Handlers do not ride on the jumpseat in the cockpit, they ride on seats in the cabin! Jumpseaters usually ride in the cabin too, unless we are full or there are no seats in the back, ie. MEL'd inop or crew rest airplane.

I'm with you on not being allowed offline jumpseaters internationally. I'm not sure of the exact reasons, but something about CASS limitations? The handlers we have are pretty much known entities, kind of like known shipper stuff that gets some stuff streamlined. We had issues with handlers right after 9/11 and access to the cockpit/cabin, etc. We had some Captains deny these folks from boarding. It will get you some touch questions to answer as these contracts are very high value and lucrative. I think now the company contacts the Capts involved ahead of time to make sure there won't be any issues.

Anyway, I wish we could take offline pilots internationally, maybe someday!