US - always pay for upgrade and if the loads are tight you should purchase an upgrade ahead of time even if you don't want it. On short hauls, save it unless you need it to get on. Sadly first to Europe or on any long flight is hard to come by even if you have purchased the upgrade plus if you don't use the upgrade you have to mail it back for credit. So for Europe that can be money that you need in your checking account (especially if you are an employee). Still we keep them on hand just to have the wiggle room when we travel- both literally and figuratively. I have traveled many times with grandparents plus four kids- even to Europe. I couldn't afford the first upgrade for that may folks- but even if I could have nonrev children were not allowed in first at any price until mine were grown. Be prepared to sit all over the plane which means unless the plane has several empty seats don't attempt this with car seat, diaper kids- or even toddlers. However if you end up in a tight situation offer to buy drinks for someone to move. It works every time. Always check in early if you are flying with small kids. All of this being said- make the effort if you have kids they will be better adults for it.

What if the commuter is listed in jump seat and gets a seat in the back... Do they pay for that?

W is free *IF* the flight is full.

Still debatable. Many recent recalles I've talked to say that they ask for the 1W on open flights and the agent gives it to them, and they don't get charged. Same with pilots D2ing intl. haven't gotten a "for sure" answer on that yet.

AA non rev benefits
 

I've Jumpseated on AA quite a bit. I've been given a seat in the back a number of times and never paid anything. Pretty messed up if OAL jumpseaters sit back there for free while on-line jumpseaters have to pay. Actually, it's pretty messed up that any employee has to pay for non-rev travel.

If you are on the jumpseat (1W/2W), you are not charged any fees. OFFICIALLY its incorrect for an agent to issue a 1W if there are seats in the back. However, that is not to say it does not happen where an agent will issue a 1W and the person still gets a seat in the back, possibly even a first class seat.

It tends to happen more with FAs getting an X seat (cabin jumpseat) as they tend to be more buddy/buddy with the gate agents.

Again, officially this is against the TRIP book but like many non-revers, they do not follow the rules.

AA non rev benefits
 

Since the merger is back on, non-rev bennies will need to be addressed. I know "adopt-and-go" is the official policy. But, is there any way we can adopt Delta's non-rev policy and go? This paying for non-rev (first or coach) business is JV.

I wish, I don't think management will give up making money off of employees all that easily. Delta bennies are the gold standard.

Here's some news that's uplifting
 

January Company Newsletter

https://wings.usairways.com/uswings/...ls_outlook.pdf

Yes, j/s is free for commuters. IIRC, j/s is your *only* option on probation. Maybe it's changed, I don't know. I used to commute SFO-MIA back in the day, and you were SOL if you couldn't get the j/s, even if there were empty seats in back.

(usually you'd have a good captain and/or nice gate agents who'd get you on anyway, but it wasn't something you could contractually count on)