Jumpseat vs. listing for non-rev
 

I'm new to the airline world and I am currently in training with a regional airline. I need to go back to Atlanta on Sunday and I was wondering what is common practice. Do most pilots just wait until they get to the airport to list for the jumpseat or should I list for non-rev on Delta TravelNet and then sign up for the jumpseat only if I have to? Or should I do both: list for non-rev and sign up for the jumpseat at the gate? This is all new to me so any advice is appreciated!

Not sure how Delta works, but by personal experience I would list and do whatever has to be done for you to be able to get as high on the priority list as possible. I am at Eagle and the way it works at AA & AE is that you list and you will go on the priority list based on how early you check in (there are other factors depending on what pass you utilize but most people utilize the same type of pass). Then if all seats in the back are taken they will go down the list and see who can jump seat. Normally a pilot even if he can take a seat in the back would take the jump seat so we can get another non rev onboard (but ensure you don't take the jump seat when you could have a seat in the back and leave a pilot stranded). Always try to list, it makes it easier on the gate agents. The easier you make it for them the higher the chances of you getting on board (most of the time). I have gotten a seat on the back because I listed, while 5 other pilots stayed behind because they just showed up and tried to take the jump seats, 8 pilots 2 jump seats and a very long non rev list... you get the idea!!!

List non-rev. Show up at the gate and tell the gate agent you are listed non-rev. Tell them if it looks full you can list for the JS.

^^^ Do this.

Be careful while traveling while in initial training on the weekends. Most airlines' policy is if you don't show up for class due to a botched commute, you are fired. I never travel on the weekends while in initial training at an airline.

Yes.

If you check in only as a jumpseater, you have LAST priority for the cabin behind ALL nonrev's, including buddy passes.

This means that if the jumpseat is occupied by someone else you are last priority for a cabin seat. Even if you get on, you probably lost the chance to ride in premium class.

Agreed on this.

List non-rev, it takes just a sec to process you for CASS if need be.

It's dangerous to jumpseat during training but it's important to go home as much as possible, especially if you're planning to commute. I went home for Saturday nights because training and Wisconsin in the winter are both mind numbing.

I wish I would have taken that advice. I didn't go home at all during my training; a month and a half away from home and my moral was about as low as AMR's stock value.

*** is premium class?