You know, it's funny. Several years back there was a problem with a Jumpseat system changeover where for some reasons United pilots were being listed ahead of express on the express Jumpseat. Most of us did the "right thing" and made sure that we didn't take the Jumpseat over an express guy (despite the fact that our employer is actually paying for the seat). However, there were times where a pilot would end up ahead of Express on an Express Jumpseat. When that happened, Skywest pilots took it upon themselves to threaten to ban UAL pilots from the Jumpseat until United management fixed the computer glitch. This went on for a couple of months, and every time I went to work, I had to endure a lecture from some guy who was flying a route I used to fly in a "luxury 737" about the issue.... if I could even get on the airplane because if there was an alternate, the POS 50 seaters can't take off with full passengers and bags.

Flash forward to today, and we are a year and a half into Express employees going ahead of me, my wife, my cleaning lady, and my high class friends. Do you see me threatening to deny you a ride to work, or worse to get home to your family in order to fix something that United management broke? I think not. Instead I've got to endure some snarky post from a snot nose who has a chip on his shoulder. If you've figured out a way to make it actually work, good for you. But my wife happens to work for express, so I tried it again this week. Sure enough, my Express me goes ahead of my United me on mainline metal if I do the first leg on an RJ. I watched it happen on the agents screen all the way through seat assignment. I have the pictures to prove it, and I've filed the reports with the Union and management (again.....). A fat lot of good it will do me.

By the way, I'm sure you are aware we are hiring. Don't apply. Wouldn't want you to get stuck in a "luxury 737".