Quick J/S question
 

Im trying to travel to Thailand and back and was curious if I could jumpseat internationally with just paying taxes?

I'm a regional pilot with Airways and UAL bennefits, but the passes on UAL are gonna cost me over 500$ rt. Im hoping to save a little cash.

Anyone with any info please feel free to pm or post.

I'd just like to know if I can show up at the ticket counter or gate on NWA/DAL, Cathay, ANA, Air China, ect and pay taxes all the way through to BKK.

My travel bureau is absolutely no help. Im just thinking if I can jumpseat around the US for free, why do I have to pay so much money other than international taxes?

Thanks again.

You can't jumpseat on foreign airlines, on US carriers, yes, but you must occupy a seat in back. It's totally doable, but dealing with the agents overseas trying to jumpseat is very painful at times.

I J/S'd to BKK from SFO thru Narita and back on UAL with no problem at all. Everyone was very accomodating and even put me in first or business when it was available. I just showed up at the ticket counter in SFO and BKK and the gate in NRT. Make sure you show up plenty early though (2hr+). I only had to pay taxes coming back to the US and I think it was less than $30. Good luck!

thanks hornet. did you wear your uniform? Im trying at all costs not to wear mine.

Call and list ahead before you leave stateside with the carrier you wish to j/s with, and show up at least 2 hr. ahead, check-in with the ticket counter (not regular check-in counter). Pay local airport taxes, and then business as usual. No need to wear your wings unless you're working the flight. You'll only invite questioning from customs/security. Have fun!

I've also done the jumpseat thing BKK-NRT-PDX on NW a few years ago. I didn't wear my uniform, and the agents in both BKK and NRT were knowledgeable and helpful. It helps to use their lingo though (ie "XCM" on NWA, "ACM" on UA) as I've found that the generic term "jumpseating" only confuses foreign agents because then they think you want to actually ride the jumpseat - which of course is not allowed.

Good luck! Thailand is great!

Nope, just business casual.

Watched a guy try to Jumpseat out of Saigon today on UAL to HKG .. The ticket agent looked like a "deer in the headlights" and could not understand the concept. The guy did a great job not showing his utter frustration:eek:. He missed the flight :(...A great suggestion to get there early and list over the phone. :cool: