Jumpseating etiquette
 

Why is it so difficult for a fellow pilot to ask for a ride no matter what carrier you ride on, regional or mainline? I've been seeing a lot of pilots and hearing a lot of stories from other crews that pilots from another company who listed for the jumpseat either don't come up and say anything because they got a seat in the back or are in the jumpseat and come up and tell the crew that they're the jumpseater instead of showing a little respect and asking for a ride. Why is that so difficult for people to do? I see it happen at least one flight per trip someone does that to the captain I'm flying with.

I agree, as long as they are riding on another airline as a jumpseater.

If I am flying (PSA) and someone that has travel benefits on AA (PDT, AWAC, Mesa, Envoy, AA mainline SkyWest to a point) is riding on their nonrev benefits, I do not expect them to talk to me if they are sitting in the back. They do not need to ask me for a seat. They are entitled to it with their CBA.

If it is United, Delta, FedEx, etc... I do appreciate them checking in. I know some guys do not if I appear to be very busy, and stop in at the end. That is fine. They were not disrespecting me, just being considerate.

For me, everyone rides. I don't care who you work for. If you are in CASS and we have an agreement, you ride. (Disclaimer - security or other threats not withstanding).

I see it happen all the time too. I've even seen people denied the jumpseat for doing that. Traveling on non rev benefits is one thing. But don't come up to the cockpit and tell the crew that you're their jumpseater. Be respectful and ask for a ride, even if the gate agent gave you a seat in the back. The captain still reserves the right to deny you! Jumpseating is a privilege, not a right.

I (AWAC) pay annually for American nonrev benefits (very crappy ones at that) plus I have to pay an additional $1.58 per segment each time. When I list like this and ride on any American or American Eagle metal (operated by anyone) I do NOT ask for permission, unless I have to occupy the physical jumpseat in which I politely ASK if its ok. If I happen to see the crew I introduce myself as a non-rev (not jumpseater).

If I ride in ANY other non-American/ American Eagle carrier, I ask for permission with doccs in hand even if I am in the back. I am a guest and not entitled to it.

This is my belief and I see nothing wrong with it.....!?


The only problem I have EVER had was with a legacy American Captain that almost kicked me off. I listed as a non-rev but as a non-wholy owned we often get the same priority code as a offline jumpseater. I guess he saw me in the paperwork as a offline guy and asked the F/A to take me up front just prior to push. I explained that it was a technical issue but I was indeed a non-rev. I showed him the back of my id which says 'Operating as American Eagle '. He seemed ok with it but I am sure he placed me on the do not hire list :D

Personally if you have a seat in the back, even if you are an offline rider, I do not feel the need for you to come up front. Now if you are wanting the jumpseat, you need to ask. Don't come up and tell me you will be in the jumpseat. That is going to illicit a response neither of us will enjoy.

The only issue I have had so far was someone in the jumpseat that did not ask and then proceeded to tell me someone from their same company had also listed before them, but the other person had chosen not to take it, but then this person told me they would have pulled seniority and taken the seat anyways. Then after we got airborne, they started to talk trash about our training department. Needless to say, that little FO puke will not be in my jumpseat again.

I always check in with the captain if I list for the jump seat (even if the gate agent gives me a seat in the back). If I'm just nonrev'ing I try to poke my head in and say hi, but it depends on my mood and how busy the crew looks.

Pilots are normally pretty good about checking in but I can count on one hand how many other airline FAs have introduced themselves when they do cabin jumpseating.

I've been seeing this alot lately. Delta to jfk is a huge issue while riding on amr eagle.

I had a united guy do this the other day going to ord on eagle.

Hey all, just FYI. As far as the FAA is concerned (feel free to correct me if I'm wrong) jumpseaters are required to present credentials to the captain. As in must stop by. You are an additional crew member and are required to present documentation to prove you are qualified to be crew, that's why (technically) you need to provide all your certificates when asking for the ride.

Even if you disregard the legalese, you're getting a free ride. I'd boot anyone off my plane for failing to do so.

I could be wrong but you are only required to present credentials to occupy a crewmember seat. If you flow back to the cabin, you are not required to present credentials. I'd still definitely check in though.

Per the ALPA Jumpseat guide for Delta: When offered a cabin seat assignment via the Flow Back process, introduction to the captain is not required; however, as a matter of good protocol and etiquette, it is strongly encouraged.