WJ-AC Reciprocal Jumpseat

[Jaques Strappe]

The long haul use of the jump seat for non-company folks can be problematic as having someone occupy the jump seats for many hours can be tiresome for everyone. I always thought the use of the flight deck seats was the back-up for company pilots when the cabin was full. If some competitor pilots are too cheap to buy a Z fare for personal business, then they can’t afford to travel and shouldn’t be allowed the privilege of the reciprocal jump seat agreement especially if it’s not on an equal footing.

Rebel

In todays environment, it is impossible to have "non company folks" in the flight deck, so I don't see the problem of having someone in your jump seat for long periods of time. Even if a company pilot or F/A requests it and is allowed to be there, the Captain still has final say if he/she is willing to have an extra body in the flight deck. Some appreciate the extra pair of eyes.

As for pilots being too cheap to buy a Zed fare, well I don't really get that. Jump seating has been a huge benefit for many years, particularly to commuters. It is not about being cheap. If WJ wants to charge for the benefit, well that is really their prerogative don't you think? It is up to Air Canada to decide whether or not they want to allow Westjet a reciprocal. Obviously, we decided the charge was small enough that the benefit was still worth it. One advantage for AC pilots jump seating on WJ for example is that WJ does not over sell their flights, so no guessing game on how many seats may or may not open up last minute. To some, this is worth the 20 bucks right there.

If you don't like the charge, then I would suggest you convey your concerns to the jump seat committee.

[Rebel]

Jaques

You flew the ’67 for a few years and you know as well as anyone else having folks on the flight deck for 8-9-10 hours is tiresome for everyone. The 340’s were a little better if the bunk wasn’t been used, as most travelers preferred traveling in their own private lounge. I’m sure no one would disagree that having an extra set of trained eyes on departure and arrival is certainly a plus.

Yes Jaques I’m aware that travel on the flight deck by OAL travelers is not authorized under any circumstances, a slip of the tongue on my part.. I’m also aware that the reciprocating jump seat program is a discretionary courtesy subject to air regulations, company policy and permission from the Captain. Thank you for reminding me.

However it is my understanding that the reciprocating jump seat program was based on a level playing field. It’s still a cost item to the company and those costs should be recovered and not from the contract.

I will follow your advice and convey my concerns to the MEC jump seat chair.

[Jaques Strappe]

Hey Rebel

I wasn't trying to come off as condescending but I can see how my post may have read that way. No offense, sorry.

I guess what I am trying to say is that I know of no "Perfect Jump Seat Policy."

At Westjet, there is a charge. At Air Canada, there is a policy of only allowing one jump seater, even if there are 50 open seats and someone has to have that elusive coupon. At Continental, you must be in full uniform. Every airline has it's own little "control issue" at play. For instance, I would rather pay 20 bucks than wear a uniform, and know that with 4 possible jump seaters and 5 seats remaining, I will probably get on.

I get what you mean about a level playing field but I don't think that is a true fact today with most airlines. A perfect example is Air Canada itself. Why is an off duty Air Canada pilot not allowed to use the jump seat program at his/her own airline? Continental, as with most others, sure does not employ that philosophy. We basically discriminate against our own.

JS

[Rebel]

Hey Jaques

No offence taken, I assume that you are referring to the following rule, which should be changed but won't because of "me too".
Quote:
“PILOTS EMPLOYED BY AIR CANADA ARE REQUIRED TO USE A PERSONAL TRIP PASS (T420A) FOR JUMPSEAT TRAVEL ON AIR CANADA.”

According to jump seat policy its aircraft type that determines the number of seats available ..
Quote:
“WE ARE PERMITTED TO CARRY MORE THAN ONE PILOT IN THE CABIN, IF THE FLIGHT DECK IS EQUIPPED WITH MORE THAN ONE JUMPSEAT. WE WILL ALLOW AN EQUIVALENT NUMBER OF PILOTS IN THE CABIN, AS WE HAVE AVAILABLE JUMPSEATS IN THE FLIGHT DECK. CREW REST FACILITIES ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE.”

Perhaps the present jump seat agreement has to be reworked to better reflect the different in costs borne by the long haul vs. short haul carriers. In the present dire condition of our industry we have no choice but to recover our costs.

This little tidbit is for information purposes only, hopefully to avoid embarrassment for all concerned as shit happens.
Quote:
“ALTHOUGH FIRST OFFICERS ARE PERMITTED TO CARRY FLIGHT DECK PASSES, ONLY THE CAPTAIN OPERATING THE FLIGHT CAN ISSUE A TRAVELLER THE FLIGHT DECK PASS.”

Cheers.. Oh and the shouting is a straight copy and paste.