J/S Longshot, possible?

[Boris Badenov]

Apologies in advance if this has already been covered. I searched and didn't find anything which directly applied to my situation. I'm hoping to j/s from STL to anywhere in the DC area weekend after next. No CASS, no agreements, part 135. I've read that there are a few cargo carriers that will take offline 135 jumpseaters without an agreement. I can't seem to find a thread which lists them all, nor one which tells where to find their schedules.

In addition, since I've never tried the j/s before, a quick primer as to who to talk to, when, how, etc, would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Boris

 

[kingaira90]

Apologies in advance if this has already been covered. I searched and didn't find anything which directly applied to my situation. I'm hoping to j/s from STL to anywhere in the DC area weekend after next. No CASS, no agreements, part 135. I've read that there are a few cargo carriers that will take offline 135 jumpseaters without an agreement. I can't seem to find a thread which lists them all, nor one which tells where to find their schedules.

In addition, since I've never tried the j/s before, a quick primer as to who to talk to, when, how, etc, would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Boris

I have jump seated a few times. A couple were on carriers my then employer didn't have agreements with. I have no experience trying to jumpseat on cargo operators so can't help there.

Here is what I did and would do if I needed to again.

First do not try to jumpseat unless you have plenty of time leway on either end. If you try to jump out the day of or even day before you need to be there, you might end up out of luck.

Figure out in advance the flights you want, via orbitz or travelocity, something like that. Try calling the airline with the specific flight numbers in front of you. Tell them you are an offline jumpseater and would like to find out the number of open seats. They may not tell you, if not try to get the employee line number, failing that call back to get another operator and try again.

Try to pick the direct flights, it will minimize the chances of getting stuck in between.

To have the best chances do 2 or more airlines that are going to where you want to go.

When you get to the airport be in uniform if at all possible. If you don't have one dress as nice as you can.

Have your company id.

Don't check bags, just carry a carry on item. Otherwise you may be forever seperated from you stuff.

Go to the ticket counter and tell them you want to jumpseat to xyz on flt 0000. They will ask you your carrier name, tell them your company don't try to b/s. They will have you fill out a little jumpseat form, they very from airline to airline, just read it and tell the ticket agent this is your first time if you need help. If you have another airline option lined up go and do the same thing at that counter.

When you get to the gate, give the form to gate agent. Then when the capt gets there introduce yourself and and tell him with his/her permission you would like to jumpseat on their aircraft. Hopefully it works.

Have the second airline option in case the first capt won't let you on or you get bumped.-kingaira90

 

[blue_side_up]

The trick is getting through security without a boarding pass and with a company id that TSA won't recognize.

 

[Reebo]

Apologies in advance if this has already been covered. I searched and didn't find anything which directly applied to my situation. I'm hoping to j/s from STL to anywhere in the DC area weekend after next. No CASS, no agreements, part 135. I've read that there are a few cargo carriers that will take offline 135 jumpseaters without an agreement. I can't seem to find a thread which lists them all, nor one which tells where to find their schedules.

In addition, since I've never tried the j/s before, a quick primer as to who to talk to, when, how, etc, would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Boris

I think you're going to have a hard time getting a ride STL-DCA or IAD.
As I'm sure you are aware, after 9/11 most 135 operators are not able to jumpseat. Too many mom and pop operators. In STL your best bet is to try and get the jumpseat form from the gate, but you won't get through security unless your company is a part 121 operator doing buisness out of STL. My airline, Trans States flies to both DCA and IAD from STL, but unless the agent can find your company listed in either SABER, for AA flights, or APOLLO, for UA flights, your chances are slim to none. CHQ also flies STL-IAD and I think DCA. Both operate under AA rules. If you do somehow make it to DC you'll have an even harder time getting back from either of the DC airports. This is for obvious reasons.
The cargo operators on the north side of the field I think all require you to be a CASS member to jumpseat. FedEX, UPS, DHL(Airborne or Astar) Kitty Hawk are all of the operators I can think of at this time. Hope the info helps and good luck with your travels.

 

[cargoflyr69]

i would try southwest from stl-bwi. i had good luck on them when i was flying for a small midwest 135 operator a few years ago. as far as getting thru tsa, ask at the ticket counter for a gate pass, they will check your company and gov't id and give you a pass to get thru tsa. then its all up to you schmoozing the captain over for your free ride when you get to the gate. good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Art Vandalay]

MC,

I have never actually tried it myself, but I have spoke with some of the guys in BNA that have. Apparently following the advice previously given has worked for a few guys. They tried this with Southwest and were successful........so they said. I have an old ID, and I think the new ones look more official, so hopefully you have one of those. Let me know how it goes.


Art V.