SirHelios

Howdy

I often jumpseat internationally, thought usually on UAL. This week came to Europe on DL. The entire flight crew was above and beyond, thank you very much for such a class act. We no longer have ID90 bennies for DL, and I am very appreciative I can J/S to see my family.

I had a few problems with the ticket agent/gate agent on the US side, and I certainly don't want to run into a problem going home. Apparently, they both claimed "only DL pilots and F/A's can J/S internationally" and that I must be listed in the back. I understand this, I know I can't sit in any actual J/S. It just seems when I used the word "Jumpseat" they went into confused mode and both agents started making phone calls. Basically, non-line J/Sers get listed as something that sounded like "100% off ZED fare" or something like that...they were talking gate-agent-quick on the phone.

What's the specific wordage to use in Europe so I don't get blank stares, denials at ticketing, and no access to the a/c?

Please help me speak DL Gate Agent so I can go home.

Thank you!

full of luv

I think you had a bad experience with one agent, that is all. Most that I have dealt with know that a J/S flows to back. They should be much more aware of this overseas as international is all they deal with so all J/S'rs generally flow to the back.

Just last week in SFO with UAL, I was told that despite the fact that the RJ was half full, the J/S was already taken so sorry, no ride. I was able to convince him that it didn't work that way and he eventually got me and another J/S'r on, but you'd think that he'd seen that situation before.... aviation, it's always an adventure.

SirHelios

Well, it was both the ticketing agent outside security when I originally listed, and then the gate agent. Same big wild eyes over the offline pilot international jumpseat, and both made phone calls. I felt like I was a martian. They both muttered some some secret ZED code over the phone and I unfortunately did not have the foresight to ask specifically what it was.

Chomeur

When in Europe, some stations are staffed with non-Delta agents at the ticket counter, but have one or two Delta employees at the gate. In Paris, the ticket counter people are ADP personnel and have no concept of what a jumpseat is, as they work several airlines, and are more like a staffing agency worker. If they give you the 100 yard stare when you check in, ask them to call the DL station manager or the actual DL people at the back office/gate, etc. They should be able to explain what the J/S is, even though you will be in back. If you can ask to speak to the Capt., I think most Capts will be glad to straighten things out. Expect to be last to be boarded, per their custom.

full of luv

Just to add to that, CDG can be especially frustrating because Delta doesn't clear it's own flights, so all you can see is the load and who listed. No cleared list, even after it's departed so you really have no idea via travelnet how many people were left behind or how many empty seats are available after checkin etc. Also, almost all of the flights, except for an early and late ATL departure are very close to each other making it nearly impossible to change flights if you find out your's is full at the last minute.
Bon Voyage!

SirHelios

Surprisingly, it went smoother working with the ticket counter in Europe than in the States. Worked with a supervisor and went on my way.

Thanks for the advice and the rides.

Molon Labe

The US agents are the "low common denominator" in the world wide agent cross section. The US ones have a high percentage of not knowing their own jobs or procedures adequately. I wish you well in finding verbiage that will work for int'l jumpseat from the US. Try an agent with a red jacket, ask very gently for one, that should help. Just remember this quote and NEVER say it "If I as a pilot did my job as badly as you do your agent job, and knew as little about my job's range of required knowledge as you do, I would be dead in a smoking hole along with hundreds of passengers, and would have done so every day at work for the past 30 years(fill in your own number) , however you ONLY get to do that once".....Now you can think that for comfort when you get an exasperating agent, just don't let it creep out of the vocal chords.

freezingflyboy

So true! While trying to list for the JS at the gate on a DCI flight the other day the agent starts asking ME what she needs to type into the computer and how to access the menus. After several aborted attempts and more fruitless questions, I politely told her that I probaby know as much about her computer as she knows about trans-sonic aerodynamics. She then proceeds to get huffy with me that I can't hold her hand through a basic function of HER job and tells me that I really should know how to do "this thing" (aka her job). You can't make this stuff up folks.

TipsyMcStagger

BUMP

I'm a cargo guy would would like to try for a JS on Delta from JFK to FRA.

Will I be listed on the GenDec and if so, will I need to stick with the crew to clear immigration in FRA?

Any other tips or things to keep in mind?

TIA.

Tipsy

sailingfun

You will not be on the gen deck and will clear with the passengers. Delta for the most part no longer uses a paper gen decks. It's all electronic and the days of writing someone in are long gone.
Make sure you show up a bit early. You have to be listed by 74 minutes prior for TSA and there may be taxes you have to pay.