Jumpseat Etiquette 

Dress code is uniform, business, or business casual unless extenuating circumstances exist that, in the PIC's opinion, should allow deviation. Facial hair is generally not permitted. Check the ALPA app Jumpseat Info section for more details about specific airline policies.

Jumpseat availability is usually first-come, first-served; however, most airlines give their own pilots and, in some cases, pilots of subsidiaries a higher priority. Most, but not all, airlines allow multiple jumpseat riders when unoccupied cabin seats are available. By regulation, the captain makes the final decisions, not the gate agent or CASS.

Check-in procedures vary by airport, airline, and whether you are traveling internationally or domestically. Allow sufficient time to check in at either the ticket counter or gate—or in some cases, both. Review each airline’s policies and procedures in the ALPA mobile app.

Jumpseating requires professional conduct at all times. Be courteous to agents when requesting the jumpseat. Always ask the captain's permission and offer thanks for the ride, even if given a seat assignment and occupying a cabin seat. Never let an agent rush you past the cockpit without asking the captain’s permission. FARs require that the captain authorize you and know you are on board. Identify yourself as a jumpseater to the flight attendants when boarding. If in the cabin, protocol requires nonrevenue passengers and jumpseaters to board last and also deplane last.

Leave your bags on the jet bridge (or otherwise out of the way) while you introduce yourself. Limit your carry-on bags to a minimum when jumpseating. This benefits you because you are most likely one of the last to board—when overhead space is quite limited.

Employees and other nonrevs will have priority over jumpseaters who may be offered a cabin seat. Offline jumpseaters generally have the lowest priority of anyone. You may be asked to deplane at the last minute. Airlines will not delay flights for jumpseaters.  A jumpseater who causes delays on other airlines could jeopardize reciprocal agreements.

Remember that jumpseating is not the same as nonrevving; on U.S. carriers, you are an additional crewmember. That means that if you are 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. Use of non-approved electronic devices may be restricted, so even during cruise, it is best practice while in the cockpit to ask the captain before turning one on.

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. are not allowed. Your best behavior ensures jumpseat agreements in the future.

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. You may or may not be served meals, etc.

No matter what cabin class of service you are in, do not drink alcoholic beverages. While you are exercising the privileges afforded you by FAR 121.547 or 121.583 (i.e., jumpseating), you are an additional crewmember, and the alcohol limitations of FAR 91 apply. A seat in the back does not relieve you from this responsibility. Even when not in uniform, you are still considered an additional crewmember, and you may be required to assist on the flight deck or in the cabin in case of unusual or emergency circumstances.

Be polite and courteous to gate agents. They do not get the same benefits of riding on other carriers for free. If you are a ticket passenger, do not let them talk you into taking the jumpseat—no matter how nicely they ask or what type of favor you may think you are doing them. They may offer you vouchers, a practice that has resulted in lost reciprocal jumpseat agreements in the past. The jumpseat belongs to the captain, not the gate agent! It is not just another seat!

Some airlines' policies are for nonrevs (including jumpseaters) to deplane last. Be considerate of revenue passengers and provide any assistance, if necessary. Use your best judgment, especially if you stowed your bags farther aft than your seat.

Always express your gratitude to the crew when deplaning. No matter how rushed, remember to say "thank you."

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments, and/or complaints, please contact your pilot group's jumpseat coordinator. Be prepared with detailed information such as the date, time, gate (so it can be accurately tracked through CASS), and name of the gate agent.