Jumpseating Etiquette

[ILLINI]

I will be jumpseating for the first time in a few days and was looking for some advice on jumpseating etiquette. I know some basics like attire, thankfully passing on meals/drinks offered, and introdcucing yourself to captain and crew. I have heard that it is common for j/s'ers to bring candy bars, or something of the sort, for the crew... is this true? What about baggage? I assume it should only be a small carry on. I'm a 135 freight pilot, so I don't really have a uniform, so I will just be wearing shirt & tie w/ khakis... this should be ok eh?

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[AWACoff]

I once tried passing on a meal on a United flight from DEN to ORD. The captain, first officer, AND the other jumpseater all turned around at the same time and gave me the "look". The captain then says, "you work at Lakes, right?". I say "yes". He then says, "Well, then you going to eat the **CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** meal and stuff as many extra meals into your flight case as you can fit, understand?!". I say "yes SIR". Apparently politeness can only go so far. I got 6 extra meals out of it. The flight attendant actually brought me a doggy bag. Never decline food or drink I say! Oh, and always thank the flight attendants. They're the ones doing the hardwork "behind" the scenes. You never know when you'll have the same FAs again. First Class is at their discretion...

 

[njcapt]

As a ten - year commuter, I think the most important thing you can do is ASK the Lead F/A if you can have a seat in the back (no matter what the Captain says, the cabin is theirs). I have never been refused (I don't know what I would do if they did!), but this goes a long way in getting you fine treatment. Don't drink (I can't believe I have to advise that, but I do), and don't discuss your freebie status with civilians any more than necessary. Also, thank the crew for the ride on the way out if it won't cause you to get in the way.

Too bad you can't ride in the cockpit, I remember my first jump seat ride on the old Midway Airlines on one of their DC-9's and it was totally cool.

 

[Saluki Dawg]

Not to rain on your parade Illini, but if you are with a 135 operator, you will need to do some thorough checking with the airline you are trying to jumpseat on and make sure that they are taking 135 jumpseaters. Most airlines, including the one I fly for only allow pilots from other 121 operators to jumpseat or limited 135 operators with whom they have a recpricol jumpseat agreement with.

 

[Boeingman]

ILLINI

PT 135 freight? I can't think of any 121 carriers BEFORE 9/11 that allowed them on. We can't even allow some 121 carriers anymore

I'd be very carefull with your planning and have a good back up.

NJCAPT:

The Captain does own the cabin. I've had this discussion several times with bitchy FA's and I can assure you they did not prevail.

 

[ILLINI]

Thank you all for your information. I'd just like to clarify that when I said to pass on meal/drink, I meant pop or juice - not alcohol. I just spoke with this particular airline's pass bureau and HR departments and confirmed that they DO allow 135 pilots to jumpseat, and will take as many jumpseaters as there are empty seats.

 

[AZaviator]

Just a little more advice to add. When you first get up to the airplane, leave your bags in the jetway. Then walk into the aircraft and ask the Flight Attendant to speak with the captain about the jumpseat, as opposed to just walking in the aircraft and on into the cockpit. It sounds like common sense, but I have seen people do it, during my jumpseat experiences.

Also, when you talk to the captain, be sure to ASK about the possibility of jumpseating. The very first time I jumpseated, I wasn't sure what to say, so I told the Captain, "HI, I'm your jumpseater on this flight." The captain replied with, "are you asking me, or telling me?" haha. We had a good laugh about it later.

For baggage, yea, the previous posts are correct. Bring one carry on, and that should be about it. Wearing a tie is a must, if you don't have a uniform to wear.

Hope this helps!

 

[wildbill]

ILLINI,
Be sure to use common courtesy at the gate and introduce yourself to both the Captain and his First Officer. They are a professional team and it is important that they both get to know a little bit about you. Have your license, medical and I.D. ready from them to view. The many times I had the privilage to jumpseat, I found it interesting and educational. It is great to see other teams work together. The crew will take the time in most instances to explain their cockpit proceedures if you get to ride up front. If you need to ride in the back act professional and like the other poster said say as little as possible to passengers as to your flying status. I rode one trip and a passenger looked around the first class cabin which was about full and asked me if he was the only one who bought a ticket for first class. As for food, while riding up front the captain told a lead FA to bring me a steak for my meal. Next thing I knew the cockpit door opened and a trash bag of almonds came flying up with a big laugh. Again, remember to be professional and enjoy the privilage. There are a lot of great crews out there who will make you feel welcome.
Best of Luck.

 

[135fr8r]

As far as whether or not 121 carriers allow 135 guys to jumpseat I can say this. Vangaurd, ATA, and Frontier are taking 135 guys right now. Out of those 3 airlines my company has an agreement with one of them, but all 3 have welcomed myself and other fellow pilots from my company with no prob. A friend I work with has regularly jumped with one of the "Big 3" airlines. It`s all up to the Captain so at least give it a try. If the gate agent says "you aren`t on the list", then ask if he/she will let you talk to the captain, or if he/she will ask the captain themselves. Just don`t be pushy, or act like they owe you something. Good luck to ya.

 

[shamrock]

I'd have to echo wildbill's point about introducing yourself to BOTH crewmembers. Being a lowly FO I am biased about this but I think it's just common courtesy. I've lost track of the number of jumpseaters who have blown by me with hardly a nod on their way to talk to the captain. To me that's a little rude so I try to introduce myself to everybody up front when I jumpseat. Sometimes the FO is busy or just isn't interested in talking (common on a RJ) but I always make the effort.

 

[bin LAAidoff]

I started a post complimenting all the good advice given thus far, and adding a few tidbits of my own.

I ended up cancelling my post. I had a conversation with a buddie at a trash hauler today, and we concluded it would be great if there were the Omnibus Jumpseat Act and Ettiquite Guide. However, in publishing ettiquitte, I'm afraid we inadvertently give away the store. Though most requests are sincere, it only takes one. Plus, we never know who reads content. One smooth talker, silver toungued devil could cause a disaster.

As an industry, I think we need to keep this information guarded, like other cheezy videotapes with bearded men.... I'd love to share the information, but if you are working for a company that has j/s priv., somebody at your company should be able to give you the lowdown, or put you in touch, or you know a pilot somewhere you can ask by phone etc. The "I know a guy who knows a guy" network is powerfull.

if you think I'm overboard, check out

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20020114/us/attacks_phony_pilot_1.html

or type in "jumpseat" at yahoo. Pretty clear that person who wrote this is scamming on free travel. Even if fraudulent rider does not have criminal intent, it damages our ability to get to and fro...

 

[njcapt]

> The Captain does own the cabin. I've had this discussion several times with bitchy FA's and I can assure you they did not prevail.
<

Ahhh.... the difference between perception and reality. I sincerely hope that you decline any opened beverages or coffee from Flight Attendants who have heard your opinion about who OWNS the cabin. Asleep during the CRM portion of your last recurrent training, huh?

 

[LR25]

Just be casual an friendly (that goes without saying) and when the cokpit door shuts usaully the crew has a pretty good time.

Just remember the 10,000 ft thing, even if the crew does some chatting, just courtesy, unless one of them turns around and asks you someting.

Oh, just realized you won't be up front I guess unless they have changed some of the rules of rescent. Oh well.

Advice for the future.

LR25

 

[Boeingman]

[B
Ahhh.... the difference between perception and reality. I sincerely hope that you decline any opened beverages or coffee from Flight Attendants who have heard your opinion about who OWNS the cabin. Asleep during the CRM portion of your last recurrent training, huh? [/B]

CRM with the sky goddesses? Nope, but I will not tolerate abusive FA's demeaning JS riders. Our company policy specifically states they are to be offered FC accomedations. Secondly it is a security issue with me as well. I cover this in the initial breifing.

You going to let some PMS'g FA run roughshod over your airplane?
I'm not.

Incidently, I eat quite well on my flights.

 

[Broke in CVG]

I am still waiting for a j/s to bring me an Egg McMuffin. It's all I ask... and hasn't happened yet. I am starting to loose faith in humanity.

 

[KlingonLRDRVR]

ILLINI,

You will never go wrong in bringing a small bag of good quality candies to share with the pilots and FAs. As I always tell my wife the way to a person's heart is through their stomach. If they don't want any, more for you. It's a nice touch of class to offer.

KlingonLRDRVR

 

[StaySeated]

One more note about the food, an FA might not know that you are jumpseating and the catering could be short for the flight. Make sure they know before they give you the last meal and one more paying passenger remains.

Boeingman, if I were you I would not eat anything already opened after the PMSing comment.

 

[bobbysamd]

Jumpseating eats

For what it's worth, I heard that it won't hurt to bring on a bag of Egg McMuffins to share with the crew.

 

[English]

In the days before 9/11, food was graciously accepted. Since, crews I've jumpseated with have declined food. Can't say I blame them...I guess the concern is that food could be tampered with. Too bad...I was always good for bringing Cinnabons, brownies and cookies...

 

[TurboS7]

Be professional, and have fun. Be sure and ask the captain for permission to use the jumpseat. Be prepared to answer questions about your job and the aircraft you fly. Don't B.S. more often than not the captain has time in the aircraft you fly and can give you an oral on it that you will never forget.

 

[TurboS7]

One other thing that I have noticed is that guys that commute a lot seem to carry a bag of candy with them. It must help because they always seem to get where they need to go on time everythime.

 

[njcapt]

You going to let some PMS'g FA run roughshod over your airplane?
I'm not.

I went back to my original post to see what I had said to provoke your rant about dealing with F/A's, and I can't figure out what you found wrong with it. I suggested that jump seaters consult the F/A's when accessing a cabin seat (the only ones available to off line pilots) and you go off about how its the Captain's cabin and where the jump seater sits is none of their business. You might have all the power in the world as Captain of the aircraft, but a jump seater is still a guest on the flight. Maintaining cordial relations with the cabin crew is a good idea for someone who needs to be somewhere, and your assertion that a jump seater carries the authority of the Captain is ridiculous.

As a Captain I would never let, as you say, 'aPMSing Flight Attendant' run roughshod over my aircraft. I just know that 95% of the time I can get what I need by including the back end crew in the decision making process, and save my 'Captain's authority' for the other 5%.

Permit me, if you will, an analogy.

Two bulls, a father and a son, were standing on a hill looking down at a herd of cows. The son says "Dad, lets run down there and pork one of those cows". The father responds, "Son, I've got a better idea. Let's WALK down there and pork them all".

Res Ipsa Loquitor.

 

[Boeingman]

I went back to my original post to see what I had said to provoke your rant about dealing with F/A's, and I can't figure out what you found wrong with it.

OK I'll help you out here. You stated, and I quote: "No matter what the Captain says the cabin is theirs".

No matter what the Captain says? Are you joking? Where do you draw the line on what the Captain says that they can disregard?

I suggested that jump seaters consult the F/A's when accessing a cabin seat (the only ones available to off line pilots) and you go off about how its the Captain's cabin and where the jump seater sits is none of their business.

You're right it is not any of their business. During my brief (and company policy) is specific that all JS's (including FA's), ride in first class.

you might have all the power in the world as Captain of the aircraft, but a jump seater is still a guest on the flight. Maintaining cordial relations with the cabin crew is a good idea for someone who needs to be somewhere, and your assertion that a jump seater carries the authority of the Captain is ridiculous.

Please point out where I asserted this authority of the JS rider? My perception of your cordial relations could interfere with your ability to take a stand as a Captain when the time comes. That "no matter what the Captain says...." line is ringing in my ears.

And the JS rider is a guest of the airline which also employs the FA's. The airline set a policy and I emphasize my personal policy for security.

As a Captain I would never let, as you say, 'aPMSing Flight Attendant' run roughshod over my aircraft. I just know that 95% of the time I can get what I need by including the back end crew in the decision making process, and save my 'Captain's authority' for the other 5%.

It is not a decision making process but a policy. If they try and assert their personal issues, I am going to have a problem with that.

Looking back on it, I don't even think I have had a problem with even 5% of them. Probably 1 or 2 in my entire career. And both had attitude problems about life in general anyway.

 

[TailStrike]

One important thing I didn't see mentioned in any of the other replies: GUM!! Nothing will make the the crew sorry they took you along fster than reaching for a switch and leaning into a big cloud of your halitosis. And if you had bad Mexican the night before, gulp down a couple of those little anti-gas pills.

Seriously though...leave your bag out of the way, step aboard and hand your J/S form, ID, and medical to the lead F/A, smile and say something like "Morning! I was hoping to catch a ride with you folks over to Timbuktu this morning." She'll probably shake your hand and introduce herself. (REMEMBER HER NAME, and use it if you get a chance). She'll take your paperwork up to the captain who will probably invite you up to the cockpit. Ask her where she'd like you to put your bag and comply cheerfully. Then go forward, and knock on the cockpit door (not in the middle of a checklist). Say the same sort of thing to the flight crew. If they can offer you a seat in the back, they probably will. Chat (with both crewmembers) if it seems like they want to chat, but listen carefully to the radios and shut your pie-hole instantly when you hear your flight number. As for refreshments and stuff, be prepared to get nothing, but you can accept anything they offer you (don't ask for anything special). When you get there, make a point to thank the flight crew and any of the cabin crew you met

Generally, if you're nice, crews will hook you up when they can. I once got the J/S on a United 767 from BOS to LAX. The Capt. let me sit up front (I asked - first time up front in a big jet) for the first hour or so...then the lead FA came up and offered me a seat in First (the Capt. said "take it, man...that ain't gonna happen very often!") and pampered me the whole flight, until we started the descent, when I got to go back up and watch the approach into LAX on a crystal clear night. It was awesome, and for a short time, it didn't even bother me any more that those guys made more in a month than I did in a year.

Good luck!

 

[propjockey]

Hang on to your ID

One tip -- hold on tight to your ID until you're situtated! One of my most embarrassing moments came when I was jumpseating on a 777 for the first time to go out to SFO to meet my dad for his retirement flight. When I sat down in the cockpit and buckled in, I noticed my ID was missing. I frantically checked all my pockets about 10 times and searched my suitcase and the the forward closet to no avail. I finally gave up and told the crew. The Capt was going to let me go anyway, because he had already seen my ID earlier.

Just as we were getting ready to push, someone called up from the ramp asking if anyone had lost an ID. They had to bring the jetway back and pass it to me through the door because they didn't have a pole long enough to pass it up to the cockpit window. It turns out it had fallen off my pocket and down through the gap between the plane and the jetway when I went out to retrieve my bag after getting the OK to jumpseat. I was very apologetic, because I actually made the flight late. The walk from the cockpit to the door, through business and first class and back again, seemed to be about 5 miles long, and I was beet red!

 

[Mike Reyna]

I've jump seated quite a few times as a ramp agent for KHA. Of course, I always sat in the cockpit of our Boeing 727's. What aspiring airline pilot wouldn't? Sometimes I would just jumpseat, just to fly. Not a lot of "non airline" people get to do this, let alone fly in the cockpit. It sure gave me a different perspective of what I expect to fly in my future.

I love our Kitty Hawk flight crews. They are so laid back, and we would always take quotes from the movie Airplane. It doesn't get any better than that! I hope to jumpseat on our DC 8 to Alaska soon. Not a lot of people get to fly in that bird.

I think you should be fine, just dress according to your airline policy. As for the food/drinks, we have no problem as long as we ask our OPPS person. I know some airlines do and some don't. It's no big deal, but check before you fly. Nothing worse than flying on an empty stomach. lol

Mikie

Edit: Like Propjockey said, be sure to have your proper Airline/airport ID at all times. Some crews won't let you jumpseat if you don't have ID.

 

[Beechnut]

So far it seems as though commuting regional pilots have the system down. They are polite, introduce themselves at the appropriate people at the correct times and are ready with their medical, certificates AND Airline ID. If I may be so general, the people that need to refresh their procedures are the mainline folk. TWICE this month Mainline folk from the big U have ignored our flight attendants and have stepped up to the flight deck without first asking permission. As if being a Express carrier is a second rate institution not requiring the proper etiquette. And I don't know that I have EVER seen a mainliner from ANY carrier offer, or have ready their medical or certificates. I know it is the Captains responsibility to ask for such documents, but to not have them at the ready is a snub as well.

S.

 

[dispatchguy]

When I was a commuting dispatcher at AAEagle (I'm now totally out of the airline industry), I would always leave my rollaboard in the jetway, then intro myself to the Lead F/A with their J/S form, license, and airline ID. I never assumed I had the seat (even if their C/S agent gave me a boarding pass), and always asked the captain for a ride. I had my license laminated and clipped to my airline ID - no digging in the wallet at the last second.

Always, always, always thanked them upon arrival. If the flight deck door was still closed, I'd always ask the lead F/A to pass my thanks to the crew when they're available.

Always talk to both the Captain, F/O, and F/E (if on a F/E aircraft), as the F/O and F/E will be a Captain someday!

Granted, I usually never offered snacks, as all I had were nutrigrain or granola bars (I'm diabetic).

One thing that always fascinated me though - my license plainly says Aircraft Dispatcher on it, but yet I was asked for a medical countless times after 9/11. Good thing I hold a 3rd class Medical (Special Issuance) - one UAL A320 captain even asked me about the C152 I was signed-off to solo in, in addition to whats going on at Eagle.

To the ATA, SWA, UAL, TransStates, AirTran crews I flew with when at EagleDX, thanks for the rides!