Originally Posted by
FangsF15
Except as a JSer, you are not a non-rev. You are officially a member of the crew, even if in back.
Maybe it’s different at different carriers, but at mine all JS are generally expected to check in.
Another pet peeve of mine is attire. My last line check, I had a FA show up out of compliance with company policy for attire. Put me in a super awkward position with the LCA because I didn’t notice the leggings, he did. Gee, thanks… Fortunately, she had proper clothes to change into quickly, and had a good attitude, so it was nbd. If you are going to exercise the privilege of using the JS, know and follow the rules for the company from which you are asking for a free ride. Both of these faux pas will almost certainly not get you kicked off my flight, but again, treat the privilege with the respect and courtesy it deserves.
^^^ This.... All of this right there, and the manual spells it out. Flight deck or cabin jumpseater must check in with the captain. Some airlines call this ACM (additional crew member) or OMC (observer member crew).
As a jumpseater sitting in the back, there are rules that apply to you that do not apply to non-revs. As Fangs said, you're not a non-rev and whoever calls you a non-rev when you're a jumpseater is wrong because as a non-rev on a non-rev pass, you can enjoy a nice glass of wine/champaigne, have a beer, etc. As a jumpseater, even if sitting in the back, the FAR's specifically refer to you as a crewmember, and you cannot consume any alcohol.
If you're indeed on a pass or a paid ticket and are traveling in uniform, you're under no obligation whatsoever to check in, and I won't presume you are a jumpseater. But personally, I appreciate knowing I have another pilot or a trained crewmember in the back as an asset from the CRM perspective. It doesn't mean I'll use you, but never hurts knowing we have another asset available.
Bottom line, don't let a few casual guys dissuade you from doing the right thing. Some things are spelled out in the book. Some things aren't but think about them from the other perspective. But no matter what, treat others the way you want to be treated.