SiouxCFI

Quick question about the jumpseating procedures on UA out of TPE & NRT. I will be traveling as an OMC out of TPE on 26NOV and assume I will just check in to the ticket counter as I have done in SYD before. I am curious if I will need to exit the secure area in NRT to go to the ticket counter or will the agents be able to process my OMC status there at the gate. I know in SYD i had to pay around 75.00 will they be able to accept payment at the gate in NRT? Thank you in advance if you can help me out. Also would it be best for me to list on those two legs prior to leaving the USA?

Thanks again.

jtf560

I jumped to and from TPE about 10 times using both United and Northwest, but it has been about 5 years though since the last time I did it. I ended up having to buy tickets a couple of times to get home so I started buying zed fares on EVA- they fly into LAX, SFO, SEA, and either EWR or JFK from TPE and they are part of the same alliance as AA. I believe China Airlines goes to almost all the same places and I think they are part of the same alliance as Delta. Those were a little over $200 a pop, but I never had a problem getting over and back on them and even coach was free beer and liquor the entire way. It wasn't very easy trying to explain jumpseating to the ticket counter people and getting through over there, but the most difficult part was at NRT since they have airport employees running the gates (not really directly employed by the airlines) and they were really hard to get through. Make sure you get to the gate before the crew so if you can't get the gate agents to understand and help you, you have time to grab the Captain before he goes through the door so he can help. Good luck.

jayray

I can't answer your question directly but I have JSed out of Narita and it takes patience. The agents are not good at it but they are familiar with the process. If you have enough time you should be okay. The biggest thing you can do to help yourself out is to make sure you are listed. Then one way or another it should work out.

SiouxCFI

Thanks guys.. thats what I was thinking. I just wonder if I will need to proceed outside of security in NRT to the ticket counter or proceed to the gate.

SUX4U

I recently was an OMC this year doing LAX-NRT-SIN-NRT-LAX. When I arrived NRT I had nothing to show the security agents to proceed via the transit checkpoint. Perhaps LAX could have listed me as an OMC before we left, but I didnt think of it then. So perhaps you could have TPE check you in for an OMC out of NRT. Somehow I managed to just show the security agent my crew badge and just walk right through. I dont think that was the proper way to have done it, but it worked.

At the gate, the agent had a bit of a problem understanding what to do, but quickly called a UAL manager to take care of the situation... from that point on it was a piece of cake. They even walked me down to ask the captains premission prior to boarding.

On the return to NRT via SIN, it decided to clear immigrations and customs and do it the legitimate way at the counter. Had to wait in a long line at the special assistance section. Finally was taken care of and given the standard OMC pass that had my name, date and city paring on UA 890. Going through security, the agents had NO idea what this OMC card was all about and decided to leave go talk to a supervisor about it. Literally 10 minutes of standing at the metal detector, she came back and said I was ok. From that point on it was smooth sailing! Hope this helps you get a better idea of what to expect when you transit NRT.

joepilot

If you have any contacts at the airline, consider emailing the captain of the flight before he leaves the US to give him a heads-up. Might help, can't hurt.

Joe

B00sted

Call United a list as INTL Jumpseater. They'll give you a confirmation number, give that to the gate agent and you should have no problems.

Have fun dealing with their automated phone system. That thing is irritating. I don't remember exactly how I got it to transfer me to a real person.

4th Level

CFI,

I've JS several time through NRT both on UA and NW - here's the deal. No, you will not have to exit the secure area in NRT, but as others have posted, you do go through another security screening. There is a simple way to get through the whole deal - wear your uniform. Not only are you exempted from the liquid restrictions (they have the same as the US), you get escorted to the front of the line and won't have any questions or hassles for not having "a ticket". Walk over to the UA transfer counter and sign up for the JS. They know exactly what they're doing and I've never has any problems. The counter is almost always staffed - unlike the gate which will open only 60 minutes before departure. My personal technique was to bring a light weight generic pull-over sweater to wear once you're onboard (I prefer to be on the D.L.), and only be in "full uni" to get through the transfer security and for checking in. Works like a charm.