A few years ago...

I was in MSP trying to get to work on a NWA DC-10. A reserve crew had been called and as they arrived, the Captain noticed me in the gate area and asked if I needed a ride. I said "yes please" and he happily offered the J/S. Just before I boarded, a NWA Intern arrived and TOLD the gate agent to "put him in the jumpseat." She escorted us both to the aircraft and when we got up front, the Captain (who was dealing with MX) asked the FO to deal with us. The FO quickly glanced at the intern's badge, assumed that he was a NWA pilot and told him to sit in the "comfy" jumpseat behind the left seat (the one with the great view). He then told me that I had the "plank" for the flight to SEA. For those of you who have never been on the #2 DC-10 J/S, I equate it to sitting on a 2 X 6! I didn't complain though, it was a free ride on a full plane and I was THRILLED to get on! About 30 minutes into the flight, the NWA intern proceeded to FALL ASLEEP and stayed that way until the gear came down over the SEATAC Mall! As we deplaned, the FO pulled me aside and apologized. He felt bad that he'd given the nicer of the two seats to an intern who apparently wasn't paying attention in class when J/S etiquette was covered. Oh well. At least I made it to work on time! Thanks NWA!

TF