Ok, so no prior 121 experience I assume. In that case here’s a summary of commuting 101:

1. Offline commuting refers to commuting on other airlines. Let’s say you want to commute on AA mainline to DFW. They have a priority system. You might list several days ahead but doesn’t mean you get the cockpit jumpseat. If an AA mainline pilot comes last minute, he has priority over you. If an AA eagle pilot comes, he has priority over you. So if the jumpseat is taken, they’ll put you on pax stby list (at the very bottom). Even below that non-rever that works for an airline you never heard before and bought a zed on AA. Now let’s say you’re commuting on AA Eagle. You’ve got the jumpseat. It’s your lucky day right? Well not so fast, if it’s a 50 seater it might get weight restricted, that means you’ll be the first one to get bumped. CRJ200/ERJ145 = commuter’s nightmares.

2. Online commuting refers to jumpseating on your own company. Our system logic it’s first come first serve. You can list for the jumpseat 72hrs prior to departure time. If you’re the first one to list, the jumpseat is yours. No senior pilot will bump you. If somebody beats you to listing for the J/S, now you’d be placed on the pax stby list. Your priority will depend on the code (S3?) and your seniority. Except some A319s, NK planes only have one cockpit jumpseat. (yeah rat bastards)

3. We have a commuters policy. In simple words, you need to give yourself 2 flight options to make it on time for your trip. You’d have to be able to prove that you listed for those 2 flights. If you played by the rules and didn’t make it, you’re off the hook, but not pay protected.