Jumpseating Stories? Any Problems?
09-28-2009 | 07:39 AM
#31
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Keeping the pilot requesting the J/S from any dialog with the Captain is the most successful trick spiteful gate agents use in their bag of tools to deny access.
Glad to see some of this discussion and what appears to be some revelation for those that don't often use jumpseat privileges.
Glad to see some of this discussion and what appears to be some revelation for those that don't often use jumpseat privileges.
09-28-2009 | 07:44 AM
#32
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From: Kickin’ Back
I haven't been left behind before, but I've been nervous about it a few times. I'm curious, do we have a right to request to see the captain? I'd say about 60% of the time the CA comes to the boarding area before the flight, either to use the restroom, or to get food/coffee. But if I request to see the captain, does he/she need to allow me to do so? If that doesn't happen, can I request a supervisor?
Also, when I see the crew at the gate, I really feel awkward about going up to say hello. I did it yesterday, because the CA was waiting for the airplane to show up, and he was alone. I just feel like I'm interrupting something, so I'd prefer not to do it in the gate area. There have been a few times when they have approached me however, which is nice.
Even though I'm an F/O, I always try to look for jumpers, and I'll approach them in the gate area to let them know I'm aware they are here, and I will make sure they gain access to the aircraft. I always tell them to stop up front and say hello to the CA, but I think it just eases some nerves if they know someone is aware of their presence.
Also, when I see the crew at the gate, I really feel awkward about going up to say hello. I did it yesterday, because the CA was waiting for the airplane to show up, and he was alone. I just feel like I'm interrupting something, so I'd prefer not to do it in the gate area. There have been a few times when they have approached me however, which is nice.
Even though I'm an F/O, I always try to look for jumpers, and I'll approach them in the gate area to let them know I'm aware they are here, and I will make sure they gain access to the aircraft. I always tell them to stop up front and say hello to the CA, but I think it just eases some nerves if they know someone is aware of their presence.
You could ask to see the captain but there is no "right" to see or speak to the captain that I know of. I understand what you mean about interrupting in the gate area. When I'm jumpseating, I will go up to the captain or FO if they are in the gate area and look like they are not busy. (I jumpseat alot out of uniform.) A couple of times when the captain has been at the agent desk and looked busy and when I have been unsure of gate agent cooperation or I think they have forgotten about me, I will query the agent (how is the jumpseat looking? etc) loud enough for the captain to hear! It's worked every time!
Bravo! And keep doing what you are doing in regards to your last paragraph. I try to keep an eye out for a jumpseater but two sets are always better than one.
Denny
09-28-2009 | 08:03 AM
#33
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: MD-11 FO
This is an e-mail I had to send my Jumpseat Coordinator about an experience I had earlier in the month in EWR:
Can you get word to AA's Jumpseat coord? Agent XXXX In EWR needs
counciling. I showed up to Gate 32 in EWR just a few minutes ago and
proceeded to get yelled at and berated by him. I was standing near
the counter and he yells "Go sit down! I haven't cleared anyone.". I
calmly informed him that I hadn't checked in yet. He walked away.
When he came back to the podium, he calls me up. I handed him my ID
and passport. He says that he doesn't need that and berates me
further by saying, "you guys don't need to be running to the window,
jumping up and down. I'll get to you when i get to you.". I informed
him I did nothing of the sort. He says further, "well all you
jumpseaters do that.". I calmly informed him that I just did what I've
always done with AA in EWR and that no other agent had a problem with
it. He checked me in, but I'm worried that I'll even make it on the
flight. It's flight XXXX EWR-XXX. Thanks.
This guy has a reputation. As my experience was unfolding, I remember reading a post from another forum that sounded eerily similar:
I just had a most horrendous commuting event that was rescued by a Captain who stood up for his fellow airman and did the right thing. I am most grateful and wanted to express that here and pass on a cautionary situation at the AA gates in EWR and also a call to all of us everywhere to defend the jumpseat.
I was flying back from Lima,Peru this past Saturday morning and was able to get to EWR to make the first flight to my hometown on CHQ. I had to get through customs and then go from terminal C to A on the amazingly crappy "Airtrain" and then go back through security to get to the CHQ/AA gate. I managed to do this with 12 minutes to spare before the scheduled departure time. On the way to the gate I attempted to meal list for the flight only to find out that the non-rev help desk doesn't open now until 0900 CST, at least on the weekends. The fact that this first flight on CHQ had seats and knowing the flights were oversold the rest of the day for both my airline and CHQ was weighing heavily on me, and so I really wanted to get on this first flight that was 1/2 full.
As I rounded the corner to the gate I was relieved to see the agent and the knowledge that I had 12 minutes to spare. The gate agent looks at me and says "Sorry, the flight is closed and I can't re-open it" with a rather sadistic smile (I had seen this agent in a similar action before). As he is walking away I said "but the flight doesn't depart for 12 minutes", he just ignores me and walks away. So I did the only thing I could do, I walked to the terminal window and let the flight crew know I was there. I really felt this agent was being asinine and violating the basic principle of not treating others the way he would expect to be treated. And 12 minutes is 12 minutes, it isn't 2 minutes or the last minute.
After a few minutes the agent comes exploding through the now closed gate door and begins to yell at me and tells me, "When I close a flight it is closed, don't you ever go to the window and wave at the cockpit crew!" I don't work for CHQ, and this ***** trying to tell me what I can and cannot do! I found this incredulous. Even if I did work for CHQ, I work for chief pilots, not gate agents, and no gate agent is telling me anything. I told the gate agent that he has no business telling me what I can do or where I can go and his response is "Fine, your not getting on now!" In other words, I didn't sit there and let him yell and cower to him, so I don't get on.
Fortunately, the Captain came up to the podium and quietly stood by while this agent took the LESS THAN 1 MINUTE it took to list me. All the while the agent ranted about getting a delay and losing his job. It should seem obvious that job loss concerns were not the agents motivation in this circumstance from the get-go. As I walked away I still, after all this, thanked the agent (who of course had nothing to say) and was able to get home to see my sons first fall-ball baseball game. (I did convey this need to get to my family earlier but the agent was unconcerned, instead, allowing a 1/2 empty airplane to leave without me, or at least trying to anyway.)
It is only in the last 6 hellish years of my life have I appreciated the privilege of the jumpseat. I used to live in base but now have to commute, being unable both financially and personally to move to the Newark base. I appreciate the privilege that jumpseating is, I have always shown the utmost courtesy and appreciation to both the flight crew and the agents for assisting me in getting to work. I just wanted to emphasize the gem this ability is, how hard our pilots have worked to retain it, especially after 9-11, and our need as a group to safeguard it. This CHQ captain, who by the way ISN'T a commuter himself certainly understood this and again, thank you sir.
If anyone out there has any doubts about a gate agents sincerity, please walk up to the podium and check for yourself. In this case, the agent lied to the captain when asked if there was anyone left to try and get on the airplane. I know this is not always feasible but this jumpseating priveledge is so important to so many of us.
Thanks again to those of you who read this lengthy post. I am interested in any criticisms one may have of my actions and whether I was out of line. I don't believe I was, but then again I am emotionally close the events. Thanks again and happy flying!
My jumpseat coordinator informed me that AA's J/S Coord. escalated this all the way to the CPO in LGA. I got an e-mail back last week saying that the GM in EWR has "taken care" of situation. Hopefully, no one will have to endure these experiences with this person again. He's extremely anti-pilot and anti-jumpseat.
Most of my experiences on AA have been wonderful and the crews have always been fantastic. This left a very bad taste in my mouth, however. I have been very leery ever since about jumpseating on AA.
Can you get word to AA's Jumpseat coord? Agent XXXX In EWR needs
counciling. I showed up to Gate 32 in EWR just a few minutes ago and
proceeded to get yelled at and berated by him. I was standing near
the counter and he yells "Go sit down! I haven't cleared anyone.". I
calmly informed him that I hadn't checked in yet. He walked away.
When he came back to the podium, he calls me up. I handed him my ID
and passport. He says that he doesn't need that and berates me
further by saying, "you guys don't need to be running to the window,
jumping up and down. I'll get to you when i get to you.". I informed
him I did nothing of the sort. He says further, "well all you
jumpseaters do that.". I calmly informed him that I just did what I've
always done with AA in EWR and that no other agent had a problem with
it. He checked me in, but I'm worried that I'll even make it on the
flight. It's flight XXXX EWR-XXX. Thanks.
This guy has a reputation. As my experience was unfolding, I remember reading a post from another forum that sounded eerily similar:
I just had a most horrendous commuting event that was rescued by a Captain who stood up for his fellow airman and did the right thing. I am most grateful and wanted to express that here and pass on a cautionary situation at the AA gates in EWR and also a call to all of us everywhere to defend the jumpseat.
I was flying back from Lima,Peru this past Saturday morning and was able to get to EWR to make the first flight to my hometown on CHQ. I had to get through customs and then go from terminal C to A on the amazingly crappy "Airtrain" and then go back through security to get to the CHQ/AA gate. I managed to do this with 12 minutes to spare before the scheduled departure time. On the way to the gate I attempted to meal list for the flight only to find out that the non-rev help desk doesn't open now until 0900 CST, at least on the weekends. The fact that this first flight on CHQ had seats and knowing the flights were oversold the rest of the day for both my airline and CHQ was weighing heavily on me, and so I really wanted to get on this first flight that was 1/2 full.
As I rounded the corner to the gate I was relieved to see the agent and the knowledge that I had 12 minutes to spare. The gate agent looks at me and says "Sorry, the flight is closed and I can't re-open it" with a rather sadistic smile (I had seen this agent in a similar action before). As he is walking away I said "but the flight doesn't depart for 12 minutes", he just ignores me and walks away. So I did the only thing I could do, I walked to the terminal window and let the flight crew know I was there. I really felt this agent was being asinine and violating the basic principle of not treating others the way he would expect to be treated. And 12 minutes is 12 minutes, it isn't 2 minutes or the last minute.
After a few minutes the agent comes exploding through the now closed gate door and begins to yell at me and tells me, "When I close a flight it is closed, don't you ever go to the window and wave at the cockpit crew!" I don't work for CHQ, and this ***** trying to tell me what I can and cannot do! I found this incredulous. Even if I did work for CHQ, I work for chief pilots, not gate agents, and no gate agent is telling me anything. I told the gate agent that he has no business telling me what I can do or where I can go and his response is "Fine, your not getting on now!" In other words, I didn't sit there and let him yell and cower to him, so I don't get on.
Fortunately, the Captain came up to the podium and quietly stood by while this agent took the LESS THAN 1 MINUTE it took to list me. All the while the agent ranted about getting a delay and losing his job. It should seem obvious that job loss concerns were not the agents motivation in this circumstance from the get-go. As I walked away I still, after all this, thanked the agent (who of course had nothing to say) and was able to get home to see my sons first fall-ball baseball game. (I did convey this need to get to my family earlier but the agent was unconcerned, instead, allowing a 1/2 empty airplane to leave without me, or at least trying to anyway.)
It is only in the last 6 hellish years of my life have I appreciated the privilege of the jumpseat. I used to live in base but now have to commute, being unable both financially and personally to move to the Newark base. I appreciate the privilege that jumpseating is, I have always shown the utmost courtesy and appreciation to both the flight crew and the agents for assisting me in getting to work. I just wanted to emphasize the gem this ability is, how hard our pilots have worked to retain it, especially after 9-11, and our need as a group to safeguard it. This CHQ captain, who by the way ISN'T a commuter himself certainly understood this and again, thank you sir.
If anyone out there has any doubts about a gate agents sincerity, please walk up to the podium and check for yourself. In this case, the agent lied to the captain when asked if there was anyone left to try and get on the airplane. I know this is not always feasible but this jumpseating priveledge is so important to so many of us.
Thanks again to those of you who read this lengthy post. I am interested in any criticisms one may have of my actions and whether I was out of line. I don't believe I was, but then again I am emotionally close the events. Thanks again and happy flying!
My jumpseat coordinator informed me that AA's J/S Coord. escalated this all the way to the CPO in LGA. I got an e-mail back last week saying that the GM in EWR has "taken care" of situation. Hopefully, no one will have to endure these experiences with this person again. He's extremely anti-pilot and anti-jumpseat.
Most of my experiences on AA have been wonderful and the crews have always been fantastic. This left a very bad taste in my mouth, however. I have been very leery ever since about jumpseating on AA.
09-28-2009 | 08:14 AM
#34
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Joined: Jul 2007
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I have had more bad experiences than I can list, and I find it to be due to the personality of the gate agents, and nothing to do with the particular airline. I'm getting angry just reading these stories, how similar they are to mine, and how powerless you feel getting left behind. On the other hand, there have been amazing acts of kindness by gate agents, pilots & F/A's. Good luck to all
09-28-2009 | 08:23 AM
#35
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 305
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From: DHC-8 CA Furloughed
Three stories:
1. Trying to non-rev from SAN to PHX to go to work. The flight was pretty full so the gate agent had me fill out a JS request. A different agent took over. I was new, did not want to make waves, and sat patiently through the boarding process. Once they had handled the stand-by's, I approached the podium to check my status.
"Oh, I did not see this!", said the new agent, holding up my JS request. Simultaneously, the jet bridge began to back away from the plane. I ran to SWA and got to work on time.
Lessons Learned: Be a little firm when necessary. Hover near the podium when they begin working on stand by's.
2. Flew last leg into DEN. Ran to UA for a B757 ride to ORD to meet up with my wife. Hustled to opposite end of B concourse and panted up to the podium 12 minutes prior to departure. My NR boarding pass was ready. Exit row, Yahtzee!
I boarded, introduced myself to the FA's at the door and in first class. I went up to the fleck deck to thank the Captain. He looked as if he belonged in the old "Superfans" skit from SNL. The one where they always talk about "da Bearzz". He asked if I was all set with a seat.
"Oh, yeah. Exit row, fantastic", I replied.
"No, my friend. You must sit in first class", the captain stated in a thick Chicago accent. He then asked the purser to come up and checked with her if this would be okay. It was a great ride.
3. Last commute home to begin my furlough. I listed on SWA from PHX to SAN. I arrived at the gate 1+15 before my flight. Another SAN flight had just closed.
"Do you wanna go on this one?" asked the agent.
"I don't want to put you out or make you late", I answered.
"No problem. Get on and say 'hi' to the captain." Tell him your paper work will be down in a sec."
I had a great last ride home. In a year and one half of commuting, I have had no problems with agents, pilots, or FA's.
The Dash Whisperer
1. Trying to non-rev from SAN to PHX to go to work. The flight was pretty full so the gate agent had me fill out a JS request. A different agent took over. I was new, did not want to make waves, and sat patiently through the boarding process. Once they had handled the stand-by's, I approached the podium to check my status.
"Oh, I did not see this!", said the new agent, holding up my JS request. Simultaneously, the jet bridge began to back away from the plane. I ran to SWA and got to work on time.
Lessons Learned: Be a little firm when necessary. Hover near the podium when they begin working on stand by's.
2. Flew last leg into DEN. Ran to UA for a B757 ride to ORD to meet up with my wife. Hustled to opposite end of B concourse and panted up to the podium 12 minutes prior to departure. My NR boarding pass was ready. Exit row, Yahtzee!
I boarded, introduced myself to the FA's at the door and in first class. I went up to the fleck deck to thank the Captain. He looked as if he belonged in the old "Superfans" skit from SNL. The one where they always talk about "da Bearzz". He asked if I was all set with a seat.
"Oh, yeah. Exit row, fantastic", I replied.
"No, my friend. You must sit in first class", the captain stated in a thick Chicago accent. He then asked the purser to come up and checked with her if this would be okay. It was a great ride.
3. Last commute home to begin my furlough. I listed on SWA from PHX to SAN. I arrived at the gate 1+15 before my flight. Another SAN flight had just closed.
"Do you wanna go on this one?" asked the agent.
"I don't want to put you out or make you late", I answered.
"No problem. Get on and say 'hi' to the captain." Tell him your paper work will be down in a sec."
I had a great last ride home. In a year and one half of commuting, I have had no problems with agents, pilots, or FA's.
The Dash Whisperer
09-28-2009 | 12:46 PM
#36
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 401
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Heyas,
Somewhat related story...
I was working for PDT back in the day. Working Thansgiving (of course), and we were doing one of those weird holiday trips. DH to CLT, DH to MIA, then grab an airplane and take it MIA-TPA-TLH or some such.
We get to the gate in CLT, and the agent (mainline) refuses to give us seats for our DH down to MIA, because "express can't must-ride", and proceeds to fill the flight up.
Of course, we're just laughing because we'd just as soon go home anyway, but we called skeds and told them the problem. Skeds was "what what what? Whats the gate number?".
Skeds called the gate, and it was one of those phone conversations where it was so loud, you could actually hear the person on the other end of the phone. Hilarity ensued as I witnessed one what was probably the funniest standoffs in my career.
Nu
Somewhat related story...
I was working for PDT back in the day. Working Thansgiving (of course), and we were doing one of those weird holiday trips. DH to CLT, DH to MIA, then grab an airplane and take it MIA-TPA-TLH or some such.
We get to the gate in CLT, and the agent (mainline) refuses to give us seats for our DH down to MIA, because "express can't must-ride", and proceeds to fill the flight up.
Of course, we're just laughing because we'd just as soon go home anyway, but we called skeds and told them the problem. Skeds was "what what what? Whats the gate number?".
Skeds called the gate, and it was one of those phone conversations where it was so loud, you could actually hear the person on the other end of the phone. Hilarity ensued as I witnessed one what was probably the funniest standoffs in my career.
Nu
09-28-2009 | 02:39 PM
#37
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: B-7ER JFK
Unless you are severely ashamed of your company or what you do for a living, why jumpseat out of uniform going to or from work? I always wear my uniform and never, ever had a problem getting on. If I see a grumpy gate agent, I do what I have to and then position myself so that the pilots will see me from the cockpit, works everytime and I always look myself to see if there is a JS waiting by the gate. And while I am at it; cudos to the gate agent at MCO for J6, DL, and AA. They are awesome, friendly, some even good looking, and they always get the old Viking to work on time.
09-28-2009 | 02:54 PM
#38
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Kickin’ Back
Why jumpseat out of uniform going to and from work? Well the major reason is to not draw attention to yourself and when you do get a seat in the back you can avoid any questions that you have answered a million times. I am certainly not ashamed of what I do or the company I work for (looks like it is probably the same company you work for). I am just more comfortable jumpseating out of uniform. I have and will jumpseat in uniform again. I just prefer not to.
Denny
Denny
09-28-2009 | 03:36 PM
#39
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Reclined
For the DAL guys on the list.
What's up with the MAT terminal agents at LGA.
Jumped on the shuttle for the first time in about six months, and the TSA ID checker wanted my seat request/assignment card with my ID. I was in uniform. I informed him that I hadn't jumpseated from here in several months, but according to our interline agreements we go to the gate to jumpseat. He informed me the DAL Mgt at LGA MAT had informed them to require seat request/assignment cards from everybody and that it wasn't his rule. Anyway, he let me through and I made it onto the flight... I know most airlines handle jumpers at the gate, and some prefer it for them to check-in first, but that is not always possible when/if pressed for time.
No biggy.
What's up with the MAT terminal agents at LGA.
Jumped on the shuttle for the first time in about six months, and the TSA ID checker wanted my seat request/assignment card with my ID. I was in uniform. I informed him that I hadn't jumpseated from here in several months, but according to our interline agreements we go to the gate to jumpseat. He informed me the DAL Mgt at LGA MAT had informed them to require seat request/assignment cards from everybody and that it wasn't his rule. Anyway, he let me through and I made it onto the flight... I know most airlines handle jumpers at the gate, and some prefer it for them to check-in first, but that is not always possible when/if pressed for time.
No biggy.
09-28-2009 | 03:51 PM
#40
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 931
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From: B-7ER JFK
Why jumpseat out of uniform going to and from work? Well the major reason is to not draw attention to yourself and when you do get a seat in the back you can avoid any questions that you have answered a million times. I am certainly not ashamed of what I do or the company I work for (looks like it is probably the same company you work for). I am just more comfortable jumpseating out of uniform. I have and will jumpseat in uniform again. I just prefer not to.
Denny
Denny
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