Jumpseating Internationally

[Smash312]

I work for a United feeder regional airline (under the United Express brand) - I want to get from JFK over the pond to the UK (LHR). Now I know you can list yourself before you flyon expressnet.ual.com. But if I know the loads are very low, then do I HAVE to list myself or can I just turn up to the check in desk and ask to jumpseat across??

I've never done this before so am wondering how to go about doing this. Can someone please shed some light?

 

[purduej]

If you list yourself via expressnet you will be listing using nonrev. Those cost money (got nailed for $300 once because I didn't know this) so I don't recommend it. You have to list at the gate, but be there nice and early (at least an hour). Be sure to ask for the OAL ticket since otherwise you might accidentally nonrev instead of jumpseat. Have fun in London!

Edit: Mynameisjim is right. Just list using expressnet but when you get to the gate make sure you get the OAL form and specify you are not nonrevving but are jumpseating, that way you don't get charged to nonrev.

 

[mynameisjim]

The airlines have to provide the TSA with a passenger list 90 minutes prior to departure, so if you aren't listed (nonrev or jumpseat, it doesn't matter) at least 90 minutes prior you won't get on.

 

[Smash312]

Thanks for that advise! Really! Just need to know another thing - is it possible to just jumpseat on AA/Delta or another US Cass carrier out to Europe in the same way?? Just turn up to the ticket desk and ask to Jumpseat? I'm from Europe and well, with family there can get expensive getting back and forth. But, Am wondering that if getting out there can be done 'Gratis' I know jumpseating back is a no-no as they don't have CASS in Europe. So I'd list and come back via normal non-rev channels. But going out there it'd be nice to head out by just jumpseating.

 

[mynameisjim]

Jumpseating out is easy on any carrier, but you're right jumpseating home is near impossible. They don't know what jumpseating is.

I would jumpseat there, but ZED back. at $300 for United, you can standby on any other carrier cheaper then that.

Just remember, you can't actually occupy the jumpseat internationally. You still call it jumpseating, but you have to have a seat in the cabin.

 

[dash8driver]

Jumpseating out is easy on any carrier, but you're right jumpseating home is near impossible. They don't know what jumpseating is.

sorry, but this statement is wrong. if you have someone that might not know what you're talking about, try using the carriers term for it (UAL is "OMC"), if that doesnt work, ask for a supervisor. i have had absolutely no problems jumpseating out of several countries. they all knew what jumpseating was and knew exactly what to do.

only once out of germany on UAL did they not know what "jumpseat" was. then i told them i wanted to "OMC on the flight" and they said "ok" and it was done. thailand, japan and australia all know what jumpseating is.

as for listing.. if you're afraid you're gonna get hit for the tab if you list thru your own carrier, then just call UAL's res line and tell them you want to list as a non-rev.

 

[Smash312]

Ok, so as I understand it, I'm not going to bother listing myself. With that I think I run the risk of being hit with fees. I've checked the load and they seem fine, so I'll rack up to the check in desk and ask any carrier (in my case American or United) to Jumpseat (or if they don't understand I'll use the term 'OMC') me for the flight to London - politely.

On my return, I'm going to go though the same procedure out of London Heathrow. Correct??

Thanks for the help.

 

[traveller]

If you jumpseat back on Cargo planes you will avoid all fees.

 

[Smash312]

How can I find out the timetable for Cargo aircraft?? I mean, what means do they have to verify my credentials when out of the US? I've heard this before also, and I'd try this in a heart beat - but want to feel confident that I'll get on.

 

[dojetdriver]

How can I find out the timetable for Cargo aircraft?? I mean, what means do they have to verify my credentials when out of the US? I've heard this before also, and I'd try this in a heart beat - but want to feel confident that I'll get on.

Go to Atlas Air or Gemini Air Cargo's web sites. It will give you contact information, procedures, ect.

 

[Smash312]

Ok, I'm in London now. Not quite the way I planned it. I went to the United desk and asked to 'OMC' over to London. The lady proceeded to tap away at her computer when she said the system isn't letting her go any further. She then called operations. Operations told her that ONLY United crew can 'OMC'. Is that true?? I ended up just non-reving. I didn't know if I was going to get knocked back if I went to AA or Delta, so thought I'd play it safe by non-reving. Can anyone tell me if there is any truth in this? Thanks.

 

[dash8driver]

the agent got confused and thought you wanted to ride in the cockpit. in that sense she is correct. sometimes they dont know that you can jumpseat and ride in the back. i have had to explain it to an agent on at least one occasion.

 

[Smash312]

So, should I just ask to OMC, but let them know that I want to ride in the back?? I tried to explain that to the gate agent but he didn't know what to do. Is there any straight way - standard procedure to get though? I'm so frustrated with this. I just found out that I was charged $198 for my one way flight from London - New York about 2 weeks ago!! I probably could have bought the ticket for that price on Expedia! Can't believe non-reving costs the same as buying off the net!

I'm not looking forward to the bill I'm going to get for this flight I just took from NY - London today.

 

[dash8driver]

you just have to stick to your guns and explain that you can use the OMC form to travel, you just need to have an open seat in the back. if he doesnt know what to do, you'll need him to ask a co-worker or better yet a supervisor. if that doesnt work, ask for the agent and supervisor's name and employee number (dont be rude about it) and pass the info to your JS coordinator when you get back so they can fix their mis-understanding (happened to me with UAL in japan a while back.. forgot about that one).

other options are to try a different counter/agent or airline.

you should also try getting intouch directly with your JS coordinator.

 

[skypine69]

The cost for JFK-LHR is about 90 for first, 70 for biz and 45 for coach. The prices from europe to the us are higher because of all the taxes. THere is a 100 dollar tax for the international city according to the fare info on weblist for the return. And that 198 for LHR-JFK was first class wasnt it? Not a bad deal if you ask me. You can OMC, I have done many times from other countries. Just ask for the supervisor, what I will often do is go the first class check in line, the agents that work those lines seem to have a better idea of things. If there is a nonrev line you can use that as well. Just make it clear that you just need the card and you need an open seat. If you can get to the gate as the crew is coming on the plane you can check with them also, they will often help sort things out with the agent.

 

[Smash312]

Perfect - have come to find out that jumpseating with MaxJet (from London Stansted - JFK/IAD) is gratis, only taxes have to be paid (have been told that is £37, around $75). The other way around from JFK/IAD to London Stansted is totally free so I'm told - though will report back and let you know if this is true when it happens.