Flynhog

I never Jumpseat but will in January. How does one book a Jumpseat with Delta? Thanks in advance!

Kipper

I have always just gone to the gate with my ID and politely requested a ride as a jumpseater. Have your passport ready in case they request it. Smile and be patient and have plenty of back-ups if possible. It's been very difficult getting to and from mem on delta since air tran has discontinued service and delta has reduced service to mem. The seat map seen on line is usually not an accurate representation of available seats. I have left the house after looking at a seat map of an airplane wide open and then get to the gate and they are asking for volunteers. I have been quite lucky also and received a seat no problem. Best of luck to you.

Flynhog

Thanks for the advice, any problems getting thru security with no ticket? Just shoe your ID?

Kipper

I usually go in uniform to breeze thru security. Just show ID and if asked say you are jumpseating. Often I am directed to go thru the tsa pre-check line, but not always. If in uniform, you can carry liquids - bottled water, wine, whatever. As you put your bags on the belt to go they the screener, put one of the round things before and after your bags and make sure the screener knows you are crew - that way, no problem with the liquid aspect. I have always been directed to go thru the regular metal detector - not the one the passengers go thru with the air-blast, so expect that also. I have had good luck with very nice delta gate agents as well as crew members. Hope it works out well for you.

PurpleToolBox

There's an app for that! ALPA has an app that explains all of the rules for each airline. ALPA also publish them on their website. If you are a FDX guy/gal, the rules are also in the pocket calendar.

You can't advance book a jumpseat with Delta. Delta only allows non-Delta pilots to sign up for the jumpseat at the gate prior to departure. Have a backup plan since you can only list in the hour or so before the flight.

Here's some tips for Delta ...

Some airports/TSA agents will not let you through security without a ticket/seat request (even in uniform with ID). It's happened to me several times (not everyone knows the rules). To get around this, go to a Delta ticketing agent (Special Services or any other available agent), introduce yourself, tell them you are requesting the jumpseat for XYZ flight and that you need a security pass. They should proceed to list you for the jumpseat and give you a Captain's Jumpseat Request ticket. That ticket will get you through security but not on the plane. OR they will not list you (bad ticketing agent) but will give you a security or gate pass which will make the TSA bubbas happy and allow you to proceed to the gate (that will also not get you on the plane).

In either case, get to the gate one hour prior for domestic. International requires the jumpseat paperwork completed NLT 75 mins before departure! For off-line pilots, jumpseats are reserved first come first serve. A Delta pilot can always bump you. Listing for the jumpseat at the ticketing counter before security may actually put you first on the list should someone beat you to the gate agent's desk. Kindly check-in with the gate agent and confirm you are listed for the jumpseat or that you need to list for the jumpseat if you were only given a security pass.

Should the flight sell out and a Delta pilot in uniform bumps you off the jumpseat, you may be able to get a ride. Delta Pilots are allowed to sit in a Flight Attendant jumpseat provided they're in uniform. If you ask nicely, most pilots will take a FA jumpseat and give you the cockpit jumpseat provided they're not immediately working the next flight and/or it's a short flight (I wouldn't expect that on a transcon or international flight). The Captain must also agree to this arrangement. Twice I've had Delta pilots give up their cockpit jumpseat for the flight attendant jumpseat so I could get to work. But I've also had rogue gate agents who wouldn't even let me go down to the cockpit to ask (they were more concerned about pushing the flight on time).

To list and ride the jumpseat, you must be in business casual or in uniform. And you must be clean shaven ride the jumpseat.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

olly

Make sure you have your passport. You will likely be denied without it.

IslanderDriver

And even if you are given a seat in back make sure you actually ask the Captain for a ride! The gate agent or FAs might just say go ahead and take your seat and you don't need to ask, but most Captsins are glad you showed professionalism and asked, in my experience.

VSTOLG4

And yes chocolates to the FA and pilots or an offer to buy the gate agent a coffee will usually open up preferred seating...if not you at least showed some graciousness for the ride.

Lineslug

Do you have the name for that app?

TIA

PurpleToolBox

ALPA Mobile. It's available on iOS, Android, and Blackberry.

Alpa > About ALPA > ALPA Mobile App