All true. The listing you get by calling the 888 # is a non-rev listing, not a jumpseat listing. That being said, it is a virtual guarantee that if you list, you will encounter a gate agent who knows how things work and tells you not to list. If you don't list, guess what - the agent will ask you to list before they'll check you in.

That's just how things work, naturally.

For me, I list. It's easier to say "sorry for listing as a non-rev" at the gate than it is to say "I need to list? The last agent told me not to. Ok . . . let me call and list." Then you have to make the call, take 5 minutes to list, and then get back in line to fill out the jumpseat form.

Send a message to your jumpseat chair and tell them about this issue. The issue will never be solved if pilots solve it themselves and don't make it a 'squeaky wheel'.