A power trip is a gate agent who just does the W&B herself (or just makes one up) and uses that as an excuse to not have to deal with nonrevs and jumpseaters. Or maybe that's just laziness.

But it's a real problem with one of our major partners, to the point where I always make the walk up to the gate to check for nonrevs. That's when the attitude comes out...

 

All of you are jumping on the OP for asking an honest question. I'm a commuter, and I definitely feel his pain, even if his wasn't a good example. I can't tell you how many times I've seen J/S or non revs arrive plenty early, and be totally ignored by an agent who couldn't be bothered by them... right up until the 30 minute cutoff when she wasn't required to. then she kindly told them to get lost. I see it all the time.

Let's face it... agents hate jumpseaters. They think it's totally unfair that they have to deal with us using a perk that they can't use.

When this is happening, I'd suggest getting a supervisor early... kindly explain to the supervisor that the agent at Gate XX has a long line, seems overwhelmed and could use some help. That works 90% of the time. The other 10%, when you're about to be left behind with open seats... get the crew's attention.

 

I had an agent one day tell me I wasn't on the list when I asked for a seat request card because I checked in on my phone. I responded that I was listed and on the screen in the gate area. She then said I was not and that she didn't have time to list me about (about 40 prior to departure and no one else in line). She reluctantly pulled up the list when I asked politely to see it. I walked around the counter, pointed myself out and she then printed it off/threw it at me without saying a word. She needed to take a nap or something

 

This is why we need to "Make the walk" about 10-15 minutes before departure time. Being friendly but firm, seek out people in uniform and ask "You have a seat?" goes a long way. I can't tell you how many times a busy agent probably would have left fold at the gate if I didn't ask and say "put the delay on me, but they are getting on".

 

How was he taking it personally or being a crybaby? I think we've found the gate agent! ^^^^

 

This is one of the few jobs I have not had in aviation; however, gate agents do not have an easy job and they have bad days like everyone else. They also deal with myriad A holes during the course of a day, which primarily involves paying PAX. That is especially why being nice is so important. I also know for a fact that ones dress, demeanor and countenance can make a big difference between getting on or not. Look sharp whenever possible and don't stink. When non reving, on off time, always wear descent clothes; a dress shirt and tie is not out of line by any stretch. I would often have my swim trunks on, under slacks, if headed to the beach. Additionally, most gate agents are not impressed with the fact that you/we are pilots; it might impress a cashier at the grocery store, but not likely a gate agent.

 

Stand in front of the glass window and try to make yourself visible to the pilots. One of the pilots might come up the jet bridge and get you on.

 

I have had to do the wave from the windows a few times when its around 10 prior to departure. The one time it did work, I was in the jumpseat and doors still closed 5 minutes early. It sure is painful when you were supposed to have an hour on the ground between your commute home, arrive late and high tail it to the gate only to be told to screw off as you watch bags get loaded for another 10 minutes...

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

That is the best answer and has worked for me. Both as the operating Captain and when I was begging for a ride.

I once had a pax stick his head in the cockpit and pass a message that there was a pilot in the gate area looking for a ride. I went to the agent at D+2 to 3 mins and we had a 15 min stand off until he was on the plane. Problem solved.

 

I've seen a gate agent actually pull the jet bridge away after the captain told her to load a jumpseater.