Exactly. The only time we've had to leave someone behind is when EVERY seat on the plane is being used, including the jumpseat. I've never had any issues with weight restriction. Usually if we have CG issues, it can be resolved by throwing a little balast in back.

 

This thread is a reminder to all of you FOs to run up the jetway a few minutes before push and make sure we're not leaving behind a jumpseater because some gate agent was making crap up. I've done it a couple times only to find crew sitting there with plenty of open seats available and no weight restrictions to speak of. More often than not they just don't want to work.

 

I have been weight-restricted out of both SKW and Pinnacle jumpseats.

 

I've been left behind because of this too. Can't fault the crew in the one time it happened because they tried being as creative as they could and still couldn't get it to work.

 

At least we can agree on something

 

ACARS can also take it out of your hands. The pax and bags have to match, so the only variable is T/O fuel...you really can't enter less than MINTO for obvious reasons.

 

True, but you can always try to find half weights that the gate agent may not have included... I've also had the dispatcher re-file, gotten ground crews to use some creativity with ballast when they do not have any ballast available as well as come up with some other solutions.

It's true though that ACARS and not doing our own W&B makes it a little more challenging to get a JS on sometimes.

 

Different airlines seem to be more or less restrictive. It is very rare to be seriously restricted on an AWAC flight. Everyone (almost) is welcome on my jumpseat and it will be a rare day when I can't take him or her.

 

I dont like the Idea of Gate Agents or Dispatch doing my W&B in the end if its Jacked up and you get audited by the Feds or Ramp Checked its your Ticket on the line

 

I don't think some of you understand what that "prick button pusher" understand the full deal so I am gonna explain how it works on the other side of the counter from at least the company I work for. Gate agents get their numbers that determine weight restrictions from the flight release sent by the dispatchers. I think we can all agree that those numbers are not accurate. Not to mention if the flight takes a csa(in this situation, gate delay) delay, the "8 dollar and hour" gate agents may get a write up. With enough of them, a termination is possible. And pilots are not exactly forgiving when it comes to delays on csa. Now, if paying passengers/bags, mail or freight is being bumped, it will be hard to explain the jumpseater being able to ride in the close out reports. I understand that there are some power tripping agents out there as I've crossed paths with some of them(esp the more senior ones) but more often it is probably the case of the agent just trying to do their jobs. It would probably play in your favor if you guys can some how get in touch with the crew early(before they start fueling/boarding) or contact dispatch(for your own respective company) so that it is planned from early on .

The -200 is a whole lot easier to accommodate a jumpseat than the -135/45. But i've seen crazy things happen. For what it's worth, I actually reprimand my agents for not being accommodating to nonrevs/jumpseats. Please remember that when I need a lift.