Jumpseating 101
 

In your experience....

1. do off- line crews check in with the Captain even if assigned a seat in the back by the gate agent? And should they

2. If you are from another carrier, non-reving on a pass, do you still check in with the CA?

I have had several crew members (not just newbies, AA, NWA) just take a seat in the back without checking in

1. I am not a captain but it has been my experience that jumpseating crewmembers (pilots and FAs) always check in with the Captain wether they are on- or off-line. Personally, I always check in with the pilots and the FAs when jumpseating.

2. If I am non-reving and just listed as a standby (not as a jumpseater) I usually just take the seat I am assigned without checking in with the crew. My understanding is that there is no reason to bother the crew since I am traveling under the same status as my family travels. They don't have to check in with the flight crew.

Jumpseating, always.

Non-reving, it is not considered a requirement and I usually don't bother the pilots, but might try to let an FA know just in case they have one of those "is there a pilot on board?" kind of moments...

If I am space-positive, my ticket is paid for so I certainly don't feel obligated to check in, but I am usually in uniform so the cabin crew knows where to find me if they need me.

Do you guys think it's proper 'jumpseat ettiquette' to deplane last and thank the crew one last time, assuming that you're sitting in the cabin? Or is that being too much of a kiss-ass?

Depends. If I am not in a rush for a showtime, I'll hang, maybe even help cross seat belts (yes even as an "Off line") as PAX are getting off, then grab my bag as the stragglers are coming off, and thank EVERYONE (FAs and pilots).
If I am in a rush, I will grab my bag (NOT cutting off people, or running them over), and say thanks to the lead, and the pilots (IF the flightdeck door is open)
Sometimes the flightdeck door stays closed for longer than I can hang, so I'll ask the lead to pass along a "thanks again" to the front end crew. HOPEFULLY most do that. You are getting a FREE ride, no such thing as being a kiss-@$$.
Unless of course you offer to carry the captains flight bag to the plane swap! ;)

Check in with the flight crew (not just the captain) if you can. Don't dis the FO, he might be the captain on your next jump. If the flight is late or you think they are busy, ask the lead FA to say hello for you, with your apologies.

ALWAYS Thank the captain. There is nothing that p***es the crew off more than someone that never says anything. If the door is closed, walk out slowly so you might catch him/her. If you still don't think that you can do it, again, pass word through the lead FA.

A bag of Tootsie Rolls or some other token of appreciation is always appreciated (but certainly not required), especially if you are a regular. DON"T FORGET ABOUT THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS!! THEY are the ones getting you drinks and stuff! Even a little something for the gate agents is not out of line if you are a regular.

One of the best things that you can do if you're commuting is to make friends with the gate agents. When I was commuting on NWA (offline) I bought the gate/ramp folks some donuts on one of my trips back and forth. It's amazing what a $5 box of krispy kremes will do to get you on future flights...

1. The captain actually has to sign you off if you want to jumpseat, so you have to see him to do it.

2. if you are nonreving then you don't have to say hi to anyone

What you may have seen was pilots actually non-reving. we see pilots get on our planes all the time that are nonreving so they never have to ask the crew if they can ride. Especially a lot of fed-ex pilots where the company actually pays for their ticket, but they fly in uniform. So even pilots in uniform may still be non-reving.

1) You have to see the captain sign it? Where in the world did you get this from?? I've been commuting and giving people rides for 15 years and I have never even heard this one before. Where would this regulation come from?

2) If the company is buying a ticket, then they are still revenue passengers (just in uniform). The olnly way they would be no-revs is if they are flying on their own airline, in which case they would most likely be deadheading, not non-reving.

Thanks to all for your information from a future commuting jumpseater!

1) Yes, you have to see the captain to check in when jumpseating even with a seat in the cabin. Try not doing it, and you'll get thrown off most airlines.

2) If you are deadheading or non-reving you do NOT need to check in, but if for some reason you deadhead on a non-affiliated airline it's probably good to stop in and say hi just so they don't get the wrong idea and think you are a "stealth jumpseater" ala gojets.

You r still a guest so it is only right to let all the paying passengers deplane first. and if the f/a is cleaning offer her a hand tey appreciate it..
:D

I rember a time where we all had to introduce ourselves to the captain.Now with cass Gate agents verify and give a seat .If your jumpseating and given a seat by the gate,Still say hello to the crew they will appreciate it and so will i.

I'm confused. Isn't it considered jumpseating if you're sitting in the flight deck (thus you're behind the closed door) or is jumpseating whenever you grab an empty seat on another airline?

What's the difference between jumpseating, deadheading, and non-rev?

Jumpseating-Being an ACM (additional crew member). Whether you are on the flight deck or in the back, you cannot drink alchohol.
Deadheading- Your airline books your space positive seat. You are on duty. Cannot drink.
Non-rev- Personal travel, sitting in the back, can drink.

do you guys normally travel in uniform when jumpseating even if you are not going to/from work? is it common to travel in uniform if you're not going to work?

I always wear the uniform when commuting nowdays...

1) I don't forget my tie or something
2) TSA doesn't take away my shaving cream


Personal travel I usually dress for first class, cuz I can often get it. If you want to take your toiletries, go ahead and wear the uniform. It's also easier to to cut the TSA line.

Dead-head: The company buys you a seat for official travel (to/from training, or if your trip starts or ends outside your domicile)

Jump-seating: You can do this on most US airlines, you will get either a seat in back or the cockpit (if CASS approved). You can also do this on your own or affiliated airlines to ride up front if the cabin is full.

Non-rev: You can do this most airlines, however it is usually MUCH easier and cheaper to do on your own airline or an affiliated airline. You ride as a space available standby. You can often list and ticket yourself online or with an automated phone system.

[quote=rickair7777;118161]1) Yes, you have to see the captain to check in when jumpseating even with a seat in the cabin. Try not doing it, and you'll get thrown off most airlines.

Okay, so you're not saying that you have to actually see him (her) sign the paperwork, you just have to introduce yourself as a jumpseater. This, of course, is true. Because there are plenty of times that the agent will walk my paperwork down the jetway so the [preflighting] captain can sign it. I don't see him sign it, but he looks at my stuff and signs off on it. I, of course, stop in to introduce myself and ask where they would like me to be, or let them know where I am sitting.

It wouldn't make much sense to have this conversation:

Gate agent: "Excuse me sir, did you actually see the captain sign that slip?"

Jumpseater: "Well, no. The agent brought it down to the captain."

Gate agent: "Well, sir, you actually have to see the captain sign it. I'm afreaid you're out of here."

One additional thing for the newbies...

Jumseating is designed first and foremost to get people to and from their domicile, or some other jumpoff point where the company would not be responsible to get you there. If the company is sending you on a trip and you jumpseat to get there (i.e.company travel for company business) you can NOT jumpseat.

Also, it is good manners to allow someone who is going to work the opportunity to get on the flight in front of you if you are going to meet the wife at the condo on the beach.

Ok, since I'm new to this, I have to ask a few questions. I'm getting ready to start class at RAH, and I've been told that once I have my company ID, I can jumpseat in the back. I plan on doing this once while in training to get home for a family gathering. What steps do I have to take to get back to the gate area and ultimately on the flights that I need? What considerations do I need to think about? I've scoped out the flights that exist to get me where I need to go, and there are multiple options. I won't have a uniform yet, so I guess I won't be able to take my shaving cream or toothpaste.

Are you sure that you will be jumpseating and not non-revving? Assuming jumpseating....


If you are going on a company plane it should be easy, your badge will get you through security at any terminal where your company has gates. Then just show the gate agent your badge and tell him/her that you would like to jumpseat, and mention whether or not you are authorized the cockpit (sounds like not). They may have you fill out a small form, and then they will have you go see the captain before, during, or after pax boarding. Show the CA your badge, license, medical, and form and ask nicely for a ride. That's it.


If you are jumpseating on another airline, you will need your passport and may or may not need a security document to get through TSA. See the ticket counter for this, although on some airlines like SWA you can use an automated phone system to list yourself for the JS and then print a security document online. Also in order to JS offline (cockpit or cabin) you will probably need to be in the CASS computer system...has your employer loaded your data & photo yet? Easiest way to find out is to ask any gate agent from any airline to verify you in CASS. Other than this the procedure is the same as for your own airline.

Be careful returning to training...since class will probably resume on Monday you will be heading back Sunday...busiest travel day, all the flights are full, and the jumpseat goes by seniority. If more than one pilot wants it...you get one guess as to who will NOT be the most senior pilot standing around the gate at 9:30 PM on a Sunday....

Technically you can, but it can set a bad precedent. If you are deadheading you are entitled to a seat in back and can always insist on that seat. If it's a long deadhead and I have to work when I arrive, I will insist. I have however voluntarily rode up front to free a pax seat WHEN ASKED NICELY. I'll only do this to allow an innocent person to get on the plane, not for the convenience of scheduling. I'll usually help out these folks...

1) An offline pilot who is not authorized the actual JS (rare now with CASS)
2) A non-rev pax who is not authorized the JS, ie non-pilot employee or somebodies Mom.
3) A revenue pax if it's the last flight to/from Podunk, MN that day. Some people disagree with this, but I am exercising my right to be nice to my fellow human beings. It's not like the company planned it this way, the situation comes up and I volunteer.

NOTE: If I see another pilot standing around the gate, and I am deadheading I will chat with him...if HE needs the jumpseat, I will stay in my cabin seat regardless.

HOWEVER...if the company (ie crew tracking, training dept, etc) EVER asks you to deadhead in the JS (they will), you MUST SAY NO. This sets a VERY bad precedent and if allowed to happen eventually the company will just assume that they can schedule ALL deadheading pilots in the JS, thereby eliminating the JS as an option for personal travel.

Concur with everything you wrote. In my case, our contract states explicitly that we may occupy the jumpseat if we agree to, but we will not be expected or required to do so.

I agree with everything "rickair7777" said in his replies to you about jumpseating. I think he did overlook one item having to do with the CASS system which allows you to jump on other airlines. That item is when you go to the gate counter to request the jumpseat you will be required to show the agent your passport. Once on the airplane you may or may not be required to show the captain your other documents since you will have been issued a boarding pass from the agent showing you are in the CASS system.

I never have understood not drinking while J-seating. Sure, in uniform, I would not drink. And these days, I would almost always be in uniform to commute because of the TSA.

But I have jump-seated to Europe several times. Most of those times I got to sit in business or first class and drank everything offered. Why not? ACM? What? Am I going to jump up there and fly for a while? No! (I would never step foot in the cockpit if I had consumed alcohol)

It all a matter of respect. Act respectfully and keep a low profile. If I am offered alcohol on a long haul flight, I will accept the offer.

You're making a BIG mistake. As a Jumpseater, ACM,OMC, or whatever the airline calls it, you are considered to be part of the CREW. NO DRINKING ALCOHOL!! Doesn't make a difference if you're in uniform or not. If you want to drink, by some ZED tickets or ID90's and have a ball.

Been told that we can't ride in the cockpit until we've finished sims. Not sure when we get entered into the CASS system, but I'll have ID the first day. Really, the company airplane option is the best. The problem with getting to where I'm trying to go is that RAH operates the first leg of the trip, but it is a different carrier that operates the second leg of the trip. As far as getting back to training, I'm planning on leaving to come back early in the morning on Sunday. If I can't get back on the first 2 flights, I'll drive.

I want you to think long and hard about this...you have a job that starts your career as an airline pilot. There are a lot of folks (me included) that thinks that you are one lucky guy. All of your energy should be channeled into getting through your training without making waves or screwing up. What if you get home and can`t get back for training the following Monday? There are about 50 reasons this could happen..Busted plane, crappy weather, oversold flight, etc. Don`t put yourself in a position to get fired because of "get homeitus"....end of lecture....

I agree with the above.

If they EVER figure it out or notice, you just ended your commercial flying career. The Feds will look at it the same as if you had been drinking while flying the aircraft. All it takes is for someone in a bad mood who noticed you are jumpseating to then notice you drink alcohol, and you'd be surprised at the number of cargo guys who get paid airline tickets for deadheading. It's silly enough to do it, but posting about it on the internet does not a good career decision make!




As far as passports. Passports are only required for using CASS or flying internationally. I'm at a non CASS airline and havn't ever shown my passport to a counter agent. It can be good to have in case they don't know what they are doing (I carry mine with me now after a flight I almost didn't get on because she didn't know how to put it in the system without a passport number), but is NOT required for *non* CASS jumpseating.



Going on from there, if you have more than one leg to hop, I'd discourage trying to do it for a weekend trip... way too easy to get in trouble that way. It's your choice, but I really hate only having one day to do a trip even if it's one hop because something major can happen to get you stuck. If for the second hop flight a flight gets cancelled or grounded otherwise (or even a connection is missed with a lot of reservations) the whole rest of the day can be shot for jumpseating.

no need to check in if you have a pass. you only look like an idiot

??? Where do you get that idea? The feds don't care as long as you stay out of the cockpit. It was no secret that I was j-seating. The FAs were happy to serve me. Please give me a source other than some FOM BS. BTW, sure it is probably not a great plan to drink while j-seating but the times I did, I was flying international long haul in first or business. I'm not going to pass up the vodka with my caviar. :D (PanAm circa 1990)

I think part of it is that as a jumpseater, if you were called upon by the captain to enter the cockpit if the FO conks out, or vice versa, you would then be operating an airplane after drinking. If the feds find out that you declined and stated that you had been drinking, then thats a problem too because you filled out the jumpseating form. Other than that, I cant give you any FAR's on it.

Mike's right, this is one technicality that would never be enforced unless maybe the head of the enforcement branch was sitting next to you and he cwas in a really bad mood that day :rolleyes:

I don't drink onboard, but I don't worry about the 8 hour rule either.

At TWA, we took a lot of pride that we were able to treat fellow aviators from guest airlines to a first class seat, a first class dinner and unlimited beverages-alcohol or not. Part of the culture at TWA was that our pilots and the pilots of other airlines were "somebody important". In fact, our FOPM prior to 9/11 made reference that any Airline pilot had access to our cockpits unless they have consume alcoholic beverages inflight. And remember an FAA approved FOPM, GOM,FOP, etc...is just that, approved by the FAA.

It's too bad that airline pilots are no longer treated like somebody important, by airline managments and of recent, by other pilot groups.

Thank you. I knew I was not crazy. I took a TWA L-1011 to London one time. It was a Gulf Air paint job and the TWA crew was super nice. I flew first class. I was young and still had my strips on. Joe corr was also flying that day. Someone rushed up to me and told me, "Get those strips off, the president of the airline is about to board!" :eek: I kept a pretty low profile that flight I can tell you. (But I still get to drink)

I guess I am assuming that there is a difference between jumpseating and deadheading. Jumpseating is "thumbing a ride", deadheading involves crew scheduling. If you are on your own airline, you would most likely be catagorized as a company business travel, and most likely will have a seat assigned. End of hassle. Of course, deadheading in the cabin or the cockpit is up to you and your company.

But assuming that you are jumpseating with another carrier, you had better not be a deadheader without [the company]buying a ticket for you. You may lose your jumpseat privelege with that company, or your company may lose JS priveleges (Great Lakes got spanked with this back in the mid 90's. They were having their guys jumpseat from MSP, DTW and ORD to cover reserve trips, even though they were based somehere else). This is a no-no. They should have gotten them there via their own airline, and if service didn't allow for that, they should have bought a ticket.

Absolutely. A lot of guys I know won't take 135 jumpseaters (even though it's allowed) because their companies often tell them to JS to assignments when they really should have bought them a ticket.

I'm happy to help a fellow pilot out with his PERSONAL travel, but I have no interest in subsidizing his employer (who is competing for MY most lucrative customers) :mad: