts back there. Way back there.

 

[Superpilot92]

I don't know about you but that is how it should be. If there are seats open I would have the Jumpseaters fill those empty seats. All it takes is for guys who actually still care about the profession to take a step up once they are in those positions to make sure fellow pilots are taken care of. When I get on as a Capt, at an airline with first class seating you better believe I will be one of those guys making sure you are in first class.

Pride seems to have gone down the tubes over the past few years but it doesn't have to go away completely. I think its tacky not to put crewmembers in the open first class seats especially on your own airline. jmho

 

[clickclickboom]

I use US air mainline for the 2nd leg of my 2 leg commute and I have been given first class nearly every time. Maybe it is because i am with Jetblue and 600 of their brothers are working here or maybe it is because i come on board introduce myself to everyone and graciously ask for a ride and thank them with a smile.. Seems to work and I am sure the FA's appreciate the respect

Thanks Airways !!

 

[PCL_128]

I can only thank a US Airways CA a few months back. After he approved me for JS, he got out of the cockpit, walked to the first class section and asked the lead FA if there were any first class seats. The lead FA said there were. The US Airways CA TOLD the lead FA that I was going to sit in an open first class seat and then told me "welcome aboard" and went back to the cockpit.

I understand your frustration. It's ridiculous that the airlines tell their stews not to put jumpseaters in first class, but it's even more ridiculous that Captain at so many airlines don't have the balls to tell the stews to do it anyway. If you ever need to go anywhere that AirTran flies, then you can bet that we'll put you up front if there's an open seat. The vast majority of our Captains will do exactly as the USAir Captain did: tell the stews that you'll be sitting in the open seat.

 

[Inconceivable]

After getting d!cked over by a DL captain in ANC and a CO crew (who didn't want anyone in the cockpit--so they could sleep to IAH) I caught the ironing board on an AA -80 to SEA, the last seat on the last flight of the day.

After push the ACARS lit up and told them they were overweight and to go back to the gate and drop me off. The CA said heck no, fed a line over the PA to the PAX and then ATC, and throttled up on a taxiway to burn off 350# of fuel. In the words of Anthony Michael Hall, "Not a lot of girls would give their underwear to help a geek like me."

There are some good guys out there.

 

[BoilerUP]

First class is mostly full these days with upgrades, at least on flights I've been on...

If I can get FC great, if not, well I'm just thankful for the ride. We crews need to look out for each other...nobody else is doing that these days.

 

[IAHERJ]

Unfortunately, at CAL, jumpseaters very rarely get first class. Non-revenue passangers rarely get first class domestically either. Our policy is to upgrade our OnePass Elites(revenue) first, then the non-revs who listed for first, and then on to a possible jumpseater. Internationally, it is a different story. Unfilled empty seats go to non-revs and jumpseaters. We were able to get a JetBlue guy a BusinessFirst seat to Scotland in June after the agent put him in coach. Our International FA's are in a league of their own and will work with pilots request much more graciously than our domestic(senior) stews. Sorry many of you have had bad experiences on CAL. Our pilot goup is changing and the new, young blood moving to the left seat will mostl likely be taking these issues more seriously going forward. At least this one will.

IAHERJ

 

[AA717driver]

I guess "the Old School" way isn't worth fighting for according to the "new schoolers".

The AA situation is just a symptom of the problem. The company has done everything it could to take away the CA's authority--especially by telling the FA's that they "own" everything aft of the cockpit door.

Now, they've had some issues that could have been avoided by a CA taking charge but they've bred that instinct out of a lot of them.

I "grew up" with the CA's owning the whole aircraft--from the second they showed up at the gate, and I think it's just easier for some to accept what is given to them by the company rather than stand up for what is right.

'F*@k' your "new paradigm". TC

 

[BoilerUP]

'F*@k' your "new paradigm". TC

I wanna make sure next time I jump on AA (who has always been good to me, BTW) I'm on your airplane, TC.

 

[Superpilot92]

I guess "the Old School" way isn't worth fighting for according to the "new schoolers".

The AA situation is just a symptom of the problem. The company has done everything it could to take away the CA's authority--especially by telling the FA's that they "own" everything aft of the cockpit door.

Now, they've had some issues that could have been avoided by a CA taking charge but they've bred that instinct out of a lot of them.

I "grew up" with the CA's owning the whole aircraft--from the second they showed up at the gate, and I think it's just easier for some to accept what is given to them by the company rather than stand up for what is right.

'F*@k' your "new paradigm". TC

Great Post

 

[ATR-DRIVR]

Just jumped on AA yesterday. Open 1st class seats but got sent to economy. I was in uniform as well. Everytime, I've jumped on AA, they never give me first class, even with open 1st class seats. The same with CAL. I spoke with a CAL FA about it once and they told me they couldn't upgrade me because it's against their FA procedures. They said they would need to justify an upgrade by coming up with some excuse such as "the pilot was upgraded to first class to add to the safety of flight and overlook a suspicious passenger." So, what is going on here??? I am old school. I will be upgrading to CA soon and if there's a non-rev onboard, I will help them out. After all, I thought this was a perk for being in a demanding, rapidly changing work environment with all the responsibility we have. I thought Part 121 pilots were respected. I am SAFELY transporting you (FAs and gate agents) and YOUR FAMILY around. I am not demanding a first class seat, however, continuously not giving me a first class seat with open first class seats looks disrespectful, wouldn't you say? In addition, if you want me to consider your airline at the bottom of my list when I apply for another job or when multiple jumpseaters approach me, you've got it. I can only thank a US Airways CA a few months back. After he approved me for JS, he got out of the cockpit, walked to the first class section and asked the lead FA if there were any first class seats. The lead FA said there were. The US Airways CA TOLD the lead FA that I was going to sit in an open first class seat and then told me "welcome aboard" and went back to the cockpit.

Your 2 cents please?

New, are ya?

 

[Diesel]

I haven't seen first class open for a long time with these crowded flights. The airlines are first going to open the seats up to plat, gold and silver members which now there are a ton of.

 

[DrewBlows]

Remember the movie "Groundhog Day" where Bill Murray wakes up to the same day over and over and ends up spending every day trying to seduce Andie MacDowell? Your challenge is to get first class and you will have many chances to figure out how to do it. You can start by being polite and courtious and if that doesn't work move to bribes like Bon Bons or cookies. There is never a gaurantee you will get first class, but you should get it more often with bribes.

 

[NuGuy]

I guess "the Old School" way isn't worth fighting for according to the "new schoolers".

The AA situation is just a symptom of the problem. The company has done everything it could to take away the CA's authority--especially by telling the FA's that they "own" everything aft of the cockpit door.

Now, they've had some issues that could have been avoided by a CA taking charge but they've bred that instinct out of a lot of them.

I "grew up" with the CA's owning the whole aircraft--from the second they showed up at the gate, and I think it's just easier for some to accept what is given to them by the company rather than stand up for what is right.

'F*@k' your "new paradigm". TC

Amen, Brother....

Back in the day, these guys were GODS. They treated their crews right, but make no mistake, they ran the show in the air AND on the ground.

Have a Stew say who can sit where or a gate agent insist on closing the door to get "my on time", and they would have been laughed at, then gotten a lecture on respect, priorities and what the real deal was.

These "old crusties" earned every bit of respect, and commanded every penny they got. Turns out you get what you pay for, and these days, we ain't paid much. Go figure.

Nu

 

[Wankel7]

Maybe you can ask the gate agent to stick you up front. Then when you talk to the lead say that the gate agent put you up front...so is it ok if i sit up front?

 

[capt. megadeth]

I've never gotten first on AA either. I know just catching a free ride is a priviledge but if there are 6 seats open in first or otherwise you will be sandwiched between 2 fat people in coach for 4 hours, I would think it would be common courtesy for the crews to have you sit in first. I would think if they were the ones riding, they would appreciate the same. I just don't expect first on AA....they never do it.

 

[satpak77]

I use US air mainline for the 2nd leg of my 2 leg commute and I have been given first class nearly every time. Maybe it is because i am with Jetblue and 600 of their brothers are working here or maybe it is because i come on board introduce myself to everyone and graciously ask for a ride and thank them with a smile.. Seems to work and I am sure the FA's appreciate the respect

Thanks Airways !!

I would think this is maybe because the newest guy still in the cockpit, not furloughed at the old-US Air was hired when? 1988?

so those guys may still have an old-school mentality

 

[Metro752]

NWA not only sticks you in first class, they pre-board you too!

 

[aa73]

I always prompt the CA (if he doesn't offer) to put the jumpseater in First if there's room. 90% of captains never offer it - they just look at the boarding pass, say "Hey great, you got a seat, enjoy the flight." To which I say, "Uhhh, boss, there's plenty of room in First... whaddaya think?" Most CAs then act surprised and concur. It just doesn't cross their minds at first, for some reason. BUt a lot of it has to do with the animosity between the flight deck crew and the FAs... a lot of FAs will bitch and moan about j/seaters in First. Screw 'em, they're in First for safety! Plus, we own the airplane, they don't.

 

[viper548]

When a jumpseater introduces themself I ask them if the got a seat in first. If they didn't I tell them they are more than welcome to an open seat if there is one available. I've noticed it's the pilots that commute that tend to take better care of the jumpseaters.

 

[highsky]

True: The airplane, front and back, belongs to the Captain. "You know it, I know it, the American people know it, everybody here knows it."

That said, it's bad form not to ASK the lead FA with a respectful smile if you can take a seat in back, and maybe even offer to help her out if she needs it. Most will be very impressed by the gesture, and 9 out of 10 times, the next words to come out of their mouths to me are, "I think we'll have plenty of room up here, go ahead and take a seat in 2A."

Even though she may not be the FINAL authority on any part of the airplane, the back is her responsibility and her domain. Respect that, respect her, and you've got a friend.

Charm, my friends. Learn it. Believe it.

 

[nimtz]

Just jumped on AA yesterday. Open 1st class seats but got sent to economy. I was in uniform as well. Everytime, I've jumped on AA, they never give me first class, even with open 1st class seats. The same with CAL. I spoke with a CAL FA about it once and they told me they couldn't upgrade me because it's against their FA procedures. They said they would need to justify an upgrade by coming up with some excuse such as "the pilot was upgraded to first class to add to the safety of flight and overlook a suspicious passenger." So, what is going on here??? I am old school. I will be upgrading to CA soon and if there's a non-rev onboard, I will help them out. After all, I thought this was a perk for being in a demanding, rapidly changing work environment with all the responsibility we have. I thought Part 121 pilots were respected. I am SAFELY transporting you (FAs and gate agents) and YOUR FAMILY around. I am not demanding a first class seat, however, continuously not giving me a first class seat with open first class seats looks disrespectful, wouldn't you say? In addition, if you want me to consider your airline at the bottom of my list when I apply for another job or when multiple jumpseaters approach me, you've got it. I can only thank a US Airways CA a few months back. After he approved me for JS, he got out of the cockpit, walked to the first class section and asked the lead FA if there were any first class seats. The lead FA said there were. The US Airways CA TOLD the lead FA that I was going to sit in an open first class seat and then told me "welcome aboard" and went back to the cockpit.

Your 2 cents please?

If you are stomping your feet at this issue, your head is gonna explode when you really see what life has become in the big jets.

 

[skypine27]

Our pilot goup is changing and the new, young blood moving to the left seat will mostl likely be taking these issues more seriously going forward. At least this one will.

IAHERJ

Thanks Bro. I belive you are sincere and we all appreciate some decency for a change.

 

[RJAA]

After getting d!cked over by a DL captain in ANC and a CO crew (who didn't want anyone in the cockpit--so they could sleep to IAH) I caught the ironing board on an AA -80 to SEA, the last seat on the last flight of the day.

After push the ACARS lit up and told them they were overweight and to go back to the gate and drop me off. The CA said heck no, fed a line over the PA to the PAX and then ATC, and throttled up on a taxiway to burn off 350# of fuel. In the words of Anthony Michael Hall, "Not a lot of girls would give their underwear to help a geek like me."

There are some good guys out there.

CO B737 jumpseat for almost 8 hours? You are a mad man! If you know the capability of this airplane, you know better to expect nothing. It lands in IAH in fumes. I think there is memo out to refrain from accepting jumpseaters for this city pair due to weight issues and there is no payload variance allowed.

 

[MACHBUZZ]

The first hole in this boat came back in early 90s when UAL first got the J/S. CRM was building steam,and CAs would say "Welcome! just ask the lead for the seat she wants you in." I know they wanted to do right and give them some say,but they want to work less and send you right to the back of the bus.

When my stupid airline put in biz class they banned everyone including our own people (STUPID!!!). I put every non-rev,J/Ser etc right up front. I did get some F/As telling me this wasnt the rule etc. The fix I found was as I first got on board,I told the entire crew,"If anybody wants to upgrade someone, WE will do it,if anyone says anything blame me." I never had another F/A say anything about it.

One great story, my brother (UAL CA) had a 12 year old visit the cockpit prior to trip. The kid had great manners,very smart and polite. First class was empty (ORD -DFW),he went back and got the kids entire family and bumped them up to first. He said you folks sure have a fine son you should be proud and thank him for the seat!!!

 

[skiandsurf]

One great story, my brother (UAL CA) had a 12 year old visit the cockpit prior to trip. The kid had great manners,very smart and polite. First class was empty (ORD -DFW),he went back and got the kids entire family and bumped them up to first. He said you folks sure have a fine son you should be proud and thank him for the seat!!!

And that family went home and told EVERYONE what a GREAT airline United was. They couldnt have paid for better advertising.

 

[skiandsurf]

As a Netjet Pilot, I have been moved up to First on AWA and UAL. Even though I was on a coach ticket, the crews offered me First. Thanks, I know we arent "airline pilots", but the courtesy is appreciated. Thanks again.