Jumpseat Etiquette?

[DrewBlows]

I'm new to the industry and would like to use my jumpseat privileges to visit my family in California. I am going to have to go on several different airlines in order to get there and wondered what the proper etiquette/ protocol is? Should I list myself ahead of time or just show up at the gate? Should I speek to the Captain before the flight for permission or just thank him after? Also, what are typically good days to jumpseat (I realize that different routes are going to be different, I just want a generalization)? I am an FNG, but don't want to look like one so any advice would be helpful.

 

[rflight2u]

depending the situation, and the airline. you should in most cases list if possible. Most times if you just show up at the gate and you have not listed. you will be put at the bottom of the standby list which can really work out badly. Also if you get on you should go see the captain right away if possible. This leaves a good impression and often goes a long way for furture rides. Dress clean and neat, I see and hear of a lot of guys that where nice clothes but no uniform. This is ok dress for your airlines but not others.
Also the time of travel can make it or break you. If you can ride in the flightdeck on anyairline. I would try and fly them all the way to the destination if possible. if you can't then weekday flying seems to be the best unless the weekday has a holiday in which case good luck. I found that the redeye flights always seemed to be open unless you are going to cancun,MX.

hope this helps.
If you need any more help PM ME

 

[dispatcher121]

Jumpseat 101

When I jumpseat, I will call the carrier and check the loads about a day prior. If it's one of our carriers, I just head to the gate and ask to sign a jumpseat pass. If it's an offline carrier, I go to the ticket counter. Every carrier is different regarding their rules. Some require you to ask the permission of the Captain while others will check you in as a regular passenger. Every airport is different regarding allowing you through security without a ticket.

Do your homework before you leave so you don't have any disappointments. Makes sure you have some back-up plans if "plan A" doesn't pan out. I usually will check all carriers that fly to my destination and see what routes they fly and build some redundancy plans.

It's also nice to have back-up non-rev passes in case you get denied the jumpseat. MOST are refundable if they are not used.

My .02

'Spatcher

 

[BigDave]

Ok, first off you need to be a 121 pilot with reciprocal jump seat agreement with the airline you are flying on. Second you need to call the airline you wish to fly and list for non-revenue travel with them. Do not tell them you are jumpseating, they will just get confused just say non revenue. When you show up at the gate the gate agent will most likely give you a jump seat form and depending on the airline and the aviableity you may actually get a boarding pass and a seat. For example, JetBlue, American will give you a seat and a boarding pass, AmericaWest will just say take what ever seat is available. No matter what they do you MUST talk to the lead flight attendant first, leave your bags in the jetway, and let the lead flight attendant know you are hopping to catch a ride with them. He or she may take your ID and pilot cert and medical up to the flight deck or may send you up there on your own. When you introduce your self to the crew make sure you do not interrupt any check list and say hi I am so and so I was hoping to catch a ride with you all to whatever. They may BS with you for a while then thank then and take you seat in the back. After the flight thank the FA's and the flight crew for the ride. As for clothes wear a button down shirt and nice pant, no jeans.



Hope this helps, ask one of your captains next time you are flying for more info.

 

[VGerect]

Never get on an aircraft as a jumpseater without introducing yourself to the Captain and Lead F/A and indentifying yourself as a jumpseater. Always thank everyone for the ride to work/home. If it's your first time as a jumpseater / ACM (additional crew member) let the gate agent and crew know your new to jumpseating, so if you step on your d!ck they will cut you some slack.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

All good info above.

Above all be polite and gracious to everyone with whom you come in contact during the jumpseat process (not a bad rule when you're not jumpseating, either). I make it a personal rule to never come on board the flight empty-handed. Baked goods, candy, jerky are nice and if you made it yourself, it's even more appreciated. I once gave a bag of jerky to a gate agent on a flight that I didn't get on. You shoulda seen the look on her face.

Some airlines complete the approval process without the Captain's prior consent and they'll issue you a boarding pass before you've had a chance to meet the crew. If this is the case, NEVER tell the captain you are jumpseating with him/her. Always ask.

Don't advertise to those around you that you are flying for free.

Enjoy the privilege. It's one of the best benefits of this business.

 

[T-Gates]

Ok, first off you need to be a 121 pilot with reciprocal jump seat agreement with the airline you are flying on.

Nothing says you have to be Part 121, lots of Part 135 carriers have plenty of reciprocal jumpseat agreements.

 

[OPECJet]

With some carriers, cleaning up the back of the airplane is the flight attendants job. Be sure to ask if there's anything you can do to help at the end of the flight. Most will wish you a good day and thank you for the offer, but be prepared to help cross seatbelts, or pick up an old newspaper or two.

 

[DrewBlows]

Thanks a lot for the information. I've jumpseated several times on my own company but never on another carrier. I have no clue what carriers we have agreements with but don't think I'll have a problem.

 

[shamrock]

Drew Blows? Hmmm....Do you work for ASA by any chance?

Second you need to call the airline you wish to fly and list for non-revenue travel with them.

My bad. I've never done this and I haven't had a problem in the 4 years I've been able to jumpseat. Delta, USAir, United, America West, TSA, Coex, Indy/ACA, CHQ, it's all been the same story. If there was a seat in back (or up front pre 9/11) I've gotten on. Just lucky I guess.

And as Hugh said, always check in with el Capitan, or at least attempt to, even if you have already been given a seat assignment.

 

[DrewBlows]

No, Skyway.

 

[shamrock]

Yeah, I know you don't work for ASA. I was joking.

One of our esteemed "leaders" is named Drew so your screen name would be appropriate for someone who works at ASA because it pretty much sums up the majority opinion of him.

 

[upndsky]

Bookmark this site: http://www.passrider.com/airline_contact_info.asp

Some airlines prefer or require you to call and list yourself, ie. American, Southwest. Others, like Contintental, don't. Just show up at the gate. Before you go anywhere, call the non-rev number and check the loads. That's when you ask if you need to list.

When you get to the airport, you should be able to go through security with your crew ID. If they give you grief, tell them you're jumpseating (especially if you're in street clothes). If they still don't let you through, go to the ticket counter and they will give you a standby ticket or gate pass to get you through.

When boarding, I will always wait until all the passengers are onboard, even if I already have a seat assignment. I also make it a point to always introduce myself to the lead FA, the captain AND the FO. And always ASK if it's okay if you can get a jumpseat. It's all a courtesy thing. On arrival, I will usually wait until everyone is off the plane. That gives me a change to thank the crew again for their hospitality without blocking the aisle.

Also, if you have a PDA, you can download most airlines' timetables. That's saved my butt more than a few times.

 

[rattler]

All the rules, requirements, proceedures and listing phone numbers for each individual airline are usually available on a small tab that fits in your jeps binders. Call your Union Jumpseat Coordinator. They are free.

 

[Habib]

About wearing the uniform, most will perfer that you do NOT wear it if possible, they like you to be the AV. JOE.

 

[Lequip]

DON'T introduce yourself as the "Jumpseater". You are NOT the jumpseater until the Captain says you are and signs the form. Introduce yourself to BOTH the Captain AND FO with your name and who you fly for and politely ASK for the jumpseat. Have your credentials out and ready for inspection so the captain doesn't have to ask for them. And PLEASE don't interupt any checklists or briefings going on between the cockpit crew. Stand in the cockpit door for a moment and observe what is going on....if you observe nothing going on simply knock on the wall to get their attention. If they are "working" just continue to stand in the doorway and wait for them to notice you. You don't have to suck up and kiss a$$ but a good showing of etiquette goes a LONG WAY with most pilots.

 

[BuckMurdock1]

Jumpseat Etiquette

It's all how you ask, not WHAT you ask:
Yesterday we were doing a turn in Lincoln in the CRJ ;CA and I sitting there chatting, and this guy walks up -badge around his neck- saying (not asking) pretty matter-of-factly "I just need you to sign this chief".. (he was speaking to the CA- & it was a jumpseat form)
The CA and I looked at each other not realizing who this individual was; a gate agent in plain clothes perhaps 'brokering' a signature for a pilot still at the gate??


NO!- it was an ExpressJet pilot. That was his way of humbly requesting a free ride on another carrier. It literally took us about 10 seconds to realize who this was and even longer to come to terms with the fact that some people are that rediculously rude and presumptuous. That CA was very nice (as am I)- others I've flown with would have sent him packing in a heartbeat.

Please- this is in no way an invitation for all the XJ folks to start in on the defensive; I'm sure this guy was just one jerk among mostly nice, pleasant, and considerate folks.

My point in relating this anecdote- even if you're a total a**hole in your personal life and even in your own flight deck; you better change your tune when asking for professional courtesy: it's a PRIVILEGE- not an entitlement.

 

[mckpickle]

It's all how you ask, not WHAT you ask:
Yesterday we were doing a turn in Lincoln in the CRJ ;CA and I sitting there chatting, and this guy walks up -badge around his neck- saying (not asking) pretty matter-of-factly "I just need you to sign this chief".. (he was speaking to the CA- & it was a jumpseat form)
The CA and I looked at each other not realizing who this individual was; a gate agent in plain clothes perhaps 'brokering' a signature for a pilot still at the gate??


NO!- it was an ExpressJet pilot. That was his way of humbly requesting a free ride on another carrier. It literally took us about 10 seconds to realize who this was and even longer to come to terms with the fact that some people are that rediculously rude and presumptuous. That CA was very nice (as am I)- others I've flown with would have sent him packing in a heartbeat.

Please- this is in no way an invitation for all the XJ folks to start in on the defensive; I'm sure this guy was just one jerk among mostly nice, pleasant, and considerate folks.

My point in relating this anecdote- even if you're a total a**hole in your personal life and even in your own flight deck; you better change your tune when asking for professional courtesy: it's a PRIVILEGE- not an entitlement.

PM me any specifics you have and this guy will receive a lesson in Etiquette.

 

[jimcav]

I would have set his a$$ straight rigt then and there.Kudos to the new guy for caring enough about proper ettiquite.

 

[J32driver]

If you ride on Air Wisconsin, don't be insulted when the FA bodyblocks you from the cockpit. The inflight department trains them to get credentials first and then hand deliver them to the cockpit. Only after the CA gives his OK, can a jumpseater come up an introduce himself. As far as I know, we are the only company that operates this way.

I try to introduce myself to the crew about 15 minutes before departure at the tail end of the last big group of passengers. After getting the ok, I ask permission to stow my bag, and then try to wait outside the aircraft until the gate agent closes the flight. This way you don't have last minute passengers going "You're in my seat". When you see the gate agent coming to close the flight, ask the head FA where he/she would like you to sit.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

PM me any specifics you have and this guy will receive a lesson in Etiquette.

If this guy has no idea of proper protocol, it's quite possible that there are a lot of other folks at your carrier that might not have it either. When the Union welcomes the new hires, it might then be a good time to give a 5 minute brief on a few of the ins and outs of jumpseating, stressing etiquette.
I learned about jumpseating because I went on a trip with a union rep from my company at the time. Thankfully, that was my first trip and I didn't go out there acting (unknowingly) out of line.
It's not a dig at X-jet, it's just the way things are at most companies. New folks in their first-time job with J/S entitlements and nobody tells them how to do it.
The F/O is the PERFECT guy to take the dude aside and say, "we're happy to give you a ride, but some guys out there might not do it unless you (insert a few nice pointers here.).
I was jumpseating last year to a reunion of sorts. On the way home, I was to ride on the same flight as a buddy of mine who had just recently been hired by a regional. I went up to the Captain, introduced myself, requested the ride, etc. A few minutes later, my buddy came walking up and said "Hi, I'm your jumpseater." Needless to say, we had a little converstation and my buddy understood. He's by no means a jerk...unlike me, he's one of the nicest guys you'd ever care to know. Nobody had ever taught him jumpseat etiquette, is all.

 

[dojetdriver]

All good info above.

I make it a personal rule to never come on board the flight empty-handed. Baked goods, candy, jerky are nice and if you made it yourself, it's even more appreciated. I once gave a bag of jerky to a gate agent on a flight that I didn't get on. You shoulda seen the look on her face.

.

This is one of the best ideas ever, especially when going Int'l. Buy one of those 5 lb hershey chocolate variety bags like you get for Halloween with the little samples of differnt kinds. After introducing yourself to the CA and Lead FA, offer them one as well as any other FA you see on the flight. It will do wonders for all them old/senior FA's that have to work a 7-9 hr leg as well as for the way you are treated.

BTW, don't eat them when you get to your destination, save what's left for the return flight home.

 

[Smacktard]

I'm new to the industry and would like to use my jumpseat privileges to visit my family in California. I am going to have to go on several different airlines in order to get there and wondered what the proper etiquette/ protocol is? Should I list myself ahead of time or just show up at the gate? Should I speek to the Captain before the flight for permission or just thank him after? Also, what are typically good days to jumpseat (I realize that different routes are going to be different, I just want a generalization)? I am an FNG, but don't want to look like one so any advice would be helpful.

It's like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, you have to get through all sorts of levels. The gate agent, the lead FA, the Captain etc. Don't ask the FA to speak to "the crew", you'll only insult them.

 

[pianoman]

About wearing the uniform, most will perfer that you do NOT wear it if possible, they like you to be the AV. JOE.

My 2 cents as both a commuter and a captain of 121 carrier, I don't think the airline or crew you're hoping to ride with cares if you wear your uniform at all. I find it makes it much easier dealing with TSA and gate agents if you're in uniform, but have done it both ways countless times without a single problem. Just don't wear jeans, tennis shoes or shorts. not smooth.

 

[Regional_Pilot]

Always Introduce Yourself To The Captain! Thank Him Or Her For The Ride, Its Common Courtesy

 

[acaTerry]

I prefer to jumpseat in streetclothes, albeit neat ones. I prefer the anonimity. So far as who to go with, AWA has the best policy and is always super nice to deal with.

SWA is good too, but our tightwad company policy makes it so we can only go with SWA if we are one of the first two to ask for it. Thanks for that too Hulie.