busdriver12

Maybe I've just had bad luck, and that last time with Delta was very unpleasant. Though I have to say that Southwest has been phenomenal, everyone from the gate agents, flight attendants to the pilots are friendly and pleasant as can be. I would jumpseat on them in a second if I needed to.

There's just something about being on your company aircraft, at least at FedEx. There is no doubt they will let you on, and you aren't going to get bumped at the last minute. It is as secure a ride as a paid ticket on a pax carrier...in fact if I really want to get somewhere, I go on FedEx, because we don't cancel easily. If it's safe and legal, we get there.

Adlerdriver

First, regardless of what the jumpseat agent says on the phone or what our jumpseat page shows, even at FedEx it's still up to the Captain whether you ride or not. So, I still request the jumpseat from every FX Captain.

Do they say "no"? I've never experienced it, but it has happened. Guys on check-rides have turned jumpers away. Of course, we've all heard about the 777 Captains who left our own pilots behind because the 4 operating pilots were going to be too crowded. FWIW, when I was at UAL, no one - and I mean no one - would have even considered leaving behind one of our own commuting pilots trying to get to work because it might be a bit inconvenient.

Second, I jump on pax carriers at least every other month. Typically AA or UAL and I've never been turned down by the Captain. Sure, sometimes there's no room in the cabin or the cockpit, so I go to my back-up. But the actual request for the seat isn't the distasteful experience you make it out to be. Pretty much the same as at FedEx - a friendly exchange, a request to ride and "welcome aboard".

Albief15

I got denied a JS to Paris by a guy I was going to be an RFO for on the return trip on the -11. He allowed another JSer (apparently someone he knew) and didn't want the jet "crowded". He also told me when we met at the Hyatt in Paris that "he preferred it when guys took the scheduled...." (Retired a few years ago--rather famous for being unpleasant)

Now--we fought to make sure captains have and keep jumpseat authority, but let me go on record as saying if you need a ride on my jet and its legal...welcome aboard.

What I remember about that is I listed on a 777 the same day, and those "tool box" guys could not have made me feel more welcome. 99% of the guys on our team are super, and that's what helps make it fun here. The 1% give us some good stories to share now and then...

busdriver12

That's sad to hear about our own guys turning people down, particularly one who is going to be part of their own crew on the way home. We used to have a few that were pretty awful, but I really can't think of anyone left who is (at least on my airplane).

Maybe I'll give pax jumpseating a chance again. My concern isn't so much that someone might be hostile or turn me down because they don't want someone in the cockpit, but the reliability of getting a seat when you're far down the priority list. I used to jumpseat on AA here and there, and would walk from gate to gate, getting told by the gate agents that the jumpseat was full, not knowing if I was going to get out that day or not. Can't imagine trying to get to work that way, I keep a number of backups even for a confirmed seat.

Overnitefr8

When was the last time you tried? I don't jump seat on pax much, but the only times I have had to sit in the cockpit is when the back was completely full. I think some airlines used to only allow as many offline jumpseaters as seats in the cockpit. Don't think that is policy nowadays.

millecha

Republic 175 captain here:
I have jumped on Fed Ex a few times and it was great. I've also had you guys on my planes.
Always welcome. If I can do it, I make sure. I make the walk to the gate every flt to make sure I'm not leaving anyone behind.
I prefer getting people home. That makes me happier, knowing someone will get to see their family. I'll get them to work too, but home is always better.

Chaz

busdriver12

Last time was Southwest, last year (it was great, sat in the back). Time before that was Delta, a few years back.....uncomfortable....negative experience. But good to know that policy has changed. I think I will give it another chance if I need to.

busdriver12

You sound like the best sort of captain, Chaz. It's good to know there are people like you, looking out for the rest of us. Thanks.

millecha

Thanks. I hope to fly with you some day. App is in, profile is active. I didn't make the "open house" coming up. I'm moving to Tupelo, MS for my wife's job. FedEx has been my dream job every since Fred Smith gave the key note address at my college graduation.


Chaz

UnusualAttitude

Very cool! Depending on where you live in Tupelo you could sit RSV from home! Keep that app current and network all that you can.

-UA