Jumpseat Etiquette & Courtesy

By Capt. Rich Odbert (FedEx Express), ALPA Flight Deck Access Working Group Chairman

Many of us jumpseat on a regular basis to get to work, and protecting this benefit is incumbent upon us all. We must always remember that jumpseating is a privilege and not a right and that we should act in a professional and courteous manner at all times. The following etiquette guidelines and restrictions should be observed at all times while exercising jumpseat privileges:

1. Always remember to ask the captain’s permission and extend appreciation for the ride, even if occupying a cabin seat. U.S. regulations require the captain to know that you’re on board, and they also establish full authority to the pilot-in-command in approving all requests. When off-line, identify yourself as a jumpseater to the flight attendants when boarding. Never let an agent or flight attendant rush you past the cockpit without asking the captain’s permission. Some airlines require nonrevenue passengers and jumpseaters to board last and to deplane last. This is certainly also appropriate on cargo airlines when it comes to boarding and deplaning, including flight line crew buses as well. Leave room for the operating crew and their bags first.

2. Remember that you’re an additional crewmember exercising the privileges of your airman certificate as an off-duty pilot. If you’re sitting in the flight deck, keep your eyes and ears open. Wear a headset. Follow sterile cockpit rules, but speak up when necessary. Remember to turn off your cell phone as soon as you get in the cockpit and cease text messaging. Remember, 10,000 feet and below is a sterile-cockpit environment (in some cases, above 10,000 feet also) and, as an additional crewmember, reading, talking, etc., aren’t allowed. Your best behavior ensures jumpseat privileges in the future. Remember, you may very well be setting the example for someone new. Maintain the standard!

3. When off-line, if offered a seat in first class by the captain, inform the lead flight attendant of this permission. A first-class seat doesn’t automatically entitle you to the same first-class benefits as revenue passengers. If they do accommodate you in first class, don’t consume alcoholic beverages. While you’re exercising the privileges afforded you by 14 CFR 121.547 or 121.583 (i.e., jumpseating), you’re considered an additional crewmember, and the alcohol limitations of 14 CFR Part 91 apply. A seat in the back doesn’t relieve you from this responsibility. Even when not in uniform, remember that you’re still considered an additional crewmember, and you may be required to perform duties in case of unusual or emergency circumstances. It’s never about where you sit—it’s about how you gain access.

4. Both on- and off-line, always express your gratitude to the crew when deplaning. Again, some airlines’ policies are for nonrevs (including jumpseaters) to deplane last. Be courteous, stay out of the way of revenue passengers, and provide any assistance, if necessary. Use your best judgment, especially if you stowed your bags farther aft than your seat.

5. Be polite and courteous to operating crew and gate agents. Remember to never let them talk you into taking the jumpseat or becoming a jumpseater on a flight for which you are ticketed. Access to the jumpseat requires the captain’s approval; the gate or ticket agent can’t assign the jumpseat without the captain’s concurrence. It’s not just another seat. It’s a personal reciprocal privilege. The off-line jumpseat is never to be used for deadheading or what would be business or revenue travel.

6. ALPA members are some of the most professional aviators in the world. We need to dress and act the part. Captains deserve the respect they’ve earned, and we’re all professionals charged with self-policing our behaviors to preserve this time-honored safety and security privilege.

For more information on jumpseating, visit your master executive council’s jumpseat website or go to www.jumpseatinfo.org to access ALPA’s Air Safety Organization Jumpseat Committee site.

This article was originally published in the June 2017 issue of Air Line Pilot.

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