Critiqueing other airline's jumpseat/non-rev procedures is always a touchy subject, so I'll try and ease the blow by stating that up to now, I've had nothing but great things to say about commuting on JetBlue. From the ticket and gate agents to the pilots and F/A's, they've always been helpful and accomodating. I'll never forget the JFK agent who saw me running up to the last flight of the night and without a word from me, hustled me down the jetway and re-opened the door. Whatever competitive issues we might have as airlines, I've always been a vocal proponent of JetBlue's treament of OAL crewmembers and voiced that to any fellow pilots who would listen.

[Now I'll slip into whiny needy pilot mode]

I haven't needed to use JB for a ride in probably 9 months or so but this month's schedule made them a possibility and on day one of my last 4 day trip I tried calling Crew Support to list for a ride home. After 15 minutes on hold, I gave up. Over the next 4 days, I began the ritual of leaving the cell-phone on Speaker mode as I wandered around my hotel room packing my bag, shaving, watching HBO, etc. I listened to a lot of 'Elevator Music' on hold....in fact, I'm considering suing JetBlue for pain and suffering because for the last week I've been involuntarily humming Air Supply's "I'm all outta love, I'm so lost without you" over and over again. In the end I never did speak to anyone and totalled over 2 hours of hold time with the longest single session at 47 minutes. I was able to get home on my own airline, so no harm no foul I guess.

I certainly don't blame any JB pilots. However, commuting is such a pain that it was always a relief to use the Crew Support line because they made it so effortless. It would be a shame to lose that. I would advise any OAL pilot to not bother calling now and just take your chances listing at the airport. The agents won't be thrilled with you, but at least you'll be dealing with a human (hopefully one that doesn't sing Air Supply's greatest hits).