Jumpseating to London-Gatwick

[Wankel7]

Just thought I would post my experience going over there. Went over there last week on a Saturday night. Used USAir out of PIT. Went out to the ticket counter and paid my return taxes ($63). Took them a little time to figure all that out. I thought I was listed for the return flight and I was not. Make sure they list you.



The Captain was very nice and let me on without a problem (We are on their list). Ended up sitting first class and was treated really well. Had a great flight over.



When you get to Gatwick, do not buy tickets for the Gatwick Express at that first TravelEX money exchange. I was rapped on the ticket price. Go downstairs to the train station and pay about 14 pounds for a round trip ticket. They have a crew discount so make sure you get it.



As far as a hotel, I didn't choose anything and ended up using that little lastminute.com booth to find a hotel. Ended up staying at the Millennium right behind the Gloucester Road tube stop. Got it for 79pounds. NICE hotel. No breakfast but big rooms nice bathrooms. That rate was the weekend rate. It went up to 115 pounds for weekday rates. But staying the extra day was more than worth it ;-)



When I go over again I would try to find a hotel near a tube stop. That was handicap accessible. All those stairs suck badly with luggage. The Gatwick Express drops at Victoria station so one close to there would be good.


For the return trip, not being listed made it a little weird. She said since I was not a USAir crewmember I could not jump seat. But after another post, I think she thought I wanted to be in the cockpit. Nevertheless, she put me on the Nonrev list and I got a seat with out a hitch.



The flight was wide open with more than 50 seats to and from. The PIT - Gatwick flights stop at the end of Oct. Not sure how that is gonna do with the loads out of CLT or PHL.



I had a great time over there...nice to get a Guinness a little closer to where it is brewed



Wankel

 

[chrisdahut24]

How much is the crew discount for the Gatwick Express? And which airlines are eligible?

 

[another cfii]

If you call the US Air reservation number, will they tell you their loads and list you on the return flight from LGW? I was hoping to JS with NW, but they always seem to be full.

 

[Wankel7]

It seems like a 50/50 split on them telling me exact numbers. Not sure if they would list over the phone. Give it a shot!

Beats me what airlines are eligable for the crew discount on the Gatwick Express. But they didn't have a prob with my 135 freight pilot ID. So, I am guessing anybody. Although I missed out on the discount I helped somebody else get it using mine. With the discount it came to about 14 pounds round trip. Not to bad There are no locked in times either. Just gotta use the whole ticket within 3 months.

I couldn't try NW cause we don't have an international agreement with them.

Wankel