Originally Posted by
Tuck
Seriously dude? Only at Fedex is a jumpseat seen as this huge power play by the captains. At any other airline there really isn't a question - the Captains readily give up the seats to any pilots - commuters, vacationers, whatever. For some reason at Fedex, the Captains make it a big deal. I'm not talking about the mechanics who want access to the cockpit, or the strange Fedex employee who wants to go around the world with no bags - I'm talking about just another fellow pilot who wants a ride. Here at Fedex I've seen captains murmur many times things like "can't believe what that guy is wearing to jumpseat", "jeez, he should have met us at the desk", and other similar things. It's just thought of as a common courtesy in most of the industry except for here. Now that's not the norm but it's happened enough times where it's left an impression on me - no, I'm not a commuter and I've never had any personal problems - these are actual Captains I've flown with that have done and said these things.
I agree. I can't imagine turning down another FedEx pilot for a jumpseat unless the guy was drunk or on drugs (never seen that happen). I'm certainly not going to turn someone down because I want more room in the cockpit. I really don't like having jumpseaters in the cockpit, but if it's required to give someone a ride, no problem. I can't imagine turning down a commuter guy or gal either, I really like it when they jumpseat on us, as an opportunity to finally return the favor.
As far as the guy who said he was out $1,800, there can be many reasons. Whether he was at an FDA, whether his bank was too low to pay for a ticket, whether he was just jumpseating to go on vacation somewhere, he was out a lot of money because someone wanted a little extra room in the cockpit (the stated reason). Leaving someone in a foreign country stranded, because you want some extra space. Is this what we fought to keep Captain's authority for? Ugh.