Jumping on American

[bigtexpilot]

What's up with your gate hags in PHX? I called and listed on the DFW flight. Got to the gate 45 min. prior and the gate agents would not even talk to me. This is could cause problems for you guys trying to jump on my ship.

 

[AA717driver]

More warm-fuzzies from the Agents of AA... TC

 

[FR8dognit]

I was told by the AA people at 1-800-we-fly -aa not to list anymore and to just show up at the gate. I too have had problems in PHX trying to get to DFW. I was told by one of the agents at the check-in counter that I should have listed with a dirty look and under-the-breath mumbles and grumbles. I am not the only one of my friends who have encountered this. Most of the times I have jumped on AA there have been no issues. There really seems to be a problem in PHX though.

BTW Thanks for the rides AA guys and gals...the flight crews have been nothing but pro's and went out of their way to be nice to me...was even offered an extra crew meal on a flight from LAS-DFW.

 

[jimcav]

What's up with your gate hags in PHX? I called and listed on the DFW flight. Got to the gate 45 min. prior and the gate agents would not even talk to me. This is could cause problems for you guys trying to jump on my ship.

Taking your anger out on their pilots is not the answer. Besides your profile says 737 sic which leads me to believe you're a fo. I think who jumpseats is the capt's call.

 

[crashpad]

I have heard more pilots being denied seats on AA than any other in 2006. Off line pilots cannot fix their problem and AA pilots continue to fein ingnorance unless it affects them directly.

 

[CF34-3B1]

I have heard more pilots being denied seats on AA than any other in 2006. Off line pilots cannot fix their problem and AA pilots continue to fein ingnorance unless it affects them directly.

I don't see how the AA pilots can fix a gate agent issue.

 

[crashpad]

That's called "feining ignorance".

 

[ils2minimums]

That's called "feining ignorance".

Actually feigning ignorance would be to say "gee, I didn't know we had a problem with our gate agents"...

What he did was admit he knows the problem and that he doesn't know what the solution is. If you have a solution, I'd like to hear it. I would almost guarantee that the starter of this thread didn't have an opportunity to speak with the Captain. Had he been able to do that, the Captain would probably have made sure he got on if it were possible. If we don't know there's someone out there trying to get on, we're not 'feigning ignorance'.

I know for a fact that no Captain on any flight I've flown has left a jumpseater at the gate when we knew he was out there waiting for a ride. I've also seen our Captains get out of their seat 5 minutes before departure and go out to the gate when he knew a jumpseater was out there and hadn't boarded yet. Bash on AA all you want, but if you think our pilots aren't doing their best to get you on board, you're full of dookie.

 

[XRMEFLYER]

Actually feigning ignorance would be to say "gee, I didn't know we had a problem with our gate agents"...

What he did was admit he knows the problem and that he doesn't know what the solution is. If you have a solution, I'd like to hear it. I would almost guarantee that the starter of this thread didn't have an opportunity to speak with the Captain. Had he been able to do that, the Captain would probably have made sure he got on if it were possible. If we don't know there's someone out there trying to get on, we're not 'feigning ignorance'.

I know for a fact that no Captain on any flight I've flown has left a jumpseater at the gate when we knew he was out there waiting for a ride. I've also seen our Captains get out of their seat 5 minutes before departure and go out to the gate when he knew a jumpseater was out there and hadn't boarded yet. Bash on AA all you want, but if you think our pilots aren't doing their best to get you on board, you're full of dookie.

Not so fast. Dec 24th flight #1915 (ATL-DFW) I was run off and actually yelled at by the gate agent working the flight when she said we weren't CASS and therefore unable to jumpseat and I had the temerity to pleasantly retort that there must be a way because I had just came to work the other way on them only three days earlier and could she please call someone who had the magic decoder ring.

After her unprofessional rant that ensued, I went to the next gate and spoke to a gentleman(supervisor) about her antics and could he please look in to it. He was kind enough to take the time to do so and also said that he could not figure out how to get me listed, but he would go speak to the captain to see what he could do. Pretty cool of him I thought to take the trouble to do that, but the captain basically told the agent that he couldn't or wouldn't do anything for me. NO SOUP FOR YOU!

 

[HalinTexas]

I have been left behind and the Capt. saw it. It happened in September.

The agent ignored me, closed out the flight and pulled the jetway away. Another AA Supe. that recognized me ran me a boarding pass, but too late. I saw the CA hands, palms up, as to say, "What happened?" It was one of two red-eyes to get me home.

On December 1 I was told by one agent, while another was helping me out, that I should have to pay to jumpseat on American.

Last week, an agent told me what a hassle it was to clear off-line's through CASS. (UNDERSTATEMENT!) I related to her that I've been told several times by the non-rev agents on the phone that all I need to do is go to the gate. Her reply was, "I'm busy. You're lucky. I usually don't have time for this. Those agents aren't doing anything anyway. They should do it" All the agents can do is "meal list" me. Can't clear me through CASS.

This happens in DFW and LAX, or just about anywhere. Had another interesting story about MCO and security, but the ticketing agent was extremely helpful.

Cockpit has always been extremely welcoming. FA's are hit-and-miss, but professional.

This ride is always appreciated.

 

[radarlove]

AMR gate agents are the dogs from hell.

 

[freeflyer14]

I have been left behind and the Capt. saw it. It happened in September.

The agent ignored me, closed out the flight and pulled the jetway away. Another AA Supe. that recognized me ran me a boarding pass, but too late. I saw the CA hands, palms up, as to say, "What happened?" It was one of two red-eyes to get me home.

On December 1 I was told by one agent, while another was helping me out, that I should have to pay to jumpseat on American.

Last week, an agent told me what a hassle it was to clear off-line's through CASS. (UNDERSTATEMENT!) I related to her that I've been told several times by the non-rev agents on the phone that all I need to do is go to the gate. Her reply was, "I'm busy. You're lucky. I usually don't have time for this. Those agents aren't doing anything anyway. They should do it" All the agents can do is "meal list" me. Can't clear me through CASS.

This happens in DFW and LAX, or just about anywhere. Had another interesting story about MCO and security, but the ticketing agent was extremely helpful.

Cockpit has always been extremely welcoming. FA's are hit-and-miss, but professional.

This ride is always appreciated.

I think a lot of the hostility comes from the fact that they are charged to ride on their own airline. Hence the statement that we should have to pay to ride American. Another issue with the agents is that I honestly believe that I have personally witnessed AA agents scare off no less than 10-15 customers for life because of the way they were treated at the ticket counter as I watched and waited for my ride to begin boarding. I know a lot will come back if the pricing is right, but if I have seen this kind of treatment in a just a few years of commuting, and heard the passenger mutterings of "I'll never ride on AA again" so frequently as a direct result of the gate agents attitudes, then how many times is this happening across the entire AA system? How many passengers are leaving American simply because of the "service" they receive at the ticket counter or gate?

For the record I have had far more positive experiences riding on American than negative, and the crews are for the most part very accommodating. But I always think of the Seinfeld soup episode when I approach an AA agent.

 

[SkiFishFly]

In AA's defense...

I have found the gate agents helpful. I have learned they definitely prefer that you call the 800 number for non-revs and get listed. It makes their job much easier.

CA and FO have always been very welcoming and professional.

Thanks AA!

 

[Candlerman]

I've had good luck with American and appreciate the rides to/from work.

One big question though...

The gate agents always clear me through CASS even if there are plenty of open seats in the back. This usually isn't a problem unless the CASS system is down (it happens occasionally). Had that happen on a flight with 80+ seats open and could not get on. Tried going to a different gate, asking to see the Capt. etc... The agents told me they HAVE to clear me through CASS even for a open cabin seat.

Any one else having this issue.

Also, any insight into why non american/eagle pilots must get a ticket before going through security in Terminal D at LGA.

Again, thanks for all the rides.

 

[Lollypop]

Sorry to hear of your problems on AA. There is no charge for AA employee's after 5 yrs in y/c and I'm sure those agent's are much more senior than 5yrs. I work lot'a of trips to LGA,JFK,SJU,STT,BOS,SXM,MIA ect and there is many a Jump seater on board and we find a place for ther bags not to mention if we have a meal,snack's we offer it to them. I hear that you can write regarding these problems to the CP and he should know of these problems.

 

[Mach8Forest]

What do you expect from this Spineless Pilot Group?
They are not in control of the Aircraft until it is released from the tug.
Mach8

 

[Mach8Forest]

I don't see how the AA pilots can fix a gate agent issue.

Your right son,
They are only the Pilots!
Just another spineless disrespected bus driver.
Mach8

 

[Muppets]

I have found the AA gate agents in ORD are by far the worst...rude, snotty, pissed, etc. It almost seems like a company policy to be as rude to jumpseaters as possible at AA. These chicks really need to get laid......thats how the AA pilots could help. Problem solved.

 

[wannabe22]

Disregard....

 

[wannabe22]

I have found the AA gate agents in ORD are by far the worst...rude, snotty, pissed, etc. It almost seems like a company policy to be as rude to jumpseaters as possible at AA. These chicks really need to get laid......thats how the AA pilots could help. Problem solved.

I have to diasgree. ORD agents have been very helpful and rather friendly.

WB22

 

[spacecadet1]

As always, you have to get the Captain involved. Many of them are great and will go out of their way to help a jumpseater. Unfortunately, many have either been neutered and are afraid of their own shadow, or just don't care. Sad, but true.

 

[pipe]

It's a bit ridiculous to feel that you need to do this, but I have found it pretty effective.

Hawk the gate area, near the podium, but out of the way. Do everything you can to "happen" to meet the Capt (or the F/O) in solid view of the agents and ask for a ride. Once the agent knows that the cat is out of the bag, they'd rather just get you on than possibly have a battle with the cockpit crew after they've closed the flight out.

I've only had to do this at DFW and ORD after watching several airplanes leave with empty seats. Outstations seem much better.

PIPE

 

[AA717driver]

AA agents have been hostile to jumpseaters since the jumpseat was opened in the late 80's or early '90's. Nothing has changed.

The TWA agents were hostile to pilots jumping or non-revving in certain stations for a long time. I couldn't figure out that one, either.

I have heard that there's this perception that "if I can't ride in the cockpit, why should YOU ride in the back?". It's bad. It's wrong. And, I think it's so ingrained in AA culture that it will be a LONG time before it changes. TC

P.S.--Before I got laid off, I was on the APA non-rev/jumpseat committee. AA mangement wields its power over the jumpseat/non-revs like Henry VIII treated his wives. You violate ANY rule while travelling--even the smallest, and the Pass Gods at AMR will yank your pass privileges and you have to grieve it to get them back even when AMR is proved to be in the wrong.

 

[skiandsurf]

I used to jumpseat on AA all the time. Always very nice to me. Now I fly on a real ticket, but in uniform (NJs). I have had a couple flights on AA lately. Out of SAN, I wanted the gate agent to confirm my frequent flyer miles. She initially thought I was a jumpseater and was "less than friendly". I told her I hada ticket and wanted to check my frequent flyer miles, her attitude did a 180 change....very nice and helpful.

Another time in DFW. I was waiting in line at the gate podium for a seat assignment. The captain saw me in the line andcame over to introduce himself (thought I was a jumpseater). A very nice move on his part. I told him that I was on a paid ticket. I got my seat assignment....23B ( and yes a full flight). A few minutes later when I went to get on the plane, the ticket reader didnt accept my boarding pass. The gate agent had changed me to First Class.

Again, this was not a jumpseating issue, but a nice AA experience.

 

[Bobo135R]

Luv Aa

I've jumpseated on AA for over a year now...they're Awesome. On 1 Oct 06 the requirement to call and list went away...I remind gate agents of this and it seems to work. I just show up now at the gate and list. Thanks AA pilots, for all of the help you've given me.