Strange jumpseat question for the purple tails
 

Hi all,

Here's the dillema: I'm looking to get out west to do some skiing next spring. I'd love to take my skis with me to save some money. However, this would be impossible when jumpseating on a carrier with self-loading cargo. After spending years fueling you guys at STL I'd like to ride in a DC-10. So, I thought about you guys but it brings up a lot of questions.

1) Can I "connect" through one of the sorts in MEM or IND?

2) I know the widebodies have quite a bit of room behind the cockpit with additional seating, would there be enough space to stash a set of skis and a larger-than-normal duffle?

3) Assuming 1 and 2 have favorable answers, how hard is it to get a seat on your aircraft. I'm at a CASS airline.

Thanks!

Sporting Goods

The following items may be transported, but must be carried in an enclosed container and stowed in the belly compartment. FedEx is not responsible for any damage or theft due to the transport of these items. You may request transport of sporting goods not listed here with approval on a case by case basis via Corporate Security and the Duty Officer.

Sporting Goods permitted for transport:

Bicycles (in hard case)

Fishing poles

Golf clubs

Skis

Ski poles

P.S. When you check in just let the ramp agent know so they can include it in the weight and balance!!

Answers:

1. Yes

2. Yes, and according to our list of go/no go stuff, skis are ok.

3. Not that hard, depending on the city you're going to, the time of year, etc.

Good luck and have fun!

JJ

Thanks guys! I look forward to it!

Not sure where you are or where you want to go, but "bags" that don't fit in the cockpit of the 757/767 go in the belly at Capts discretion. That's at Brown. All I can say, is, if you showed up to ride with me, I'd have no problem accommodating you.

Thanks de,

The more I look into it and the more I see jump seats left at the gate, the more I'm thinking that you guys are the best bet for taking advantage of the jumpseat. I can get there on the cheap, just can't do anything once I'm there!

And the sentimental reasons to ride UPS are there as well. DC-8s have given me a jet fuel shower on more than one occasion :)

I say, de727, you were not so accommodating when I asked you the same question! ;) (Just kidding you).

Pilotpip, I don't mean to hijack your thread, but I have a jumpseat question of my own. I flew my usual CAL flight a few days ago and made it to Texas safe and sound. I noticed the cockpit was a bit crowded with bodies and it occurred to me that perhaps a jumpseater was on board. If true, is the jumpseater locked inside the cockpit with the other two guys? What if he had to go potty or was hungry for one of those hockey puck pizzas or wanted to watch a movie? What's a guy to do?

Suggestion on the skis - just FedEx them to yourself wherever you will be skiing. Either to where you are staying, or have them held at the station! Probably cost about $20-$25 with your FedEx interline discount! Before we moved to Steamboat, I used to FedEx our bags and skis to our destination. Worth the $$ to not have to lug that stuff around when jumpseating!

It is my understanding that these "large" items go into the bulk compartment of the A/C. This area is usually one of the last areas to be loaded, and can hold oversized items, such as skis, golf clubs, and hockey sticks. I've loaded golf clubs into this area several times. Out on the ramp, this area is called the ABK . . .

I would suggest connecting thru IND vs. MEM to avoid being bumped. From Indy there are flights to DEN, OAK. If you want RNO, SLC or BOI you will have to change in MEM on Purple.