Originally Posted by Turbosina

Yes, CASS allows you to ride in the actual jumpseat, with the permission of the captain. You don't have to be in uniform; business casual is acceptable. No jeans, no shorts, no sneakers, no T-shirts. And make sure you have your company ID visible, along with your airman certificate and medical. Some (not all) captains will ask to see your airman cert and medical. Make sure you read the ALPA guide to jumpseating.

Proper etiquette for jumpseating:
1. Show up early and list at the gate as a jumpseater. Some airlines require you to list in advance -- see the ALPA guide.

2. Introduce yourself to the crew and politely ask the captain for a ride. Have your credentials out and ready for inspection. Remember, it's his/her seat to authorize.

3. Stay out of the way during boarding. Some captains will ask you to come down to the cockpit before general boarding. Others will ask you to wait until the jetbridge is about to be pulled. Most of the time you won't actually see the CA until the gate agent has boarded everyone and lets you down the jetbridge into the airplane.

4. Carry minimum luggage. You don't want to be jamming up some cockpit with your camping equipment ;-)

5. Bring chocolates and snacks for the gate agent, FAs, and CA/ FO. It's amazing how far that – and a smile – will get you.

As for your other question, it's not "flying reserve", BTW. It's referred to as "non-revving." Until you are in CASS, your only nonrev option at the start is going to be on UAL, plus Delta if you 1) are on the CRJ and 2) pay for the Delta benefits, which are $100/yr IIRC. If you're on the ERJ, no Delta bennies for you.

And after a few times non-revving anywhere – especially on UAL and especially hub-to-hub – you will ask yourself why anyone, anywhere, considers this a 'benefit.' Not with load factors at 90% these days...