This is awful...especially in the summer, there are lots of kids traveling that are half weights! My paperwork always has a weight restriction message on it. It is very very rare that we actually leave people. Very rare! Gate agents love being in control. I can't stand gate agents that act like you are getting in the way just because you want a ride. Their job is to board everyone including revenue passengers booked on the flight, revenue standbys (they should be charged), non-revs, and jumpseaters. However, they act like their job is to board the confirmed revenue passengers. That's it.

I urge each and every one of you that has an issue to please e-mail your jumpseat committee. Always always always get the gate agent's name. Insist on having them tell the Captain that are up at the gate wanting a ride to/from work. Like the original poster said, jumpseating is a privilege and not a right. However, that is how many pilots go to work to put food on the table for their families and it is also how many pilots return home to their families after being away from them.