Originally Posted by
Ottopilot
CAL assigns jumpseaters to coach. If you are lucky, someone will move you forward (if there is room). The pilot sometimes never know, so make an effort to introduce yourself. The flight attendants are another barrier. They may not want you up front where they have to work harder serving you. They've been known to fight the captain about moving people up.
Non-revs and deadheading crews do not always get first class either. Even the pilot's crew rest seat is in coach (737/757/767), but they can move up if there is room.
Don't blame CAL pilots, we will do whatever we can to help you. I wish the "policy" was different.
To be clear, I don't hold the pilots accountable. I've got a few buddies working there and I know y'all are in a bit of a war with your F/As about it. And your crew rest policies... ouch. My last couple j/s experiences though have been middle seats on 4-hour legs with F open, and the CA 'asking' the lead to move me up and being denied, so not too optimistic about over-the-pond. At any rate the free ride is always appreciated, no matter where it is. Cheers
