Packsinop

Hey, what do you know! Just missed out on a jumpseat by UAL mainline CA, listed right as boarding started after I’ve been at the gate for close to an hour. As a wiseman once said, don’t hate the playa, hate the game.

trip

Yup I’ve been tapped on the shoulder “I’m taking the jump” a couple times while actually sitting in the Jumpseat minutes prior to door closing because someone pitched a fit at the gate and the let them on.
All you can do is gather your things and leave.

bonesbrigade

I've had this happen when I was commuting for a regional... Mainline guy made an arse of himself. Also got a last second first class seat on atl-jfk... Flight attendant started complaining about seniority and other nonrevs... Captain said "its his, we are about to push". A minute later she brings a white haired captain up from the back and says "you're seat is 39B". I just sighed and said fine.
After 12 years of commuting, I moved to base as soon as I graduated from training at mainline! Soooo much stress gone from my life!
Also just like to repeat what others have said... Make the walk Captains. I saved so many commuters that way.

Funny story... Last Thanksgiving, my old cfi and I were trying to get back home from atl on mainline metal, me 9e him OO... the js opened up at the last minute and I felt bad taking it because he has kids to see. He said "look man, I know how the game is played, and you bet your arse if it was an oo bird out there I'd leave you standing here in a heartbeat!"
Truer words have never been spoken!