NWA non-rev ??? from a newbie

[Northern Lights]

Quick question about nonrevving on Northwest. I know that I can jumpseat, but say that I'm going to list as a non-rev passenger. If I'm issued a verification, but not a boarding pass at the counter or e-ticket machine, do I still check in at the gate, or do they now know that I'm there, and should just sit back until my name is called?

As a nonrevver,JSer, I hate bugging the agents too much!
Thanks in advance.
N.L.

 

[Inconceivable]

Three steps to nonreving
1. listing--where you get your PNR and are in the computer
2. verifying--letting the computer know you actually showed up--now done with e-ticket machines, this is what you used to do on your first visit to the podium.
3. getting your boarding pass--the computer will release the seats in order of priority to verified pax. No need to trouble the gate agent, They'll call you.

A word on the e-ticket machines--they are more convenient but represent a threat to the CSA's jobs--the fewer pax they process the more of them are laid off. Using the CSA rather than the box (and letting them know why) can occasionally (albeit improperly) bump you up on the standby list through some modifications on their part to your priority.

But them I'm an old fart from the "we're all in this together" days.....

 

[DTWFO]

Good luck non-reving on NWA....unless you're going to some backwoods place that no one flys to. They are always overbooked with an average of 30 non revs listed on every flight. You can check the flight 30 mins prior and it will say 30 open seats, then you go to the airport only to find out it is overbooked by 20. When flying on NWA ALWAYS I repeat ALWAYS check in with the agent at the gate!!! If you don't they will leave your a** there in a heartbeat. Actually your best bet is to jumpseat on some other airline. Good luck.

 

[Northern Lights]

Thanks for the tips. I'm trying to get out of SFO tonight, but of course there are 22 people ahead of me. I made it out here with no hassles, but perhaps I'll try my luck at the JS tonight.

 

[DTWFO]

One more thing. When you talk to the agent make sure you ask him/her how many of the stand-bys ahead of you are really just elite members standing by for first class. At NWA, the computer doesn't differentiate between non-revs and revenue standbys for first when it gives you that, "there will be 50 people on the non-rev list ahead of you" B.S. Good luck.