Originally Posted by
NERD
I totally disagree. I make it clear to the agent that I'll only give it up for a Nonrev and only if there are no jumpseaters. I don't give my seat up until just prior to door closing. I'm firm with them while trying to help a fellow employee. If the agent doesn't want to play by my rules I take my seat. This isn't that complicated, we have the backing of the contract to say no and hopefully the good judgement and common sense when to say yes. You seem to want to take the most obstinate stance at all times.
I have been left at the gate before because jumpseat was taken by a deadheading crewmember. I have been a first officer on a flight and seen pilots left behind. PILOTS GET LEFT BEHIND ALL THE TIME BECAUSE OF DEADHEADERS TAKING THE JUMPSEAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot make it any more clear. You are stepping on your fellow pilots and our contract to help out the gate agent. I say this as someone who has been screwed on more than one occasion by this practice. I flat out disagree with you on this. I believe you are wrong and any other pilot who does this is wrong. Let's leave it at that.