Jumpseating on American

[KC-10 Driver]

I know this post isn't interview related, but I figured this forum would be the best place to get a quick response to my query. Anyway, here's my situation:

I jumpseated on American this morning. When I approached the agent at the gate and politely asked for the jumpseat, she asked me whether I had called ahead to put my name on the jumpseat list. I told her that I had not, and that I didn't realize that I could/should do that as an off-line jumpseater.

She indicated that American has a new procedure in effect whereby a prospective jumpseater needs to call some number to get his/her name on the list for the jumpseat. However, she didn't have that number on hand. She did say that it would be important to do this in the future.

My question is, does anyone have any information about this new procedure at AAL? I tried to call a bunch of my American buddies, but the only one I could reach had no idea what I was talking about.

I would like to nail down this information soon, as I am going to try to jumpseat again with American in a few days. What number do I call to get my name on a jumpseat list?

Thanks for any help/info anyone can give.

 

[Draginass]

That agent is full of baloney. I think he/she is confusing you with a non-rev traveller, not a "jumpseater." If that happens again, tell her you're not travelling on an ID-90, but are jumpseating. If still no joy, ask to talk to the Captain or F/O. If she refuses, stop any American pilot and ask them what you just encountered. If it were me, I'd bypass the gate agent and tell the captain what's going on at the front desk. I guarantee he'll take care of it.

Also, if it happens again, take down the name of the agent, the time and gate and contact your jumpseat coordinator so he can contact the American jumpseat coordinator. Commuting is tough enough now . . . we don't need gate agents to make it tougher.

 

[stratocoaster]

offline pilots jumpseating on american

the gate agent is NOT full of it.

there IS a new rule in effect for jumpseating offline pilots, but it's only been in effect for about 6 months now.

i don't know about the rest of you, but i've been jumping on american almost weekly for the past two years.

the procedure is:

1.) dial 1-888-933-5922

2.) listen to the entire announcement.

3.) when announcement offers you the option, press 3 if you are an employee of another airline.

4.) when agent answers, inform them you are an offline pilot requesting to be "meal listed" on the specific flight(s) you desire.

the agent will usually ask for your full name and your company name. you will help them a lot if you know your airline company's two-letter code.

try it. you'll like it.

 

[madjack]

The number that Stratocoaster gave is the one I have used and it works (8889335922). Good luck.

madjack

 

[MachPi]

I would've said that agent was full of it too, if it weren't for the last couple of posts. It's amazing what you don't hear about sitting in the cockpit. Do any other majors have this new hoop to jump through?

 

[erjdriver]

Unfortunately that's the way it works. Call 888-WEFLYAA and select option 3.
Also, be advised that if you try to get a ride on a 75/767, the agent will only give away 1 jumpseat...you have to ask for the other one (i.e. ask her if 2W is already taken).
Also, the agent will assign you a seat in coach..even if 1st is empty.

PEACE

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Thanks guys -- that answers my question.

 

[Boz]

stratocoaster has got it right, I JS on AA quite a bit and I knew most of the agents before the new procedure went into effect and for some reason they did hassle me about not calling the non-rev # and list as a JS. Off course I asked and I guess it just simplifies the procedure for the CSR agents. They have always been very accomidating and this should not change even if you did not list.

 

[Two-9-9-TwoSet]

once upon a time...

I had trouble with a SWA agent once refusing me the jumpseat...I asked (very politely of course)if I could speak with the captain, a few minutes later, the SWA captain emerges from the jetway..came over and CHEWED ME OUT in front of all the passengers about how "you better watch what you say to the agents"...did I mention I was extremely polite to her??

She was just pissed that I tried to get the captain involved, I was new at it..and friends have always told me to always ask for the captain so I did...well, I learned a harsh lesson.

He refused the jumpseat and told me to "buy a ticket son"..

never gonna forget it....Little Rock, AR...

OAK based capt with a strong southern accent.

I'm probably gonna get slammed by some SWA groupie, but what the hell, it's a true story.

2992set

 

[KC-10 Driver]

I'm sorry my question hit upon a sore spot. But, as I'm sure you know, jumpseating is usually a great bene.

I know a lot of SWA guys, and they are all top notch. It's too bad you met one of the few captains and agents there who apparently had a rotten attitude.

Maybe they were having a bad day? I hope that is the explanation, but then again I sometimes tend to be too tolerant for my own good.

I see what could be coming here -- no flames on a thread I have started, PLEASE.

 

[plm727]

I understand that the FAA will be requiring all "jumpseaters" to call ahead and make a res regardless of the airline you plan to Jumpseat on in the near future.
I have jumpseated with AA several times under the new system and in many respects it is easier. The phone agent usually gives you a good idea of how open the flight is. When callid I have asked to be listed as a "D-6"/off-line pilot.
I also understand that with AA you can call at the very last minute if you like.

 

[Two-9-9-TwoSet]

I guess I should also mention that my other experiences jumpseating with SWA were very pleasurable.

Most were extremely nice to me. It was an isolated incident.

2992set

 

[Thedude]

I had the same Bull**CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED****CENSORED** happen with listing right after Sept 11. I have talked to several gate agents about this one and they all agree that listing IS NOT required, but they sure do like it when you do.

 

[Sierra-Hotel]

Ground Ops View

For all you guys that have issues with the Gate/Ops Agents giving you a hard time....I do apolgize for them. I'm currently a Ops Agent but I was a CSA.....yes it does make it easier when you are listed for the flight....but I don't care either way as it only takes a minute to create a PNR. All I can tell you is be careful what you say to some of the Gate Agents,lately I have noticed pilots getting in trouble for questioning them.....myself I will do what I can to get a crewmember on a flight....regardless if you work for my airline or another(anyone that has JS on SWA though BDL can attest to that!). Usually I check the flights to see if my regular JSers are flying and I will hold the JS form for them. BTW 2992set....I think I know the OAK Capt your talking about......don't worry,he's a jerk to everybody!

 

[Draginass]

Calling ahead a listing is NOT REQUIRED. This is confirmed by the APA jumpseat coordinator. I don't know about American EAGLE, but American MAINLINE DOES NOT REQUIRE LISTING YOURSELF AHEAD OF TIME. If you run into problems walking up to the counter for a jumpseat PLEASE PLEASE jot down the gate and time and fire off a message to your union's jumpseat coordinator so he can call the APA. The APA said that they talked to the company and that the company was going to get the word down to the agents.

 

[KC-10 Driver]

Thanks Draginass, for taking the time to talk to the APA JS rep.

I have JS'd two times on AAL since I started this thread. I listed both times, and the agents very much seemed to appreciate it when I told them I had already listed (they also seemed to appreciate it when I brought them a box of pastries at 0600 -- I'll shamelessly try anything to get on a full flight!).

In any case, even though it may not be required, if it makes their job easier I will do it. It only takes 3 minutes to do from your cell phone while walking through the terminal or standing in line.

Happy jumpseating everyone (hopefully on the flight deck before too long).