Originally Posted by
Vandal
Huh, I always say hi regardless of whether it's leisure travel or I am commuting to work.
Jumpseating: "Hey, guys if it is ok I was hoping to ride along in the back/up front here with you guys"
Non-revving: "Hey guys, I am non-revving on this flight if it's ok with you"
Everyone has always been nice and usually say "Thanks a lot for saying hi"
I feel thta always speaking to the pilots helps to foster the fraternity which I feel is unique to our profession. It's nice to shoot the **** for a few seconds too.
Furthermore, as far as I am concerned, if I am flying for free my presence on the airplane is entirely at the discretion of the captain.
I have been doing it for less than a year though, so I am still comparatively new, but I always feel more comfortable knowing I said hi to the flight crew.
I think you're being overly-nice. You don't have to ask if it's ok to non-rev. Flying for free is a benefit, not a favor being extended by the flight crew. I can assure you gate agents, rampers, buddy passers, flight attendants, etc. aren't asking the Captain for permission.
Do what you feel is right, but you might be going over the top.