freightdog

So I found myself in beautiful Santa Maria (SMX) yesterday trying to pick up one of our aircraft from the paint shop. Of course, the ship was not ready and I did not feel like getting a hotel and staying in SMX for 8 hours. I tried to JS on Skywest. My airline is in CASS, but does not have a reciprocal with Skywest. I asked if I could speak to the Captain when the aircraft arrived to get a ride to LAX, and the lady said "no". She said that a captain could not override the procedures manual. Any thoughts on this guys/gals? I thought the Captain had final authority? Did I just ask the wrong person on the wrong day? Thanks for any imput.

SA227 freightdog

viper548

We've been having a problem with gate agents thinking they own the jumpseat. Who do you work for?

freightdog

I fly for Ameriflight. We are in CASS under "AMF" or "A8". But, we only have a reciprocal with SWA, but I've had luck with other carriers and I've jumpseated on SKW before from ABQ to DEN, but I was also already at the gate and my friend was the Captain on the flight.
The gate agents said the pilot cannot go against the operations manual, so I didn't press it any further and I knew I probably couldn't of gotten through the security checkpoint with the SKW ticket agents standing right there. I didn't want to **** off the ticket agents and I had to get moving back down toward LA so I just rented a car.

rickair7777

First off, there is no way he could let you in the cockpit, if that's what you were asking. Generally the captain has to follow company/FAA procedures unless there is an emergency.

The CA does have some latitude when it comes to DENYING jumpseaters, (ie he may not need a good reason to deny a jumpseater).

However, if you do not have a JS agreement with SKW, then the CA would be violating company policy by basically giving away a free seat to a member of the general public...in the 121 world this is considered "nonrev fraud" and will get you fired immediately at most companies. Basically, it is like stealing as far as the company is concerned...kind of like asking the CA to go open up the company safe and give you $300.

In some cases you might get lucky, I have seen 135 and even fractional types talk their way into a cabin seat...but in this case you MUST have the gate agent's concurrence. She has final say as to who gets on the airplane...if you're going to bend the rules you would need her to go along.

Nect time try bringing cookies for the gate agent.

TonyWilliams

Yes we do. Even for our own pilots.

I doubt the captain would take somebody not specifically listed in our approved list, however.

Drums4life

I hate dealing with gate agents. Today they tried to deny me the jumpseat on my own airline...clueless

freightdog

I didn't really mind if there was a seat up front, just a seat in the back would have been fine. Like I said, I asked, I was denied and I moved on. I was trying to see of there was any way of avoiding a 3 hour drive back to LA.

freightdog

TONYWILLIAMS,

How long have you been in FAT? Don't happen to remember a Capt by the name of Don do you? He's at SWA now.

TonyWilliams

I was in FAT last summer on the jet, and will return next month on the Bro. Don't recall any Don's, but that doesn't mean much to my feeble brain.

Lots and lots of SkW guys at SWA (I think they like us )

viper548

You should see about getting a jumpseat agreement with us. We have one with Key lime air and they are pretty much the same thing as ameriflight