Boris Badenov said:
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
