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:

Jumpseating is a crucial travel benefit for off-duty pilots, distinct from non-revenue travel, allowing them to use extra cockpit or cabin seats, or available passenger seats, especially vital for commuting when flights are full.
It operates as a professional courtesy, requiring strict adherence to etiquette including a professional dress code, alcohol restrictions (as if on duty), and proper check-in procedures with gate agents and flight crews.
Jumpseaters are considered part of the crew, expected to maintain professionalism, and should research airline-specific policies and international variations using resources like the ALPA app.

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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.