Originally Posted by
sailingfun
I believe you have to be a working pilot as far as the FAA is considered to access the cockpit. Riding in back would be at the discretion of each company and the agreements they have with others.
You can be on leave, vacation, etc and still be considered to be employed. I suspect the TSA draws the line at furloughs.
Unfortunately, many airlines now use CASS to authenticate a pilot's jumpseat eligibility, period. No CASS, no jumpseat privilege...cockpit or cabin.