Unless I’m missing something, your sarcasm detector appears to be busted.

 

The problem is when that same person jumpseats on the next flight and the captain goes ballistic because you didn’t check in.

 

Floobs, this has nothing to do with bending a knee or some kind of power trip. It's all about PIC authority and the continuing attempt by management, gate agents and other outside groups to diminish and undercut that authority. We continue to successfully defend it, but that's far more difficult to do when we willingly give it up through apathy or ignorance.

It appears you're at AA and not an ALPA carrier. Perhaps APA doesn't take the issue of PIC authority as seriously as ALPA, but it's a pretty big deal here. Maybe you don't jumpseat off line, but if you do so on ALPA carriers, you might want to reconsider your attitude. Here's a link to the ALPA jumpseat guide: http://www.jumpseatinfo.org/LinkClic...=1283&mid=3170

I don't know if there's a similar document published by APA, but I couldn't find it. I'll provide a few excerpts below for you to consider.

New technology and the integration of security and boarding systems and procedures have combined to hamper PIC authority regarding flight deck and cabin access by jumpseaters. Proper use of the flight deck jumpseat is a time-honored enhancement to safety and security that must remain under the control of the PIC. We urge all PICs to review and decide upon each jumpseat request and not delegate that authority to any other individual.

The PIC of the aircraft also serves as the In-Flight Security Coordinator (ISC) per TSA regulations. As a critical link in the security chain, captains have the responsibility to verify each jumpseater’s identity and authority to occupy a flight deck jumpseat. When a jumpseat request is made, whether for a seat in the cabin or in the flight deck, the PIC is responsible for performing the following procedures:

1. Verifying company ID by means of face/name match
2. Verifying FAA flight and medical certificates
3. Verifying Cockpit Access Security System (CASS) approval
4. Briefing the jumpseater on any relevant items.

Most, but not all, airlines allow multiple jumpseat riders when unoccupied cabin seats are available. By regulation, the captain makes the final decisions, not the gate agent or CASS. Due consideration of union affiliation may also be recognized when conflicts arise.

In other words - If you, Floobs, show up for a jumpseat on a UAL flight and it comes down to either you or a Delta guy getting the last seat on the aircraft, the Captain can (and should) pick the Delta ALPA member over you - regardless of who showed up at the gate first.

He doesn't get that chance to make that call unless he's in the loop and aware of who is riding on his aircraft. Number one, he needs to be proactive and not relinquish his authority like Deadseal pathetically plans to do if he upgrades. But, part of that is you having the expected courtesy of requesting the jumpseat and presenting your credentials for his approval.

Finally, there's this last excerpt:

Always ask the captain’s permission and offer thanks for the ride, even if given a seat assignment and occupying a cabin seat; never let an agent rush you past the cockpit without asking the captain’s permission. FARs require that the captain authorize you and know you are on board. Identify yourself as a jumpseater to the flight attendants when boarding. If in the cabin, protocol requires non-revenue passengers and jumpseaters to board last and also deplane last.

 

Sigh....I guess common courtesy isn't common anymore!

The attitudes on here are mind-boggling!

 

I see it the same way. On the other hand, if I'm listed as a ZED then no, I don't check in.

 

Common courtesy died out a while back it would appear.

 

My company buys me full fare tickets and I still check in with the flight deck and introduce myself to the lead F/A. Its nice to know you have at least one trained ABP in the back.

 

You need to get more sunlight....

 

I do if I won't get in anyone's way. But not a big deal either way, if they need a pilot bad enough they'll ask for one over the PA.

 

Doesn’t make sense to introduce yourself as the pilot that’s drinking beer in business class.