Originally Posted by thrust

I’m confused by your confusion.

An AA pilot traveling as a “D2” (normal unlimited non-rev listing) is eligible for the mainline jumpseat if it hasn’t been reserved in advance (or taken by a Fed, etc). Most pilots will take the jumpseat if it means it will get a non-jumpseat eligible person on board. Most pilots will take the seat in the back if it gets an off-line pilot into the jumpseat.

Same thing applies to “D2WP” or “D2WA” primary/alternate jumpseat reservations. Most won’t hesitate to take a seat in the back if it gets you in the jump, or bypass the seat in the back to get someone’s parent on board.

Sometimes folks fly on D1s for higher priority, especially when connecting to an international flight and attempting to get international first or business class. They may not want to take the jump in that scenario... you only get 6/year, and many don’t want to “waste” one in the jumpseat. They may be traveling with spouse/kids as D1s as well and not willing to jump unless it’s the only way to get their family on. Some may be willing to take a jump for a fellow D2 or offline pilot, but not a D3 (buddy pass) or ZED. You’re not allowed to check-in on a D1 and a D2WP... allowed to make the reservation but not check in on both.

I can’t imagine that thought process is much different than UAL, seniority vs reservation system aside.