ConnectionPilot

I have tried 3 times so far and failed because the aircraft is overweight. I am in training now to fly the CRJ so I haven't exactly been on the line to see how man y times this actually happens. I'm suppose to be connecting through Memphis tomorrow on a CRJ. Not many seats are available so I'm trying to decide whether or not to take another flight.

jaded

It's more about the time of day and the day of the week you try and jumpseat more than the aircraft you're flying in. Besides... It's Spring Break, everyone is travelling, which probably explains why I'm stuck in PHX right now...

dbo861

If it's close, many times the crew can play with the numbers and make it work. Today I was trying to get on a full Pinnacle flight. It was over booked and the gate agent kept telling me it was weight restricted and there was no way i was going to get on. The captain saw me at the gate and after I introduced myself and he checked out my credential he was like "let me see what I can do". Sure enough I got the jumpseat.

meeko031

WOW....

dbo861

it's late and i'm updating my logbook..cut me some slack

kalyx522

Agree, the KEY is to try to get in contact with the flight crew... I've been told many times by gate agents that a flight is weight restricted when I KNEW for a fact that it wasn't.. I knew because those were my own company flights and I knew the crews and was talking on the phone with the captain at the same time that the gate agent was telling me about the alleged "weight restriction." I was able to get on those flights because I knew about the real (non-restricted) situation, but if I hadn't, I would've gotten denied for no reason! For that reason, if I'm trying to commute on my own company, I ALWAYS look up the crew for that flight before leaving for the airport so I can call them up if I encounter problems at the gate.
And like the above person said, if the flight IS genuinely weight restricted like it often is in winter (and not the result of a prick gate agent) sometimes the crew will be nice enough to find some kids in the back or even ghostride you... but ONLY if they even know you are there! If the crew never comes out to the gate area and a prick gate agent never tells them that there is someone trying to jumpseat, they will never know.

meeko031

all good

wolf

On my aircraft, we don't push back without the jumpseater. Regardless of what the button pusher at the gate may think, it's my decision. 99% of the time, we can sort out W&B or weight critical issues. It just takes some creative thinking and a backbone... I routinely re-educate gate agents on this concept. If they are courteous and helpful, I gladly extend them the same courtesy. If they are not, they're in for a very bad day. I'll take the delay and explain it later. The problem of course is getting the crew's attention faced with an uncooperative gate agent. If it's your company, you can always try to get hold of the dispatcher and ask them to alert the crew if you can't get their attention.

texaspilot76

We rarely have a wieght issue unless we have extra fuel due to an alternate, a full boat, and a ton of bags. Like Wolf said, find a crewmember. 99% of the time they will do their best to get you on. I have found that some companies (i.e. Eagle) are taking the wieght and balance out of the crews hand. Then you are at the mercy of the gate agent.

Aviatormar

At AWAC I can honestly say I have never left a jumpseater behind, even on a full boat with lots of bags and lots of gas we will find a way to get whoever, were they need to go. Just make sure you get in contact with the crew, gate agents can be a pain.