Originally Posted by
highfarfast
I haven't done it but I've given it some thought and have tried to talk my wife into coming along for a long overnight or a lost day (There's a lost day in SPI in open time right now that would be a good one if the flights are fairly open going both ways for your spouse).
MOST of the time, there's room in the hotel van and I don't see how it would be a problem as long as there is room for the extra person. Otherwise, you'll be looking for an uber or taxi.
Also, regarding your return flight, your seat is not only guaranteed, it's required. Your spouse's seat is not. Your spouse probably needs to be independent enough to deal with the situation where they don't get on the return flight (and even perhaps figuring out the hotel and transportation needs if it means staying another night on their own) and be cool enough to not blame you as you taxi away for takeoff.
I've never seen someone actually bring someone though. A flight attendant once tried to bring along her husband but he didn't get a seat on the outbound flight so he was left in base.
I have had my wife go on one trip with to an excellent overnight of ours. It was nearly 24 hours and everything went smooth. I will say she took Uber from airport but in hindsight she should have just come with us on the van. As far as anyone else would know, the significant other could just be a hotel guest. We did take the shuttle together back to the airport and nothing was said to us. Granted we went a little early to grab some food so no crew.
Again, you need to prep them so that if the flight fills, you still have to go and they may be on their own. Fortunately mine is good with that so all would go well.
In regards to the question about the cockpit, no they cant ride up there with you once off the gate, but just like kids and stuff I don't see why they couldn't sit in the seat for a minute and take a look.