Originally Posted by
grumman
I recently jumpseated on American and they were very nice to me in ORD. But I also was not offered a seat in 1st class which was wide open by either agent or crew. Any seat is a good seat and happy for the ride, but just curious about the non-rev policy at AA. Coach only?
I fly for AA and although it's been several years since I've been on the line (currently on an extended Mil Leave), I recall my captains always trying to get jumpseaters a seat in first class if it was available. I'm sorry that you and others on this thread have been dissed by AA, but I guarantee it is not a policy or conspiracy on our part.
Now our gate agents are a different story--always undermanned and stressed out--and sometimes not too friendly. They will typically print you a coach seat boarding pass not out of spite but to leave 1st class available until the last moment. You can either just accept what they have given you or descretely inquire about 1st class if it is not initially offered to you by the crew. Especially if you are in uniform, crews like to have "help" if needed towards the front of the plane...
Again, sorry for the poor welcome/service you received on our jumpseat...please don't penalize my AA brethren out of hand for it as I hope it is not the norm...