Southwest Jumpseat ?
 

First an apology ... did a search for SWA JS procedures and found nothing.

Our Jump Seat web page has this text listed for SWA J/S:Is one supposed to call to list for the Jumpseat or just show up at the gate with a CASS approved airline ID etc?

Thanks for the info!

I never list (except for training) and I work here. Follow the j/s instructions and it should be a piece of cake. We will even let you on just prior to departure. Unlike some of the "other" airlines.:cool:

The Oscar

I will tell you that DAL let me on one time right at departure. The Ops agents, FA's, and the pilots were way cooooool!

Like Oscar said, just follow the directions. I also fly for Southwest, but I do list myself every single time I j/s.

By listing yourself ahead of showing up at the gate, you are showing a courtesy to the gate agent who would otherwise have to enter all your data into the computer. You are helping them out by doing most of the work ahead of time.

If it is a very last minute thing, no worries, the Southwest gate agents will surely help you out and create the listing for you and print out your boarding documents. (Just remember, they likely just had 137 customers all wanting something, needing something, asking for something, etc.) Sitting in front of the locked door is the easy part of the aviation industry.

Just a thought. :)

Oscar,

One thing that should never be messed with is JS access (assuming the Jumpseater shows up in proper attire with proper paperwork). I truly appreciate the many times that SWA has gotten me to/from work (especially that extra jumpseat - tight but gets me here/there). I cringe any time I see someone even thinking about threatening JS access. I always list because I find it easier when I get to the gate and your reservation agents are always great. I'd say you're always welcome on my JS (except I'm only the F/O).

Thanks JD. Way to make me look bad.:) I j/s more off line and since half the time I can't understand the res agent (not sure they are in this country). When I get to the gate they say they can't use that anyway because they have to access CASS. Not sure about our gate agents, but rest assured if they are busy I will slip over to another gate and list myself. I fly mostly AM's and they usually are not too busy.

The Oscar

Don't short change yourself there DAL73n. You have power to influence your CA by letting him know someone might be trying to get on (perhaps at the last minute) or be persuasive if the CA does not like the other airline.;) I will deny it all day but I let my FO "approve" when I am not there. Of course I will re-verify them later.;)

The Oscar

Definately call ahead of time for SWA. It DOES help the gate agent, and the reservation people are great. just know the flight number, cities, and time. Yes for some other airlines it doesnt really help to list ahead of time for the jumpseat because their system isnt set up that well.

Ha ha! Yeah, most posting does sort of sound that way. I did not intend it to throw you under the bus. Sometimes we all type faster than our brains think when posting on these forums. Happy Holidays!! :)

Actually, I like all the Captains I fly with (maybe I'm just lucky) and am more than happy to welcome someone asking for the jump seat and let the Captain know as soon as he's back. I've never been denied the jumpseat nor ever seen anyone denied the JS (guess I've been lucky because I have heard some good stories about guys that have been denied (e.g. the guy that showed up in ragged cutoffs without all his docs:)).

I encourage all jumpseats that are going on my flights to come up to the gate early. That way if there are seats available I can advise them to take a seat and not have to ride upfront. Also it gives the Ops agent time to enter all their information in the computers. So all you OAL pilots that are flying SWA don't be bashful walk up to your ops agent and let him/her know you are flying jumpseat. It also give you a chance to stow your bags, nothing worse than at the end of boarding to try to find a place for bags, expecially on the flgihts that are packed all the time.

Wish all SWA CA's were like you. I ride SWA probably once or twice a month, normally good experiences, though last week I was almost denied boarding by gate agents for wearing a North Face jacket and baseball cap over my uniform (and with a seat in the back). CA pulled me off the flight and spoke with me about it, then decided to let me ride. I was clean shaven and looked nice, just had baseball hat on.

Also, seems like 80% of the stations want you to walk up and pre-board and 20% look at you like you are crazy trying to pre-board. Just my experience.

I second the Gizmo. Since we don't have first class, the least I can do is try to get you on early.:)

The Oscar

Thanks from all!

Do not forget your PASSPORT! I saw a former TWA CA who now flies for AA and he was flying to SEA and forgot his passport. That is a requirement from WN if you don't have it you probably will not get the jumpseat. Enjoy all.

Here is what is on our SWAPA website concerning CASS:

I JS on Airtran often...is there going to be a change to theirs? Not much different other than offlines list at the gate?

Thx

CS2 works a bit differently for employees as opposed to OAL guys. If you're OAL it it preferred that you call rez and list prior. They can, and gladly will list you at the gate, but you never know how busy they will be.

I tried jumpseating on SWA recently w/o my passport (hadn't js'ed in over 5 years, so I was clueless.) I was in CASS just fine, but was denied the j/s. I asked if I could get a seat in the back, "NO". I asked if I could buy a ticket and ride in the back, "YES". I asked if this made sense, "CONFUSED LOOK". Asked for a Mananger (politely) who agreed with the gate agent until she looked it up in the SWA manual---You do not need a Passport to ride in the back, and common sense prevailed.....Thanks for the lift SWA and I mean that!

Maybe I should have said you can ONLY RIDE COCKPIT if you have a PASSPORT, NO PASSPORT and you are subject to seats available in coach.

Your company also needs to have a "reciprocal agreement" with SWA to J/S as well as CASS. I worked for a company last year that was in CASS, but no recip. with SWA. SWA wasn't terribly interested in setting it up, either. I tried.

Hmmm
 

My company is not CASS and since we're cargo only, we have no reciprocal agreements with anyone. I called SWA's non-rev line and explained my situation and I was listed. I'm going to shave my goatee Saturday morning before my flight. Am I going to be asking myself, "Did I shave my beard for this"? I have all of the same credentials to present to the gate agent, Captain, etc and I will be in a proper uniform with only a small gym bag to stow. From what I've read on other sites, SWA is one of the only airlines who lend a hand to employees of lesser operators. If I can't go, I can't go. I just don't want to end up in a situation where I get home, or halfway home and end up walking back to work. Google Maps says the walk would take like 10. something days. I know without CASS I have to ride in coach, and that is fine. Just tell me I'm not wasting my weekend as well as my family's hopes that I'll get to come home for a long weekend!

I think you may be in for a disappointment, but I hope not. You will most definitely won't be offered the jump seat if the cabin is full, that always will require CASS access. You may get lucky and get offered a seat in back. Please remember if the Captain does accommodate you he is putting himself in the line of fire for stepping outside the FOM. That being said, most will bend over backwards to attempt to get you where you are trying to go, and some would not even consider putting themselves in the line of fire in order to help. If you see someone from the flight crew go introduce yourself and explain your situation. Remember also, that getting a ride to your destination does not guarantee you a ride home because you will be dealing with a different gate agent and crew. For what it's worth I used to travel on SWA all the time when I was a freight dog with no reciprocal agreement. Of course this was the early nineties and times certainly have changed since then. When and where are you trying to travel, I can look at the loads?

That's pretty much what I am prepared for. I'm listed on #3557 DAL-ECP, 10:00 5/26, and #40 ECP-DAL, 13:40 5/28. I see there are still tickets for sale, but I sure can't afford one! I appreciate you checking for me. I'd rather know ahead of time that I'm stuck that find out at the gate. I also appreciate the fact that some things have changed over the last few years, but I made this plan based off of information posted on another site rather recently.

The outlook is not that great. 3557 stops in HOU. The first leg does not look too bad-21 seats available for sale with 1 employee listed and 2 buddy pass riders listed as non-revs.

Leg 2 to ECP is pretty bleak. 2 seats available for sale and one buddy/other listing which is probably you.

The return trip on 40 is most likely a no go. Zero seats available for sale and 3 buddy pass/other non revs listed on ECP-HOU. 37 seats available HOU-DAL with one non-rev listing.

Sorry for the bad news. Panama City on a holiday weekend is a struggle. Good luck if you want to give it a shot, but if it were a family member I would suggest they stay home and fire up the grill.

Yes, well... This is yet another pit-fall of living at a popular, fair-weather destination. Thanks for looking. I'm glad I found this out today. I guess I will buy a ticket for Labor Day!

Beware offline jumpseaters on SWA. You must have the actual passport to ride in the cockpit. (TPA 19apr2013)

I took my passport card (legal for travel domestic, canada, mexico & carribean), left actual passport at home to avoid loss/theft on vacation.

SWA would not honor the card for in cockpit J/s. US customs, and TSA honors it, but not SWA.

So, you're using the jumpseat for vacation travel? Offline? That's a problem.

If we are going to/from work, we MUST possess our passports.

Nothing to see here........

Let me see if I can get a clarification on this.

Mike

Why is that a problem?

Passport cards are NOT eligible for AIR travel. Ground and sea travel only and say so right on the cards. If you get away with using them, great! But it's just a matter of time before you get hassled by customs for getting off an airplane without the book

http://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/...w9lwx2hjpg.jpg

I think you may need to revisit your thoughts on this...

wait, no... you definitely need to revisit your thoughts on this.

I usually call ahead when I can, but when I'm crunched for time, I just go to the gate and list there. SWA is probably the most hospitable and accommodating airline when it comes to jumpseating (regular travel as well).

Here is the answer:

"No Passport cards. Numbers are different and we have a long standing policy of no passport cards for CASS."

SWA still allows "cabin only" if no or expired passport if seats are available. Some other airlines will deny any access.

***?

Sure! Whenever the back's full and I want to go somewhere (and I can get the Captain's ok)!

What's YOUR theory, anyway?

Hello! Could I have the load for tomorrow's flight 07OCT SWA718 from HOU-MCO. Thanks.

29 seats available with 2 non-revs listed.

Thank you so much.

Hello! Could I have the load for flight 09OCT SWA555 from MCO-HOU. Thanks.

There seems to be a number of different answers regarding CASS and non recip agreements with jumpseating. I was hoping someone could clarify for me. My 121 company has just been approved for CASS however we are still in the process of setting up with AIRINC. We have no reciprocal agreements. Is it foolish to think I have a chance of riding in the back? I was going to call and list and see what happens but it seems like a risky play.

Listing won't make a difference. The best you can do is show up at the gate and ask to sign up for the jump seat. When they say you don't show up in CASS, ask for a seat in the back. The CSA is in charge.

Thanks for the info, seems risky and it would suck to get stuck. I may sit this one out. If it were a non stop flight I would try but there's a connection.