I ask this question and have yet to get a straight answer out of any American pilot that advocates a seniority-based jumpseat system: WHY?

And "Because that's the way we've AAlways done it!" is not an acceptable answer.

 

Not a good reason. The system works if there is NEVER a seat in the back. You will be very hard pressed to find any US pilot senior or junior that does not love our system.

 

Times change, back when retirees were equal planes also had a 60% load factor now its closer to 90%. So sorry, I think its good that retirees are going behind us, i don't wanna miss my commute because some old couple wants to get on a cruise in Miami. I can't believe anyone would advocate a retiree going above an active employee. That is the pinnacle of baby boomer selfishness.

 

I have heard the FCFS jumpseat is staying from multiple credible sources. They are moving forward designing a new system for it utilizing both web and mobile apps to make it happen. Everyone including usapa, most apa members and the company want the fcfs reservation system. Just remember seniority can change.

 

So the only acceptable answer is "Because that's the way We've always done it!" If asked why your way is better.

Seniority determines alot of things. I don't commute and will happily take whatever both groups want. IMHO, I think we may be losing something if a flight departs with a 23 year old new hire in the jumpseat while the 30 year widebody Captain watches from the terminal because his smartphone reservation skills were sorely lacking. Especially if he ate the pile of fly covered #### both sides did in the last 20+ years that junior will probably miss riding the front of the bow wave.

Just get me a reserved stool at the microbrewery near my layover hotel

 

I would suggest asking a US 30 year WB CA how he feels about our system. I have already been beat out by guys with less seniority when I booked last minute. I didn't mind in the least because I was able to GUARANTEE myself on the next flight.

Plus.. I just flew with a CA that kept his "non smart" phone in his sock. Don't worry about the technical aspect of the system. We are not super high tech.

The true answer is: our system because it is the best out there.

 

Because with our system, it give you the ability to plan ahead. You look at the flights and if the jumpseat is booked, you make alternate plans and take a different flight.

On the other hand, once you have the Primary, you know you're getting on that flight with about 99% certainty.

With your way, that 23 year old new hire, could be planning on taking the flight and actually have the jumpseat and the 30 year widebody Captain waltzes up and takes it from him, flashes a smug smile and says "Sorry." Now the 23 year old new hire is scrambling to get work.

In my scenario, both flights go out with their original crews because the 30 year widebody Captain has made alternate plans because he knew in advance he wouldn't make that flight.

In your scenario, the flight goes out late (depending on when the reserve guy can get there) or cancels due to lack of crew. The 23 year old loses pay because he has to invoke the commuter policy. He also could face disciplinary action because he didn't make it work, all because the 30 year widebody Captain was hired first.

It's not a smartphone app to check in, it's an 800 number you call. Also, in my limited 18 months, I've never seen every single flight book up right at midnight 7 days out. It's normally never that hard to reserve a jumpseat.

 

Check PIT flights

 

PIT is the exception to EVERY rule.

 

I commute on the same city pair as the #2 guy at Airways. There have been times I've beaten him although that is tough as he is a block holder and I am a reserve. Anyway, the US jumpseat system is great solely because of the planning aspect of it. I have done it the other way for years and the stress is tenfold. This way I know if I book it I'm good to go.

Seniority is not everything and is way over blown in the industry. The 23 year old new hire needs to be able to get to work just as much as the 30 year widebody CA. Probably more so seeing as he's on probation.

It's an awesome system too bad we can't book the commuter jumpseats (huge can of worms!!).