Originally Posted by
blakman7
I agree with you bud. I'm not a CA but whenever there is a non-rev on my flight, whether they are gate agents, FA's, rampers or pilots. It doesn't matter. If they see me and say hi, I always ask if they talked to the CA and if they haven't, I turn them right to his/her direction. Non-revving is a privilege and when its taken for granted, you can easily get a one way ticket back to that comfy seat in the gate area. I've had a couple of CA's send people back for just walking past them like they were the visitors and I stood by their decision. Anyone who is getting a free ride should stop by and thank the CA for allowing them to board because you don't have to be a passenger on that aircraft.
If something were to go wrong and the FO or CA happens to pass out, I would be a little more at easy knowing that I had another pilot in the back that I could use for help. Single pilot operations can be done if absolutely necessary but it's no fun.
First of all, it's not your place to direct non revs to the CA. Non revs often pay an annual fee for their travel, and they are not obligated to introduce themselves to the flight crew. Secondly, while non rev travel can be taken away, it is certainly not within the powers of a flight crew to do so. Your CA's can not just turn someone back to the gate area because they didn't say hello as a non rev. A jumpseater is a different story, but a non rev.....no.
Third, a non rev pass is NOT a free ride. If I buy an ID90 on Air France, it is a space available pass and I am under NO obligation to introduce myself to the crew. I bought that ticket. It wasn't free. Same as if I non rev on Delta. I pay my annual fee, & if assigned a seat from a non rev listing I don't have to say hi to anyone. Last, you're assuming a non rev is a pilot. Will a gate agent or ramper be able to help out if one of the pilots passes out?
It's important people know the difference between non rev travel and Jumpseat travel. They are two different animals. Only pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers, & ATC can Jumpseat.(There are a few others such as Secret Service, mechanics, etc)