Airline Pilot Central Forums - Jumpseat etiquette

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Quote:

Originally Posted by toolowterrain (Post 2215471)

Since the same thing was posted in the regional side, I figured that I post my same response here. These are my thoughts as a captain myself.
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I (AWAC) pay annually for American nonrev benefits (very crappy ones at that) plus I have to pay an additional $1.58 per segment each time. When I list like this and ride on any American or American Eagle metal (operated by anyone) I do NOT ask for permission, unless I have to occupy the physical jumpseat in which I politely ASK if its ok. If I happen to see the crew I introduce myself as a non-rev (not jumpseater).

If I ride in ANY other non-American/ American Eagle carrier, I ask for permission with doccs in hand even if I am in the back. I am a guest and not entitled to it.

This is my belief and I see nothing wrong with it.....!?

The only problem I have EVER had was with a legacy American Captain that almost kicked me off. I listed as a non-rev but as a non-wholy owned we often get the same priority code as a offline jumpseater. I guess he saw me in the paperwork as a offline guy and asked the F/A to take me up front just prior to push. I explained that it was a technical issue but I was indeed a non-rev. I showed him the back of my id which says 'Operating as American Eagle '. He seemed ok with it but I am sure he placed me on the do not hire list :D

Wow that guy had a bug up his a$$!

Just one thing I try and point out to all of our non-wholly owned Eagle pilots, as a Jumpseat committee member: Remember, if you list as an AAC (cabin only) because you'd like cabin priority, you cannot switch it to FDJ, or have the agent append "FDJ" next to your AAC listing: reason being, if there is another OAL D6 listed on the same flight, you as an AAC-converted-to-FDJ now have gained unfair priority over him/her. That is a big no-no: as a D6, all priority is equal and is based on time of check in. I've seen it happen plenty. That is why you must choose either AAC or D6, but not both. Just a friendly reminder.

My suggestion is to always list as a D6...and that way it's a win-win: 1) if the flight is open, you get your cabin seat, and 2) if it fills up, you still get the Jumpseat. I'd forego the entire AAC process.

Regarding the original post - most FOMs require a jumpseater to check in with credentials up front, even with a seat in the back.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC135 (Post 2215486)

I agree with you but why is it so difficult to call somebody out on it? As many times as I've seen what you just talked about happen, I've never seen anybody put them in their place.

I have seen it happen a few times and I've also spoken up and said stuff myself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by aa73 (Post 2215596)

Interesting. Thanks for the insight. Never have gotten a straight answer about that.

Great thread.

I was starting to lose faith in my fellow pilots. This same discussion happens over on our B6 Bich Board and it seems like a large number of guys don't see a problem with the erosion of both CA's authority and the respect/etiquette of the whole jumpseat privilege. I'm glad to see that most outside of our company understand that it is a privilege and should be treated as such. Surely the lapse has more to do with a no Captains' authority culture at B6 than an industry wide problem. Also guys with no prior 121 experience seem to have a tough time differentiating between non rev and JS travel. Hopefully it is a problem we can fix internally.

That being said, as an FO, I often saw legacy guys showing up using their JS privilege to travel in sneakers and jeans. Granted the CA should have corrected it, I find it hard to believe that the legacies (where I assume CA authority takes precedence over Kumbaya culture) aren't better educated on JS etiquette.

I had a CA once force our own company DHing FAs (3 of them) to come up (after boarding was already complete) and "check in/say hi" up front. Power trip.

Sorry, but a DH seat is between the company and the DHer, not the CA. Nowadays if I'm a DHer I just go and sit back. I used to pop in to say hi, but several times I've done that, people end up getting confused that I'm JSing. Or the "you're a DHer, you didn't need to come up."

I do agree that an offline metal JSer should check in with the CA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShyGuy (Post 2215700)

DH is not jump seating, captain would not like my response.

On the other hand, I probably would have said HI passing the cockpit.

Beyond the respect side of all this, there is a safety aspect. Introducing yourself to the FA lets them know they have an able-body person in an emergency and the lets the CA know that if the **** really hits the fan, you could be used to help.

I can't stand to see guys go straight to their seat without coming up to speak to the crew. Anytime I even deadhead in uniform, I always go say hi, and let them know the company is deadheading me. The crew is usually super appreciative of that.

As a soon to be new to the part 121 world, what's the proper etiquette for all this?
And, how should you address the Captain and FO? By name after looking at their badge (or crew list)? By "Captain" and "First Officer" or "FO"?

I often non rev off line. I always try to check in with the cockpit unless they look busy or boarding doesn't allow it. If I am on a JS and have a seat in the back, checking in with the cockpit is mandatory IMO.