Jumpseating on American in STL

[Low Timer]

Today I was trying to jumpseat in STL in full uniform with all my ID's. When trying to go through security, the TSA agent checking ID's let me pass toward the metal detector, but I was stopped by an American agent. I was told as of today, pilots can no longer proceed to the gate to jumpseat without going to the ticket counter first to obtain a verification card. I've been jumpseating through STL for several years and have always gone to the gate to request the jumpseat.

I was surprised and asked the American agent what had changed and all she would say is no one including pilots in uniform was allowed to pass security without a verification card unless I was working the flight. When I went upstairs to the ticket counter there was an hour long line and no one seemed to have any information concerning the change.

Does anyone have any clue what these new changes are all about? If you have to leave the secure area to change airlines while going to work could make for a really long day.

Thanks

 

[AAflyer]

First I have heard it, it will be hard to get an answer being the weekend. I thought TSA had the say who passed through security?

Sorry for the HAAsle, hopefully it will get cleared up fast, will let you know what I hear.

AAflyer

 

[jointops]

LT,

I too commute in/out of STL to visit my folks. Since 9/11 I have never been able to go down to the gate without first getting a boarding pass from the ticketing agent. Regardless of wearing my uniform.

I guess you've been lucky thus far. I always plan on being at the ticket count 1+30 prior to the departure time. Additionally, I've never had a problem getting the jumpseat (because I did show up early enough to be checked in first). Whereas, fellow pilots from my own company have been removed from the flight because there was only 1 cockpit jumpseat and therefore only 1 off line seat allowed in the cabin. It's a tough tradeoff, but when you're commuting you're at the whim of those enforcing their perception of the rules.

That's been my experience and I go into STL every other month.

I'm not sure I answered your original question, but I'm suprised you've been able to go this long without being sent up to the ticket counter. Since it's not standardized across the board at all airports, you just have to play it conservative and allot extra time for the ticket counter.

Happy landings,

 

[328dude]

Hmmm, I go through STL every week and use AA and this is the first I have heard of that. Sounds like a agent wanted some authority or respect.

 

[dgs]

I also use AA through STL, but I never leave security there. AA requires the security pass at both of the NY airports (JFK & LGA). It is very frustrating to spend 45 min waiting in line for a pass to get through security when the turn to commute is often quick. Can any AA guys give us any details on this policy?

 

[AAflyer]

All this is new to me, I commute but have not dealt with these problems. I have used JB, which entailed getting my jumpseat at the ticket counter. I will try to find out about this security pass. I fly this Sunday out of JFK and will ask. Hopefully another AA pilot can shed some light, otherwise let me do a little research.

AAflyer

 

[medic&cfi]

Try going through the B gate security, where Trans States and Chautauqua are. Just hang a right after clearing security and head to the C or D concourse where AA is. It's BS that you're getting hassled like that. Sorry and good luck.

 

[Low Timer]

Something I failed to mention in the earlier post. The AA ticket counter agent did say this was something new started today, 12/6. Up until today, I've never had a problem jumpseating out of STL. Go to security, show ID then on my way to the gate to request the jumpseat. Been doing this weekly for the past serveral years even right after 9/11 when offline jumpseating was restored.

From what little I know, I think you can go to the gate to request the jumpseat if you are inside security. If you are outside security, you have to get a verification card from the ticket counter to be allowed through security where the wait will be long considering the upcoming holidays.

Thanks to all for trying to find some information!

 

[inline]

I don't think there's any set rules in place. I jumpseat quite a bit and 90% of the time I don't need a pass. Unfortunately, some of the screeners get drunk with their new power and abuse their authority and make up their own rules. And you don't want to get into a pissing contest with these guys.

 

[Draginass]

I ran into the same thing in MSP w/NWA last Tuesday. It was an abortive TSA policy that lasted about 4 hours. I was inside security, but the gate agent said (appologetically) that I had to go get a "verification." By the time I got back to the gate, TSA had called off the dogs and went back to the normal system. I hope it's resolved by now. If TSA is going to stick with that policy, there's going to be an awful lot of missed flights and A LOT of sick days taken.

 

[Low Timer]

Jump seating out of STL this morning, I was able to find a little more information on having to go to the ticket counter if your outside security to jumpseat. From what I was told, there is a test program where TSA won't be doing the ramdon screening at the gates, but instead as you come through security. She didn't know who made the policy of EVERYONE having to have either a boarding pass or verification card.

I talked to the TSA people as I came through security about the required verification cards. They said STL along with a few other select cities is trying this new ramdon screening at the checkpoints. They also said if this worked out, we would see this new procedure at all the airports.

These new procedures could make jumpseating a real pain especially with the holidays and the long lines at the ticket counters. If anyone knows of a better way to get to the gate, please let me know.

Thanks.

BTW: I tried the 'B' checkpoint and couldn't make it through without the verification card. Too bad I arrive on the 'A' side. I wonder if we can get STL to connect the 'A' side to the rest of the airport?

 

[jetexas]

Oh how I long for the day when security and common sense merge.

 

[throttlejockey]

TSA is trying to control EXACTLY who is allowed into and out of the sterile area.

If they can control it, they will eliminate the random screening at the gates. I had the same problem at STL. I was trying to get through the security checkpoint at the E Terminal (SWA). They hassled me EVEN THOUGH I WORK AT THE B GATES!

I asked to see a supervisor, and he let me through since I had a SIDA badge for STL.

Apparently, you cannot get through security at the E Terminal if you are boarding a flight out of the A,B,C, or D Gates. In addition, you will now need a boarding pass or a verification to get through.

This process will be eliminated as soon as we get our TSA Transportation Worker ID Badges. I think that is due sometime in 2004. MAYBE!!!

 

[dispatchguy]

Oh how I long for the day when security and common sense merge.

And that'll be the third day after he11 hath frozen over for the second time