Passport and CASS
 

So I was JSing from SJC to PHX and the gate agent asked for my passport. I didn't have it as I had left it in my flight case in MSP. He let me JS anyway after I explained to him that I didn't think you needed a passport anymore to jumpseat and that he was the first to ask me in about a year's worth of JSing. Anyway, I didnt want to be THAT smart a**guy so I'll probably end up bringing my passport everywhere I go, as I should probably do that anyway. But for technicality, beers to the guy that can site me the proper rules as far as that goes...:confused:

I dont have my books with me, but I think that a passport is technically a required doc for jumpseating. When they pull up cass, one of the things they are supposed to verify is passport id #. Delta always seams to do this to me, some others dont though.

CASS is predicated on confirming your identity and is based on your passport number. So, to ride in the cockpit, you need to have your passport on you. If not, you should be able to "jumpseat" but will be required to occupy a passenger seat.

I don't have the official documentation, but that's my understanding. Depending on the gate agents, if they know they're will open seats in the back, they won't check my passport.

The passport is required for CASS verification, unless you are on your own or an affiliated airline which uses an internal system for their employees (ie APOLLO at UA). You can legally cabin jumpseat without CASS, but some airlines may have a policy to use CASS to verify your eligibility for the cabin too. Also many CS agents just always use CASS and may not be aware that you can cabin jumpseat without it.

If you're non-reving or commuting, better carry the thing. It's not that large or bulky, and will save you hassles. Mine lives in my right front pocket, they are sturdy and will not wear out in ten years.

The passport is NOT required for CASS verification by any TSA SD. IT WAS required for a period of 1 year after CASS was officially allowed. After that 1 year period TSA removed the passport requirement since pictures were now required.

However, some airlines have not removed the passport requirement from their FOM (GOM, OM etc) either as an added security requirement, or because they just haven't got around to it. Since it is hit or miss as to those that do (SWA, Delta), or those that do not (UAL, AA), it is just better to have it with you.

I had to show my passport EVERY time on Delta flights and America Eagle.

Interesting... Any suggestions on where I can keep it so I can have it at all times with me? Right now it's in my flight case that gets left in the crew room in MSP when I go home to SJC. I thought about putting it in my rollerbag, but since I'm on the Saab, that bag is in the cargo when I fly to Canada, and I don't feel comfortable with that. I tried putting it in my blazer pocket but sometimes I leave that behind and wear my trenchcoat (MSP winters, brrrrrr).

How about a pocket?

Right, well I'm thinking of something more permanent. They need to make passports wallet sized.

horizon enters your pilot certificate # and expiration date every time you jumpseat...strange