A Seat To Jump For

When jumpseating, it's possible to run afoul of rules and etiquette, so it’s worth becoming familiar with the process early on.

Sam Weigel

Friday, September 01, 2023 at 11:45 AM ET

Verified

Jumpseat privileges are typically available days after receiving your employee badge, yet some employers do a rather minimal job of instructing new hire pilots in their use. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Jumpseat privileges are a professional travel benefit for pilots, distinct from standard non-revenue travel, allowing them to occupy extra seats in the cockpit or cabin for commuting and personal travel, especially when flights are full.
Utilizing jumpseats involves specific procedures and etiquette, including dress code (uniform/business attire preferred), adherence to alcohol restrictions, pre-listing with airlines, and polite interaction with gate agents and flight crew.
Pilots using jumpseat privileges are considered part of the crew, requiring professional conduct such as observing sterile cockpit rules, refraining from phone use, and being prepared to assist if needed, whether in the flight deck or a cabin jumpseat.

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Three months ago, I wrote a V1 Rotate primer to the wild and wonderful world of non-revenue travel, a benefit that all U.S. Part 121 passenger airlines and many freight carriers offer their employees, including pilots. This week, we’re going to talk about another form of travel benefit that is specific to pilots and is offered by every Part 121 carrier and some Part 135 operators.

Jumpseat privileges are typically available mere days after receiving your employee badge, yet some employers do a minimal job of instructing new hire pilots in their use. Jumpseating is an area where it’s very possible to step on toes and even get yourself in trouble if you run afoul of the rules and etiquette, so it’s worth becoming familiar with the process early on.