Three JS listed, two JS on Airbus
 

So I am the most senior JS listed of three listed. Two of us are present.

Gate agent asked if I would take the JS about 50 minutes prior to departure to get one more SA on.

Flight fairly full. I said let's wait a little longer. Anyway, at about 30 minutes prior she wants my decision.

A little back in forth as I asked her to wait until 20 minutes before departure as that seems to be when they clear SAs on a full flight.

No go, so I take a seat in the back so as not to screw a late show JS.

Don't know why she couldn't wait for one seat, just a bad attitude.

That sucks.

I don't see what else you could have done differently given the situation. It seems like the agent was actually making things harder on herself while you were trying to do right by everybody.

If nothing else, fill out a PDR for the jumpseat committee.

Ya, the other JS never showed, so she could have gotten another SA onboard for Memorial weekend. Hell, work with me, she could have marched a SA down the Jetway as she was shutting the door and I would have gone to the cockpit JS.

I know it's not always an easy thing to do but some quick com with captain and he/she could have made the walk and ensured that there was a soul in every seat...

Something like ....hey just checking in, I'm listed for a JS but there are a couple of guys junior to me listed and I'm not sure they are here yet...agent wants me to make a decision about an open seat in the back ...if you end up with an empty JS I'll gladly sit there to get another nonrev on....

Then cue the "deer in the headlights" look from a captain that has never commuted to work a day in his/her life....

but at least you know you've done everything you can...

I went down before PAX to stow my bag and explain what was going on to Capt.

Then you covered all the bases.... from a fellow commuter thanks for being considerate...

+1

10X better SA than many commuters I see out there

Been commuting for a long time. Always advocating and checking boarding area when Capt's are clueless.

We had a very senior guy on my commute that always took the JS even though he could have gotten a seat in the back. He is retired now.

Sometimes within 10 minutes of departure he would show up, not even listed before hand.

Anyway, from now on, I think I will always take a seat in the back unless the CSR is willing to work with me.

I completely agree with this etiquette, but be careful. I once took a seat in the back to get an express Jumpseater on. Just prior to closing the door, the agent comes on board and tells me she needs me to get off immediately because the revenue pax showed up for my seat. As I’m leaving the plane the express guy is standing up front shaking his head and says “sorry dude”. I’m like, excuse me? He actually expected me to get off my own metal after doing him a favor and get left behind. I don’t think so. I’m all for helping a guy out, but if they try to unseat me at the last minute I’m taking the jump unless of course the captain doesn’t allow me to.

I hear ya, in this particular case it was all United pilots, but I certainly would explain to an offline guy he is getting the boot if I can ride in the back.