AMR "buddy passes" changed afer 9-11. We don't carry the old blank forms that we could give to anybody at anytme... we now have a fixed number of people we can list in the company computer system as "guest travelers" and they can only be changed yearly... If we add somebody onto the list, they are on there for a full year. From comparing travel benefits with other carriers, ours now sux.

Honestly, the latest attacks on our jumpseat ability started with jetblue. I got a peek at al old ALPA jumpseat guide from several years ago, and the only legacy/major/national that required pilots to list before travel was jetBlue. Yes, you "could" list with several others, but only JB required it. Now several are copying suit and requiring pilots to list instead of listing at the gate... including AA. It's a bad trend, and we all need to work together to retake control of our jumpseats. Being a jackazz and not letting somebody on doesn't help anybody.

.02

 

The problem is you have been doing it for years and not a single thing has changed.

The most desirable way to deal with conflict is through diplomacy. When that does not produce results, which is the case with American, the next step is to use force. I understand completely that the American pilot group would like to get rid of the "restricted" jumpseat policy. They have had 10 years to figure this out, which shows a total lack of desire from the American pilot group(as a whole). If Mesaba has truly enacted a new jumpseat policy that recipocates the horse **it that American has been pulling for years, this will become a huge win for the "restricted" guys. This act would finally create a presedent within the industry that has been neglected for some time. The only way to create change at this point is by force and shear numbers. As a small carrier individually, we really can't force a change at American but if we all are on the same page, results will occur. I truely applaud Mesaba for this initiative. If anyone from Mesaba has this policy, please send me a copy and I will forward it to our jumpseat coordinators ASAP.

To the American sympathisers; I understand completely that leaving a jumpseater behind goes against the basic fabric of our moral compass. I absolutely hate even thinking about it, but consider this: When you allow more then one American jumpseater on your aircraft, you are shafting your own pilot group. I assure you American is leaving one of your own behind in DFW or ORD within the very near future.

 

AA pilots, any pilot is a friend. That's not the issue. I think the issue is that people take this too personally. It's a business agreement that lacks reciprocity. I will not enjoy denying a AA pilot the jumpseat should the situation arise, but I will follow the guidelines set forth by the union. My union is/has been working for my benefit. I have spent the night in O'Hare after having been denied the jumpseat by AA. I did not take it personal, that's their policy. The previous agreement of unlimited jumpseats for AA
did not give fruition of equal benefits. It's time for equality. Besides the golden rule goes both ways, this is meant to management not the pilot group of AA. Please don't confuse where this is being directed to.

 

That's a load of CRAP and you know it. You think it's entirely up to us to "figure it out" and magically make changes to the policy - in the midst of Section 6 negotiations that have been going on FOR OVER THREE YEARS with no progress. Gee, if you have the magic ability to make AMR management listen to YOUR suggestions, be my guest - heck, write a book! because you'll have discovered something nobody else has.

Look, I understand why you guys are ticked off, and rightfully so. If I could change it yesterday, I would. Please be patient.

P.s. Thanks xjsaab, you get it. We will get this worked out in our next contract.

 

I will stand corrected I was unaware that it was not the AA MEC that had the jump seat rule in place but rather AA management. With that being said it is still the point that it is not reciprocal when we are restricted to one rider regardless of load. With regionals doing more than 40% of the nations domestic flying your pilots depend on us as much as our pilots depend on them to get home. I am sure there are AA pilots that live in areas that are serviced solely by XJ, 9E, 9L. AA management should recognize this as Delta, South West, United, US Air, and numerous other power house majors have.

 

[QUOTE=whaledriver1;989177]Of course not. They reap the benefits of AA guys riding unlimited on the tens of thousands of DCI flights every day.

Besides, they're work for a "real" airline. Note the sarcasm. I work for a limited carrier.

 

be24
AA does not have a MEC. The APA represents the AA pilots. I know it is semantics, but now APA, ALPA, AMR and your company all need to work together to get the Limited changed. I am certain the APA and ALPA desire the change to unlimited for you.
The bean counters at AMR will be the hard sell. I will contact our APA jumpseat rep to vocie concern over the limitied status for you.

 

Mark Hetterman who used to be the Chief Pilot at AA was in control of the jumpseat. He was a piece of Shart to say the least. Completely useless and used the jumpseat as a bargaining tool. I here the new Chief pilot is more in tune with the pilot group and we shall see what happens.
I agree with your sentiments that having a three tier jumpseat system is BS! Why should AA be any different from any of the other legacy carriers?
AA's new jumpseat chairman is ten times better and more proactive then there old jumpseat chairman and he really is trying to get these policies changed. The main question is, HOW much longer is it going to take?

 

As the Captain of the aircraft.. The jumpseat is MINE to grant or deny. PERIOD!
Seat or no seat

 

I am totally sympathetic to APA's priorities with their contract right now. But on the other hand this one-JSer rule has been around for a looong time. If it's still in place several years down the road I will start to wonder too.