I would add that when you have a jumpseater from an airline that you're applying to, if they're not wiped out from their trip and trying to catch a nap, ask them questions about their airline, and see what they have to say. If they seem receptive, ask them if they can provide any insight into the hiring process. Some guys will be kind of dismissive about it, or say they can't really do anything to help, but sometimes they will hand you their business card and tell you to add them as a recommender on your app or send them an email or whatever. I'm not saying to act like a car salesman or anything, but it's definitely possible to point the discussion in that direction without making it awkward.