While DH for company business or a commute to work, yes. For personal travel (true non-rev) no, because it's the rare occasion I am going somewhere "fun" and may drink (don't want to be viewed as additional crew).

I just stick my head up there and tell em they have a pilot in the back (commuting) or a crew in the back (DH) and "Thanks for the ride guys".

Yes very true sir and rightfully so. I bring food with me though. Not a big deal, just an observation.

I guess you don't want to miss the pat down

And then there's the captain I've flown with who insists all crews check in with him. He instructs FA's to alert him if a pilot boards without "checking in" with him. This guy is a commuter himself! We have had many chats about this and there's no changing his mind about this. Sorry in advance to anyone who has to deal with him.

My opinion, pass travelers,deadheads, nonrev need not check in with the crew.

That's odd I've never been questioned by them I just smile say hi and blow past them when I'm on the company ticket. I do thank everyone and the captain on the way off though. Jumpseating I say hi to every crew member and their mother haha ya never know what they'll hook you up with (usually just an exta pack of peanuts but hey I'll take it!)

No...unless its F9 because if you don't it hurts their heavy Airbus egos.

Yes, I do because of D-bags like Tiller Envy!

Lol! Seriously...that was funny.

Let me rephrase. I don't checkin per se on F9...it's more of a knock on the door and I tell 'em I''m non-revving in the back. I certainly don't ask if I can use my flight benefits.

Huh, I always say hi regardless of whether it's leisure travel or I am commuting to work.

Jumpseating: "Hey, guys if it is ok I was hoping to ride along in the back/up front here with you guys"

Non-revving: "Hey guys, I am non-revving on this flight if it's ok with you"

Everyone has always been nice and usually say "Thanks a lot for saying hi"
I feel thta always speaking to the pilots helps to foster the fraternity which I feel is unique to our profession. It's nice to shoot the **** for a few seconds too.
Furthermore, as far as I am concerned, if I am flying for free my presence on the airplane is entirely at the discretion of the captain.
I have been doing it for less than a year though, so I am still comparatively new, but I always feel more comfortable knowing I said hi to the flight crew.

Do you ask him if its OK that you get a paycheck on the 1st and 15th, or that you get on the company's healthcare plan? Seriously, why the F are you asking someone to use your benefits? Checking in is one thing (Weak but debatable), asking to ride on a pass is just...wow.



Outside of jumpseating, its entirely not. The catering company's employees' parents walk on the airplane (For free) without a second glance, why in the hell do you think that as a line pilot you need any kind of permission from the CA to non-rev? It is a benefit of employment.