Thinking about trying to ride NWA to London Gatwick. What are the procedures and unwritten/unspoken protocols so it goes smoothly? I know I need to show up early to intruduce myself to both the cockpit crew as well as the cabin crew. What else will score points? Do I have to clear customs with the pax or can I clear with the crew?

Is there a number I can call to be listed domestically or internationally? I ask because the gate agents always ask if I have "listed". I didn't know there was a way to list on another carrier besides FedEx's 1-800 jumpseat coordinator number. I thought you showed up, asked for and filled out a jumpseat form, which you then presented to the captain for his/her signature.

Thanks!

 

Try to list yourself ahead of time while you're still in the states by calling their resv number. When you show up at LGW, go to the "Ticket counter", not the check-in counter, and tell them you're gonna "staff travel", and they should know how to issue you a gate pass, and collect your hefty departure tax. Once you get thru custom, then it's just like JS anywhere: introduce yourself, try to get world business class, and drink champagne till you land.

Have fun!

 

350:

Thanks! I should have stated that I am going from DTW to LGW.

 

Just show up at the gate 1 Hour prior to departure. Fill out a jumpseat form ( the ageants should have them or just ask any NWA pilot you see for one) , have the CA sign it and your on your way as long as there is a seat open in the back. Hope Business is open. Glad to have you

 

Keep in mind while you are jumpseating that you are an XCM even if you don't ride in the cockpit (think cabin emergencies, etc.). I would advise against drinking any alcoholic beverages when you jumpseat...non rev now that's a different story.

 

Haha...you're right. Though I think as long as you don't start a fist fight with the next guy cuz you're drunk, you'll be fine.

 

I had a question on international jumpseating.

Would guys from airlines without international routes like SWA or AirTran be able to jumpseat for free on a flight to europe?

just wondering

 

Happy to try and go! Business looks open. Just worried about the Queen's Customs Agents. Will they let me clear with the crew?

 

AirTran or SWA folks can always jumpseat on DL int'l flight. Plan to be at the ticket counter about 3 hours before dept, but no less than 90 minutes before dept for TSA req'r. For DL, they have to list you, and then you need to be issued a "flight coupon"- basically it's a 0 charge on your credit card in lieu of the real ticket. Sometimes the ticket counter outside security can do it, sometimes you have to go to the customer service center inside the E concourse. Go to flightinfo.com, do a search for Delta International jumpseat, and you should see lots of help there.

You will not be able to clear custom with the crew, but to be honest, it was never the hard part. Customs/airport security over in Europe is much more easier/quicker than in the US any time of day. The hard part is getting the gate pass from the non-airline affiliated employee.

When you go thru the security checkpoint, be sure you do not take your shoes off, or they'll laugh at you cuz they know you're American...

 

I would recommend you are at the gate and checked in for the flight NLT 75 minutes (90 would be better), or you may run across a TSA passenger list limitation. Even though you are going as an ACM (XCM or whatever), you are not on the crew list sent through the TSA, you are on the passenger list. the passenger list gets sent between 45 -60 minutes prior to departure. If you are not checked in prior to that list being sent you cannot get on that flight....per TSA rules.

Just a heads up.