Jumpseat Etiquette Question
 

So we are going out to ANC for an Alaskan cruise for our honeymoon. We obviously purchased tickets because we didn't want to miss the boat (literally). Would it be poor etiquette to stop by, say hello to the crew, introduce myself, tell them this, and say that anything they could do would be most appreciated?

What more would they do than any other flight? I am always friendly to people who stop up front and glad to meet fellow pilots (even if they are going on vacation and I am at work). I don't fly any differently with them in the back though.

I'd do all of the above except as for "anything they could do would be most appreciated".

If they want to bump you to first class, they will do it. I think it would be rude to ask.

If that's code for, "Hey, can you let me jumpseat so I can get a refund on my ticket?", I'd say, Yes, that's poor etiquette.


If it's code for, "Hey, do you think you could persuade the FAs to slip us a few bottles of booze under the table?", same answer.


If it's code for, "Hey, would you mind making a PA that you have a couple of honeymooners on board?", well, that'd be kinda cheesy, but not a breach of etiquette.


If it were me on my honeymoon, I'd be glad I had a ticket so I wouldn't have to worry about the uncertainties of jumpseating. Since "jumpseat" is in your thread title, I'm inclined to think that's what you were hinting. Honeymoon and jumpseating? FORGET ABOUT IT!

Greet everyone you see the way you'd want to be greeted, and enjoy the flight.

Oh, and Congratulations!






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yeh, think i did the same on my honeymoon, purchased tickets, took the monkey suit so we wouldn't have to worry about the liquids/gels. But only introduced myself to the crew for the sake of some FA or Pilot saying "there's a pilot back there who didn't introduce himself, what a jerk".

Just didn't want to be like me seeing a crew member get on and walk to the back, you never know the story, they could be jumpseating, and rude, they could be deadheading and ok, but you don't know, which is the only reason i try to let them know the circumstances of my travel. Plus who knows if there would be a situation in the back that they might be able to utilize you for, hard to do if they don't know you're there.

PS- Be real nice to the FA's though....they control that cabin, if you're nice, you MIGHT find yourself bumped to 1st.

You're kiddin', right? You wore your uniform on your honeymoon?


I'm almost speechless.




Two words: CHECK BAGGAGE



If you're so concerned that the crew might need your help, try slipping a business card DISCREETLY to the FA for the Captain. Write a note on the back, if you like. "Capt Marvelous here in 11A, my new bride and I are on our honeymoon. I'll lay off the booze in case you need me up front."




wow

DEFINITELY not code for make a PA! Not really for free booze or a refund. Just a hey this is a special occasion if just MAYBE you all could work something out like a move closer up front deal. I'd do it if it was on my airplane. No uniform for me, just taking the badge so I can get my 10% discount during my 6 hour sit in ATL.

What in the world? Fly differently? I don't believe that is what he is asking. Maybe because the SAAB doesn't have any additional amenities but you can move a pilot and his wife from Coach to First Class if available. You can have the flight attendants give them a bottle champagne or a bottle of wine. If no bottles then comp them their drinks.

It is not all about how you fly the airplane. Maybe we need to send our new aviators to finishing school in addition to bill and ted's excellent aviation college.

L

Finishing school ?ROFL:D

Give your business card to the (hottest) FA, in case things don't work out with the marriage.

You always need to have a plan "B"

When you get into the airplane, turn right like all the normal people, get to your seat, sit down, shut up, and enjoy the ride.

If an upgrade is what you're looking for, ask the gate agent if first class is full, let them know you're an employee but purchased the ticket for a honeymoon. She'll get the hint.

What he said.






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I can not understand you guys. No wonder this industry is in such a mess. The mememememememe syndrome is rampant with the utes. In the old days we took care of each other. Perhaps the ipod has numbed the brains.

To the guy getting married. Best of luck and from the observations I see on this board, don't ride on an RJ. I hope it is a mainline flight and perhaps someone will show some professional courtesy and help you celebrate your wedding.

Well Cap, I do not believe this is just an issue with the young ipod wearing pilots you speak of. I've jumpsat on many flights with many open seats in first and the crusty Capt had no problem watching me walk back to row 75B for my 8 hour flight after checking in and asking for a lift on his plane.

Huh?






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Thanks, hopefully I will get a crew that has your mentality! Whenever anyone is on my plane I do everything in my power to make it as comfortable as possible trying to show them the same kindness I would like one day.

OK, I'll bite.


If you were trying to find out how to get a First Class upgrade on your honeymoon, why did you title this thread, "Jumpseat Etiquette Question"?






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Perhaps because he unfortunately assumed that others, the adults maybe, would actually be able to understand what he was talking about. Further proof of the degradation of the personality level of the people in this industry. With such a low threshold of experience to find yourself in a RJ and no one of any longevity to tutor the newcomers to how to act. We get kids flying airplanes and acting like kids. Look no further than the AA Eagle pilot that thought it "funny" to tell the people that he was diverting from CLE to TOL due to an Emergency at CLE. He then lands at CLE and says it was just a joke. Holy schmolly you don't use the "E" word unless there is such a thing actually happening.

I thinking of opening up a line of schools to teach pilots how to act when released to society.
L

I need to make myself some business cards. What shall I put on it?

Tony,

There are two types of baggage:

Carry Ons and Lost.

Plus I'm not letting the tsa scum touch my bags without my supervision.

I don't know about other airlines but at NW and any Airlink that has acars (Pinnacle for example..) we can see if there are any jumpseaters listed. If a pilot wants to list as a nonrev and still wear his uniform, he has no need to check-in with the crew. Some people do it anyways, but it's definitely not nessasary. First class is almost always full anyways these days.

In fairness, a Eagle pilot could be anyone from a kid to a grey hair.

Oh, and thanks for the addition of "Holy Schmolly," makes me miss my Grandpa

For a few reasons....
1. I thought people would understand the post
2. Because if follows some of the same lines as jumpseating
a. Introduce myself to F/A
b. Give her ID
c. Introduce myself to CA and FO
d. Basically asking for free ride (bought coach ticket)

3. Because I believe there is an etiquette to going about this
4. Because I couldn't come up with a better name

Why must everything turn into an arguement about something asinine. It really was a simple a question and I appreaciate peoples responses, although some were a little rude and left a little to be desired. I guess I got my answer though. For some it appears that it would be appalling to ask a fellow brother/crewmember/employee/whatever to lend a hand and give a little extra when it counts the most.

Maybe he meant that he wore the "monkey suit" to get the full gels and liqudis through, then when he met his wife after sucurity, went to the bathroom, changed back into shorts and flip flops to go incognito.

With all gels and liquids STILL in hand.

Rules of Jumpseat Etiquette...
1. Introduce yourself to Crew
2. Don't look like a slob
3. Spread as many rumors as possible

Who are you calling a kid?


Don't bother including English as a subject in your school. There's a difference between jumpseating and courtesy upgrades.







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That doesn't explain the second half of the post where he explains that he introduces himself to the crew so they don't think he's being a rude jumpseater. If he is incognito, that part is not necessary.






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You should have labeled the thread title as "How to Upgrade to First or Business Class and/or Get Special Treatment Because I am a Pilot.":rolleyes: Your intent had nothing to do with jumpseating etiquette. In jumpseating, yes, definitely thank the CA because if he's in a good mood he'll personally ask the FA to seat you up front if there's availability. But if all you want is an upgrade/special treatment because you were too cheap to buy a business or first class ticket and were using a non-first class company standby or paid economy ticket, put on your best smile and flirt with the Chief Purser/Head FA for a minute or so. Always worked for me. But if the FA's a guy, well...haven't run into that situation yet.

Didn't he say he was traveling with his wife? Have her flirt with the dude.

In most cases, he'd have better luck flirting with 'him'.:eek:

Wait....Your not implying that pilots aren't entitled to "special treatment" are you.

If we as pilots don't have our self-esteemed sense of entitlement than what do we have????

You're not jumpseating so you have no reason to "check in" with the crew. You bought a ticket, sit in the seat. If what you're looking for is a possible upgrade into first class, you could do a couple things:

1. If you have bennies on whoever your flying on, list you and your new wife for 1st class. If there's seats available, sit in them and refund your ticket.

2. Assuming you probably bought your ticket off Orbitz like everyone else and can't refund your ticket, talk to the gate agent. Tell her you're an employee and if there's any way she can bump you up it would be appreciated. Make sure you actually talk to them and feel them out. If it's a bad day, you're probably hosed.

3. Wear your ID when you get on the airplane. Say hi the FA, strike up some convo, tell him/her that you're going on your honeymoon and bought a ticket. Don't ask about 1st class...if they have common sense (and most mainline FA's have been there awhile) they'll bump you up if they can.

Don't bother the crew with this kind of thing. They don't know, nor do they care. All it's going to do is get in the way of the boarding process and make you look cheap. Maybe you'll get up front, maybe you won't. Since I'm a commuter, I'd be excited just about having a guaranteed seat on a plane.

Well, sorta guaranteed...you never know these days.

Wow, he messed up the title of the thread. Everyone talks about common-sense here, yet don't use it with something as simple as interpreting what he actually meant in his original post... hope it didnt ruin anyones day.:rolleyes:


I agree with Lambourne (except that unfortunently its not only at the regional level). Some of you act like it would be some sort of criminal act on the same level with murder :eek: if he introduced himself to the crew and head F/A, and asked them if there is a possibility of an upgrade if theres extra room. I see absolutly nothing wrong with that, and I would try it.. just board towards the end. It is a special occasion that you will not be able to repeat (at least with the same person) so why not, if they say no, the o well, at least you tried.

There is absolutly no solidarity between pilots, at least that is how it seems on this board. Everyone constantly complains about reduced terms and conditions, but acts like it is some sort of travesty to expect anything more then the normal PAX does.

Don't do this, as this is generally prohibited by nonrev rules. If you buy a ticket on a flight only to nonrev on it and return your ticket, you screw with their yield management.

This is probably your best option, but expect to get blown off.

There's nothing worse than some hotshot employee walking into an airplane wearing their ID badge. There's no reason to wear your badge while nonreving, and most nonrev rules prohibit this anyway.

Even if you're jumpseating (and not in uniform, it's different obviously if you're wearing the monkey suit), just keep your badge in your pocket and produce it when needed. You don't wear your pilot certificate or medical around your neck, so why wear your ID bage?

I have to disagree with Sharky about trying to travel space available on a flight that you have tickets on. First, many airlines prohibit the practice. Second, even if you succeed, they may cancel the return portion of your ticket, assuming you bought a round trip.

Joe

Usually when I non-rev Int'l or on a different carrier, I bring something for the crew. I don't do it with any expectations, but having been on the receiving end of gifts for the crew, and know how nice it is. A box of chocolate, and a "thanks, we are really grateful for the ride" is always appreciated. Oftentimes the crew, in return, goes out of their way to make you comfortable... though they might not be able to move you up to first class, they might offer you a few glasses of bubbly from the front, or a spare amenity kit. Do at least let them know discreetly you are celebrating something special, as most cabin crew enjoy trying to make it a special experience if they can. Congrats, and good luck :)

These kind of threads are what made me retire from aviation and the airlines in particular, at 59.5 even though I could have stayed 'til 65.