jetlagclub

Go VERY EARLY to the airport, from my recent experience ONLY once they knew how to code it in the system. They will tell you that you have not paid the taxes (althoguh there are no taxes to be paid leaving the US). Its a Pain in the ax.

viking767

And please stop by the cockpit to introduce yourself and show your license and ID to the Captain, even though the agent might say just take your seat. That is also the only way you might get upgraded since the agent will only give you a coach seat.

aa73

+1.

in the last 3 months I’ve had a CommutAir, Delta and Spirit Pilot each “just take their seat” without ever checking in with us. Only way I knew they were on was through checking the G*PALL standby list just prior to door closing. I had the F/A bring them up every time to remind them of this necessity (in a courteous and professional way.)

I don’t know where why or how folks that are jumpseating with a seat in the back think they just waltz onto the aircraft without an ID check and courtesy check in with the flight deck… but it’s definitely been happening more. It’s still a requirement here.

Margaritaville

Cool story bro.

ACEssXfer

Yea def not a good idea to know if there are other competent crew members on board. Nothing ever happens on an airplane.

gripngrab

Who cares? If the agent processes them as a coach seat without CASS and 1W, I personally don't give a *******. Guess you probably wear your hat too.

EDPM

Thanks for confirming. I didn't think there were any taxes to be paid leaving the US.

I see there are some differing opinions here but in 25+ years at the airlines, I've never boarded a flight as a jumpseater without stopping by the cockpit. Nor would I ever consider doing so.

highfarfast

I have to say this, when I’m in the middle of a 25 min turn with inclement weather and MELs that needs to be reviewed and briefed, I get pretty annoyed pretty fast with people that feel the need to ‘check in’ when they have a seat in the back. I know why the feel the need to and I smile and say thanks for checking in, but really, I’ve got other things to do. You guys with the “I am captain” attitude… you can have that too.

aa73

All of you who are speaking out against the practice - it is procedure (FOM) at AA to check in with the CA. Even with a seat in the back. I was on the national j/s committee for several years and while I was on the committee we had a CA get into hot water because the agent accidentally let on two retired OAL CAs who only did 135 MTX flights. They were not allowed to participate in CASS yet there they were. The CA didn’t bother checking because of the same exact reasons a couple of you here have stated…he couldn’t be bothered. Well, that CA had some explaining to do with the FAA regarding that one. That is why it’s still required here.

So if you’re planning on j/s on AA with a seat in back you are required to present your ID to the CA, and license/medical if they ask for that as well. It’s the same at UAL, DAL, SWA and just about everywhere else. Sorry if this comes as news for you but hey it’s a free ride, the least you could do is abide by that airlines requirements… I do just that when riding on other airlines because it is required.

No compensating, hat wearing or CA ego.. just abiding by the rules that almost got one of our guys in trouble with the FAA which I personally witnessed while on the j/s committee.

highfarfast

If you’re retired, don’t you have retired travel privileges that let you ride in the back? I mean, I have a OAL retired friend and his wife that flies AA pretty regularly. He’s not JS eligible due to being retired but non-revs regularly. Something doesn’t sound right here.