Jumpseat advice
 

All,
It's my first year in Part 121, and I actually have off around thanksgiving.
I'm looking to head to BFL (wife's family is there). There are 2 flights out of DEN direct to BFL on the 25th, but only 1 on the 26th. Of course there are 23 flights to LAX on the 25th.
I'm trying to decide whether or not to roll the dice and jumpseat, or bite the bullet and buy a ticket.
Thoughts? How much higher are the loads traditionally?

Flights will be really full, no doubt about it. But surely you'll get on something to LAX though you might have to sit up front. Plan on renting a car to get to BFL.

When it comes to the major holidays, give yourself options. Plenty of options.

Go to LA and rent a car.

This.

And by "plenty of options", I mean buy a ticket.

Jumpseating on major holidays was hard enough 10 years ago. Today? Forget about it. Especially as a junior n00b.

Buy a ticket, save the hassle.

Are you traveling alone or with family? If you're by yourself I say jumpseat. If you're with the wife/girlfriend or kids, buy the ticket. I've jumpseated on every single holiday with mixed success but I almost always find a way. I've also non-revved on my airline with my wife on holidays but in that case I have the luxury of knowing where on the list I am and how full the flight is.

Flying solo (wife bought a ticket). With the advice above - and after consulting wife - decided I'll jumpseat.

Remember the cargo guys at night. You may get there before or after your wife, but you'll get there. Fdx guarantees you seat 24 hrs in advance. Good luck!

Remember, it's the in laws you're visiting. I say jumpseat.:)

That's great advice. I got home one Xmas morning because FedEx had a flight just for the holiday rush. So even if it's not a normal route for UPS or FedEx still take a look.