Airline Pilot Central Forums - Offline Jumpseat "Checking in"

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I agree cabin seat should function like nonrev. Skip the awkward dance with FAs and boarding pax and just take your seat.

But not everybody sees it that way, their prerogative, and I don't know who's who so I'm going to check in.

If you are a jumpseater (cockpit or cabin jumpseat) you are obligated to check in. That is all. Let’s keep it simple.

“Checking in” as a DH isn’t a thing. Ever. YGBFSM, how absurd. Laugh in his face and walk away. I’d love to see that guy to call the CPO about it. A call from Pro Stans might be in order for him.

Checking in as a an JS is expected, however. Seat in back or not. You’ll ride regardless, but I always appreciate the courtesy, P or FA, of asking, not telling me you’ve got a seat in back. Not enough courtesy in society anymore.

I always check in regardless of the situation if for anything to see if I know anybody up there. With friends all over the place, you never know when you'll bump into a former college classmate, regional pal, etc....

Quote:

Originally Posted by FangsF15 (Post 3811628)

Yeah when I said "cabin seat" I meant JS status with seat in back.

I don't check-in for nonrev, DH, revenue ticket etc. If it's company and not congested I might say hi in case I know somebody.

For those who might be inclined to hunt down and school cabin jumpseaters, just don't. If you really must, better be sure they're an actual JSer. I got detained by an RJ CA once when on a revenue ticket, profiled because I had a crew bag (despite sporting both civvies and a beard). He pointed out that I didn't check in and asked what my travel status was, so without saying a word I got out my skymiles platinum card... he looked terrified, must have been hoping to flow to mainline DL. He hadn't quite pushed me to the point of actually complaining to DL.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FangsF15 (Post 3811628)

Agreed on the first paragraph.

second paragraph maybe you missed it but the OP said he was a ticketed passenger. I see Netjets UPS and FedEx guys doing this often. This is why nobody should be calling a uniform or a crew bag passenger out for not "checking in". Some people just make this job harder than it's needs to be. It seems to revolve around the god like captain types.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaritaville (Post 3811642)

Agreed on the first paragraph.

second paragraph maybe you missed it but the OP said he was a ticketed passenger. I see Netjets UPS and FedEx guys doing this often. This is why nobody should be calling a uniform or a crew bag passenger out for not "checking in". Some people just make this job harder than it's needs to be. It seems to revolve around the god like captain types.

Maybe I wrote poorly, but that's not what I said at all. FWIW, my second paragraph didn't apply to the OP in any way - it was only germane to the resulting discussion.

Let me try the second part another way. Unless you are have a Jumpseat boarding pass (P1, P2, FA1, FA2...), not only is "checking in" absolutely not ever required, personally I'd prefer you don't. Only if you do have a JS boarding pass, I personally think you should stop by (with your licence/medical at the ready), at least tell me you are here, and preferably give me the courtesy of pretending to ask permission. I get that part is contrary to some here, and that's fine. But that my 2 cents.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaritaville (Post 3811642)

I buy revenue tickets to get to work sometimes around major holidays, and usually travel in uniform.

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv757 (Post 3811594)

Personally I like jumpseaters to check in for no other reason than I know you got on the plane and aren't getting left behind.

This right here.

Deadheaders, don't care. If you wanna say hi, cool, if not, also cool. Unless you know, you're *special*

Quote:

Originally Posted by airchina981 (Post 3811581)

I recently had a sour experience deadheading on a revenue ticket. CA happy assumed I was jumpseating because I was in uniform so decided to pull me into the galley while deplaing and asked me why I did not check in. My response was just as I stated, I was a Revenue customer on a paid deadhead. His claim was that we should still check in with them as fellow crew members. I bit my tongue and just walked out.

Now this was an anomaly I understand, but it got me thinking. What the hell is the point even if I am an actual jumpseater, with an assigned seat in the back, of "Checking in." Seems like an old time tradition bought from older generation Captains that has just continued on. I've had multiple pilots come "Check in" with me in the past on a single flight who have an assigned seat in the back. I’m friendly and appreciate the gesture but to me it’s just ridiculous. In no situation unless you are belligerently drunk or not wearing clothes am I going to say “nah you can’t sit in the back”.

Furthermore it interrupts crew and (although I was taught not to do this) people will still “Check in” with you in the middle of a checklist. It also backs up and slows boarding. Personally if you have a seat in the back I don’t give a damn. Sit down and shut up. We don’t require pax to come check in with the captain for approval to sit in a seat in the back, why are we making vetted airline crew do it.

Good grief! These types drive me insane! It’s purely an ego thing for them.

What the hell does he want pilots to say to him? “Well hello your majesty, I’m John Baker. How are you doing today, Mr. Aviation God? Permission to ride sir? I’ve got coffee for you and your FO, even though I’m deadheading in the back.” Is that good enough for these ego maniacs??? What’s next? Does he want a salute, too???