VenetianFryCook

I am overwhelmingly in favor of the US system. It was wonderful for peace of mind as a commuter (though I live in domicile now, I never count on any base staying around forever). Booking at 12:01AM seven days out is only necessary if you are in one of the handful of cities with a huge concentration of commuters (ahem - PIT) or if there's a major event going on. Most of the time, booking a couple days out still yields a good seat.

I have never had someone senior begrudge me my reserved seat even though I'm junior; we all have the same telephone access to reserve in advance.

I am neutral on the NRSA policy ... the US seniority system has its advantages, as does the AA time-of-checkin system. I'll happily live with whichever the brain trust chooses to go with. Hopefully, however, free coach travel (a la US) from day one will be part of the deal going forward.

VFC

kdogger

I noticed the last time I was thuming through our (US) FOM that American mainline jumpseaters are now listed as A3 priority. They're ahead of everyone (even our wholy owned Express pilots), except for Airways mainline. Last I knew, we have no such priority in kind. Anyone have any info when Airways could get similar footing?

Sliceback

AA is by seniority until 15 minutes prior to ORIGINAL scheduled departure time. Up until then a senior guy can bump a junior guy. After the 15 minute mark, prior to ORIGINAL scheduled departure time, a guy already in the j/s cannot be bumped by a senior guy.

After the 15 minute mark on the original scheduled departure time it's 'first come first served'.

Commuting to work, and previously bumped, vs. non reving and having other options? IMO most guys consider the needs of others.

Given a choice I'd prefer the US system of booking j/s's prior to the flight.

The Drizzle

Very glad to see folks in support of the Airways jumpseat system, it's about the only egalitarian thing I've ever seen in the airlines ever and I love it.

Skubajet

With the merger, do you see the US Air pilot group getting a commuter clause?

I know such thing doesn't exist on the US Air side. When will the US Air group be part of the AA pilot contract? I am assuming AA has a commuter clause.

Thanks

flybywire44

US Airways has an unwritten commuter clause... "give yourself three flights options prior to your duty in and your fine." Straight from a CP.

Mason32

In practice, yes. In reality you must check in 30 prior... Haven't seen anybody refuse to give the JS to a more senior guy for the 30 minute rule; but they could. Then at 15 prior the jumpseat is issued to whomever the pilots there decide is senior.
You go first on your own metal.

RyanP

3 flights is pretty excessive for a commuter clause. Most places, that would be impossible for a late morning/early afternonon start time without trying the day before. Every place i know of including Eagle has a 2 flight clause.

cactusmike

West contract has a commuter policy- 2 consecutive company or express flight attempts before your check in.

D B Cooper

You do have to watch some of our agents. They either don't know the rules or don't care. I was last on the D2 list but most senior FDJ. Took some effort and a manager to get them to understand jump seat is seniority.