Preboarding Jumpseaters on SWA

[1BigRodeo]

I had a guy try to jumpseat that had a license that looked like a credit card. It was green and had two other guys pictures on it. I asked my FO if he had ever seen anything like this and he said "no". We showed him what a "real" license looked like.....just paper with no pictures. I was going to call the airport police, but the "jumpseater" left. Has anyone else ran into this guy with this "bogus" license.

Are you serious? You must know that the new certificates are exactly what youre describing. Hook set, yank me into the boat.......

 

[Spectre]

As a captain for this airline we are confused also. The policy keeps changing and I do not have anything in writing. I would prefer you preboard but it all depends on the ops agent. Some want you to preboard some do not. I would check with the ops agent at the gate before the aircraft gets there. The CSA (customer service agent), the one who checked you in, might not have a correct answer. I will try and ask our jumpseat coordinator what the current policy is.

I think the problem here is everyone assumes SWA will have open seats and not a full airplane. If you preboard on a full flight, the gate agent is taking a chance of turning away a customer or pulling you off the flight for a revenue passenger. Common sense tells you to do what the gate agent tells you to do (preboard or board with your card letter). Again, this will depend on flight loads. If you are not sure, just ask. I've used SWA several times to jumpseat and every experience was great.

As a Capt for JetBlue, I'm required to be thorough when checking the credentials/CASS approval of a jumpseater when he/she is riding in the cockpit. However, our FOM states the gate agents are to check credentials when the jumpseater is assigned a seat in the cabin. JetBlue has a multiple jumpseat policy. I've seen at times 10 or more offline jumpseaters on our flights (both pilots and FA's). If I had to check everyone's paperwork, we'd never have an ontime departure! JetBlue doesn't even have a jumpseat form to sign! I like that policy and so do our jumpseaters...No begging for a ride, just get on and have a great trip to work or home!

 

[SWA/FO]

I had a guy try to jumpseat that had a license that looked like a credit card. It was green and had two other guys pictures on it. I asked my FO if he had ever seen anything like this and he said "no". We showed him what a "real" license looked like.....just paper with no pictures. I was going to call the airport police, but the "jumpseater" left. Has anyone else ran into this guy with this "bogus" license.

This is funny...

 

[Crucianpilot]

by jhill
Only an a$$ like yourself would ask. Do what you are told when taking a free ride. Pre-boarding is a privilege we are glad to have. Shut-up and do what the fa's ask or don't ask to ride

Truly an educated reply on your part. It must surely be a pleasure to fly with you. Obviously your flamboyant personality is the reason you have survived so long in this industry. What a piece of work!

 

[Flydaplane]

Out of my home airport I have been preboarded on SWA for years (thanks!). Jumpseated yesterday out of DEN (not my home airport), but this time given a C boarding card. Watched two other jumpers preboard. I waited and boarded last, asked the gate agent what the policy was she stated if your riding in the cockpit then you get to preboard, otherwise you get a boarding card assigned based on your arrival time and board just like a non-rev would (i.e. if you get a B card, you board with the B's). She said that I didn't even need to check in with the crew if I was riding in the back. I said, OK but I'll check in anyway as a courtesy. Mentioned this to the Capt and he said that any jumpers on his plane had better check in with him. Took my quiet seat in the back and got home with no worries...by the way the other pre boarded jumpers were seated in the back as well.
Sounds like some inconsistencies in SWA policy around the system. I'll do whatever it takes to get a free ride and was more than happy to return the favor last week to a SWA pilot jumping on our flight. I took the FA jumpseat and let him have the cockpit so we could both get on. What comes around goes around.
Everybody play nice! You don't need to show attitude (indeed where is the LUV?) to someone with legitimate questions about inconsistencies in an imperfect but very helpful system (jumpseating).

 

[skiandsurf]

JetBlue doesn't even have a jumpseat form to sign! I like that policy and so do our jumpseaters...

With all due respect, I have always been treated good on JetBlue, But I HATE the trouble I go through just to get the jumpseat boarding pass on jetblue. It usually takes at least 5 minutes...."whats your phone number? whats your address?" In my opinion, an airline that is computer friendly (EFBs), this is the worst policy.

Whenever I get to the front of the line, the line stops for at least 5 minutes.

I have been treated great by every airline that I have ever jumpseated on. Thanks to UAL, AA, SWA, JB, AW. .....I did have a problem with a UAL FA one time. I had already checked in with the Flight Crew, and was waiting for the "A" FA to come forward so I could check in with her. She was in the back taking care of an issue. The other FA at the front door insisted that I take a seat in First Class without checking with the "A". I was hesitant to do so. Then she said, " I am working the Business class so just go sit there and all is good." I went and sat down in Business Class. During Taxi-out, the "A" came and talked to me and told me after we take-off, she would like for me to move to the back, Coach. Well after we were airborne, she came back and said stay where I was......After the flight, I talked to the captain, he apologized to me. Apparently these 2 FAs took this into the cockpit. The "A" thought that I just took any open seat, when in fact I waited till someone told me where to sit. The "A" got mad at the other FA for telling me to sit there instead of putting me in Coach......one bad story in 10+ years of jumpseating, thats not too bad at all.

 

[DH2WN]

Only an a$$ like yourself would ask. Do what you are told when taking a free ride. Pre-boarding is a privilege we are glad to have. Shut-up and do what the fa's ask or don't ask to ride

Amen. Can you explain this to asshat LEAR70?

If you don't know the rules of a specific airline's policy with respect to jumpseating then don't jumpseat on them. If you can't take the 5 minute responsibility of familiarizing yourself with the airline you are about to take a FREE seat from then stay on your own carrier's jumpseat.

 

[EMBPILOT1]

I use SWA at least once a week to get to work. For the most part from what I have seen from gate agents and crews is as follows. If you are a jumpseater, with or without a lettered boarding card, preboard AFTER all others have preboarded. If the flight looks full, preboard, talk to captain, then take a seat or stand in jetway. Most of the crews tell me to take a seat on the isle and if they need to call me up, then get up and sit in cockpit. I have been told by numerous agents to always always preboard as a jumpseater. I did have an agent though, last week tell me to board with my group if you have an A B or C boarding card. This was the first time I was ever told this in over 5 years of using SWA. I just agreed and moved on.

I even try to catch the Captain if he or she gets off to grab some food. They always seem to thank me and tell me to preboard if I want, and enjoy.

Great crews and SWA!! Always willing to help me get to and from work.
Thanks guys!!

 

[enigma]

Amen. Can you explain this to asshat LEAR70?

If you don't know the rules of a specific airline's policy with respect to jumpseating then don't jumpseat on them. If you can't take the 5 minute responsibility of familiarizing yourself with the airline you are about to take a FREE seat from then stay on your own carrier's jumpseat.

I'm surprised that a SWA pilot would be such a jerk about this. The point is: your "policy" is inconsistently applied from station to station and from agent to agent.

Again, I know of no offline commuter who doesn't appreciate the ride. We all go out of our way to avoid causing any sort of a problem to the point of swallowing all pride to get a seat. Your arrogance is disappointing.

Your posts seem to indicate that you have seen a great deal of lack of appreciation from your offline jumpseaters. If so, then you should report their name to your jumpseat coordinator. If my airlines coordinator hears about one of our guys causing problems on your airline, I'll guarantee that the offender will get a phone call to help him appreciate the jumpseat.

enigma

 

[EMBPILOT1]

I'm surprised that a SWA pilot would be such a jerk about this. The point is: your "policy" is inconsistently applied from station to station and from agent to agent.

Again, I know of no offline commuter who doesn't appreciate the ride. We all go out of our way to avoid causing any sort of a problem to the point of swallowing all pride to get a seat. Your arrogance is disappointing.

Your posts seem to indicate that you have seen a great deal of lack of appreciation from your offline jumpseaters. If so, then you should report their name to your jumpseat coordinator. If my airlines coordinator hears about one of our guys causing problems on your airline, I'll guarantee that the offender will get a phone call to help him appreciate the jumpseat.

enigma

AMEN!!!!!

 

[Lear70]

I'm surprised that a SWA pilot would be such a jerk about this. The point is: your "policy" is inconsistently applied from station to station and from agent to agent.

Again, I know of no offline commuter who doesn't appreciate the ride. We all go out of our way to avoid causing any sort of a problem to the point of swallowing all pride to get a seat. Your arrogance is disappointing.

Your posts seem to indicate that you have seen a great deal of lack of appreciation from your offline jumpseaters. If so, then you should report their name to your jumpseat coordinator. If my airlines coordinator hears about one of our guys causing problems on your airline, I'll guarantee that the offender will get a phone call to help him appreciate the jumpseat.

enigma

Well said, sir.

 

[ivauir]

I'm surprised that a SWA pilot would be such a jerk about this. The point is: your "policy" is inconsistently applied from station to station and from agent to agent.

Again, I know of no offline commuter who doesn't appreciate the ride. We all go out of our way to avoid causing any sort of a problem to the point of swallowing all pride to get a seat. Your arrogance is disappointing.

Your posts seem to indicate that you have seen a great deal of lack of appreciation from your offline jumpseaters. If so, then you should report their name to your jumpseat coordinator. If my airlines coordinator hears about one of our guys causing problems on your airline, I'll guarantee that the offender will get a phone call to help him appreciate the jumpseat.

enigma

I honestly wonder if this person is a SWA pilot. Whoever he is he posts a lot of negative stuff and is hostile to anyonewho dares disagree with him.
Please continue to jumpseat on us. There is always going to be inconsistancies in how our policies are applied - sometimes it is for good reason (a full flight versus an empty one) and some times for no good reason. That is just life, nothihng a smile and chocolate can't fix.

 

[LarryinTN]

Two things...

First, SWA is different. They're different because of their unique boarding procedure and it is confusing for jumpseaters who aren't familair with their proceedures.

Second, from what I've been able to figure out, if you are verified through CASS you will not be given a boarding card, just the 4th/jumpseat form. In those cases, preboard. If you are not verified through CASS (sometimes the agents won't go through the trouble on a lightly booked flight) then they'll give you a boarding card and you board with your group.

Some ops agents will preboard a jumpseater with a lettered boarding card, many will not.

That said, SWA is always my first choice whether jumpseating or flying on a paid ticket. In fact, I'm typing this while sitting in the SWA terminal in LAS waiting for my flight (on a company paid ticket). I've always been treated great when flying on SWA and been made to feel particularly welcome when jumpseating. You SWA guys do a great job.

 

[c9skytrain]

SkiandSurf:
That is the new design certificate. Please don't throw me off your plane when I show up with it. Everyone who has to get a new one for whatever reason (I had them remove my SSN as certificate no.) will get the new one. Eventually your picture will be on it along with Orville and Wilbur mugs.

 

[northstar]

deleted

 

[TR4A]

All

Please excuse the jerks that have posted on here. They are either not employed by SWA or some how slipped by the interview process.

Yes there are inconsistencies in our jumpseat procedures. The best thing to do is to check with the Ops Agent. I don't know other airline's jumpseat procedures unless I have used them before. I am an on-line commuter SEA-OAK. I sometimes use Alaska and they have been great. Thanks.

Come by and ride with us. You are always welcome on my jumpseat.

 

[canyonblue]

Jumpseaters will always be held in high regard with me. Those of us that do it, need to take care of each other.

 

[Lear70]

Thanks for the kind words and the open invites, guys. THAT'S the kind of professionalism I've been used to seeing on Southwest the last 7 years I've been jumpseating to work on them almost every week.

Come and ride an airTran flight anytime, the XM Satellite radio is a great way to drown out the screaming kids on the way to Orlando...

 

[737tanker]

Out of my home airport I have been preboarded on SWA for years (thanks!). Jumpseated yesterday out of DEN (not my home airport), but this time given a C boarding card. Watched two other jumpers preboard. I waited and boarded last, asked the gate agent what the policy was she stated if your riding in the cockpit then you get to preboard, otherwise you get a boarding card assigned based on your arrival time and board just like a non-rev would (i.e. if you get a B card, you board with the B's).Took my quiet seat in the back and got home with no worries...by the way the other pre boarded jumpers were seated in the back as well.

Offcially that is the policy even for SWA jumpseaters. If there are 3 SWA pilots jumpseating the 1st two jumpseaters are considered cockpit and they preboard, while the 3rd is considered cabin and goes down with his letter boarding group (unless he is an FFDO and then he also preboards). That being said thankfully most OP agents are strict enforcers of that policy. However I can understand when some Op agents want to enforce the policy because when it is not enforced they are the ones that may have to answer to their supervisors, not me.

 

[Crucianpilot]

canyonblue and tr4a, thanks for the info and kind words. All of the swa crews I have had the pleasure of meeting have been very courteous and professional. All the best.

 

[DH2WN]

If being a jerk means I demand my jumpseaters put the passengers in front of their own needs then I guess I'm a jerk.

Sorry but my company's future revenue is more important then your commute.

At least, I know I'm respectful of other airlines desires.

 

[TR4A]

If being a jerk means I demand my jumpseaters put the passengers in front of their own needs then I guess I'm a jerk.

Sorry but my company's future revenue is more important then your commute.

At least, I know I'm respectful of other airlines desires.

DH2WN Do you commute?

 

[:-)]

DH2WN Do you commute?

apparently not

 

[DH2WN]

as if it matters.

 

[FlyBoeingJets]

Out of my home airport I have been preboarded on SWA for years (thanks!). Jumpseated yesterday out of DEN (not my home airport), but this time given a C boarding card. Watched two other jumpers preboard. I waited and boarded last, asked the gate agent what the policy was she stated if your riding in the cockpit then you get to preboard, otherwise you get a boarding card assigned based on your arrival time and board just like a non-rev would (i.e. if you get a B card, you board with the B's). She said that I didn't even need to check in with the crew if I was riding in the back. I said, OK but I'll check in anyway as a courtesy. Mentioned this to the Capt and he said that any jumpers on his plane had better check in with him. Took my quiet seat in the back and got home with no worries...by the way the other pre boarded jumpers were seated in the back as well.
Sounds like some inconsistencies in SWA policy around the system. I'll do whatever it takes to get a free ride and was more than happy to return the favor last week to a SWA pilot jumping on our flight. I took the FA jumpseat and let him have the cockpit so we could both get on. What comes around goes around.
Everybody play nice! You don't need to show attitude (indeed where is the LUV?) to someone with legitimate questions about inconsistencies in an imperfect but very helpful system (jumpseating).

There is some inconsistency.

What I would do.....You get the C card from the podium. Quietly ask the ops agent, if they have a free moment, if he/she would like you to stand in the C line or preboard as a jump seater. More than likely preboard is what they want. They may change their mind on days when the plane is full vs. empty. Also, many of the customer service folks are brand new. Help them out by asking the right questions at the right time to jog their memory on what should be done. I think they forget you need to talk with the Captain and they generally want jumpseaters to go first to improve the chances of an on-time push.

If the plane is almost full I have seen a few jumpseaters preboard and the last one or two board C. They don't want you to get all the way to the back if you have to be bumped or sit in the cockpit.

Always, Always search out the Captain. They are almost always cool but the face to face is required by all I know. They want to see an effort. They want to make sure you are who you say you are in case you get bumped into the cockpit. They also don't want anyone to develop a habit of not checking in. I believe some Captains delegate the check in to the FO, but many do not.

 

[Lear70]

as if it matters.

It absolutely matters.

It points out your obvious ignorance of the difficulties commuters face when trying to get to work and having to work out different jumpseat options on different companies.

Like we said, you obviously don't understand that every company has a slightly different jumpseat policy and NONE OF THEM ARE PUBLISHED ANYWHERE. Therefore, most of us use the MOST COMMON rules which, we NOW know thanks to this board, have more restrictive rules at Southwest.

I could give a monkey rat's a*s about the emergency exit row, I'm happy and content to leave it alone for the privilege of jumpseating on Southwest, but to jump all over someone for not working there and therefore not having access to this policy is simply rediculous - only a commuter would understand.

It's amazing to me how 99% of the jumpseat problems are created by the 20% of the pilot world that doesn't commute... they just don't get it.

 

[DH2WN]

It's amazing to me how 99% of the jumpseat problems are created by the 20% of the pilot world that doesn't commute... they just don't get it.

I commute every day pal. Get off your high horse.

 

[ivauir]

I commute every day pal. Get off your high horse.

Brother if anyone has a high horse it is you. You state that jumpseaters should "take the time" to learn other company's procedures. Where should they go for that informaion?

 

[XJohXJ]

If being a jerk means I demand my jumpseaters put the passengers in front of their own needs then I guess I'm a jerk.

Sorry but my company's future revenue is more important then your commute.

At least, I know I'm respectful of other airlines desires.

Yes, but you sir, in your tone and choice of words, show absolutely no respect to other people.

 

[DH2WN]

Brother if anyone has a high horse it is you. You state that jumpseaters should "take the time" to learn other company's procedures. Where should they go for that informaion?

Ahhh, union? Call the company. Call ALPA. Call SWAPA. etc....

I have called ALPA numerous times to find out about a specific carrier's rules to jump seating. Do I need to be in uniform? Do I go to the gate or some other location? How about FedEX? Can't just show up can you? A FedEx pilot gave me a card of phone numbers to call for jumpseating you can easily get by calling their ops. As for us, I know SWAPA is more than happy to help a pilot of any carrier, even AA, out.

I commuted on US Air for years and I called their rep. before my first jump seat. He sent me a short form of rules and regs. He was very appreciative and excited someone took the time to read what he carefully put together, since he knew most could care less but to think of only, 'me', 'me', and 'me.'

"Brother", it's not that hard. If you have enough concern then you make the time for it. Problem is, too many people have decided it's their right to fly on a free ticket, as if it's their special privilege for wearing a polyester uniform. I don't care what their union negotiated. They didn't negotiate with SWA and if our passengers aren't respected or put ahead of themselves then their off. No exceptions. Laziness isn't an excuse for not doing the research.