There's an app for that! ALPA has an app that explains all of the rules for each airline. ALPA also publish them on their website. If you are a FDX guy/gal, the rules are also in the pocket calendar.

You can't advance book a jumpseat with Delta. Delta only allows non-Delta pilots to sign up for the jumpseat at the gate prior to departure. Have a backup plan since you can only list in the hour or so before the flight.

Here's some tips for Delta ...

Some airports/TSA agents will not let you through security without a ticket/seat request (even in uniform with ID). It's happened to me several times (not everyone knows the rules). To get around this, go to a Delta ticketing agent (Special Services or any other available agent), introduce yourself, tell them you are requesting the jumpseat for XYZ flight and that you need a security pass. They should proceed to list you for the jumpseat and give you a Captain's Jumpseat Request ticket. That ticket will get you through security but not on the plane. OR they will not list you (bad ticketing agent) but will give you a security or gate pass which will make the TSA bubbas happy and allow you to proceed to the gate (that will also not get you on the plane).

In either case, get to the gate one hour prior for domestic. International requires the jumpseat paperwork completed NLT 75 mins before departure! For off-line pilots, jumpseats are reserved first come first serve. A Delta pilot can always bump you. Listing for the jumpseat at the ticketing counter before security may actually put you first on the list should someone beat you to the gate agent's desk. Kindly check-in with the gate agent and confirm you are listed for the jumpseat or that you need to list for the jumpseat if you were only given a security pass.

Should the flight sell out and a Delta pilot in uniform bumps you off the jumpseat, you may be able to get a ride. Delta Pilots are allowed to sit in a Flight Attendant jumpseat provided they're in uniform. If you ask nicely, most pilots will take a FA jumpseat and give you the cockpit jumpseat provided they're not immediately working the next flight and/or it's a short flight (I wouldn't expect that on a transcon or international flight). The Captain must also agree to this arrangement. Twice I've had Delta pilots give up their cockpit jumpseat for the flight attendant jumpseat so I could get to work. But I've also had rogue gate agents who wouldn't even let me go down to the cockpit to ask (they were more concerned about pushing the flight on time).

To list and ride the jumpseat, you must be in business casual or in uniform. And you must be clean shaven ride the jumpseat.

I hope this helps. Good luck.