Hey guys. I'm planning on taking fedex to HNL next week out of MEM and was wondering if they carry two crews on that flight? I know its blocked at like 8:30 and I wasn't sure if fedex carries an additional crew for the long flights. The flight is an MD-11. Anyone have any experiences taking fedex out there?
Fedex to Honolulu
- Thread starter nc1982
- Start date
Nick
Well-Known Member
A friend of mine just took them on that flight.
It's between 8 and 12 hours so it's a 3-pilot crew.
I think the crew offered to let him ride in the hotel van to at least get headed in the right direction, and he got off there and went in a cab to where he was staying. I wouldn't count on the van ride part of course.
Thanks. I was just afraid they would not have room for any jumpseaters, although I know the MD-11 has like 4 seats in the back and the 2 up front. Everytime I have taken them somewhere, the crew has been real cool in letting me ride with them to the hotel. I'm just wondering how full that MEM-HNL flight can get. I am sure I am not the only idiot trying to get out to HNL this time of year.
mokulele
Well-Known Member
Be aware that FedEx has MD-11's in slightly different configurations. I have taken them twice HNL-LAX.
One had two jumpseats in the flight deck and two passenger seats in the cabin.
The other had two jumpseats in the flight deck and two stow-away crew bunks in the cabin which cannot be occupied for takeoff and landing. When I encountered this type of arrangement I got a call from their MEM jumpseat call center telling me I had been "bumped" from the seat I had listed for and would need captain approval to ride upfront. I was a bit confused thinking, "how is this different from any other time I would be asking for a ride from FedEx?" I think what had happened was a tail re-route and jumpseat configurations changed from one type to the other.
Anyhow, most people seem to think that once you list on FedEx, you are golden unless a deadheading crew shows up. Not true. Ground agents in HNL told me that occasionally they will encounter CA's that don't like to have jumpseaters riding upfront with them on longer flights as it gets "too stuffy".
One had two jumpseats in the flight deck and two passenger seats in the cabin.
The other had two jumpseats in the flight deck and two stow-away crew bunks in the cabin which cannot be occupied for takeoff and landing. When I encountered this type of arrangement I got a call from their MEM jumpseat call center telling me I had been "bumped" from the seat I had listed for and would need captain approval to ride upfront. I was a bit confused thinking, "how is this different from any other time I would be asking for a ride from FedEx?" I think what had happened was a tail re-route and jumpseat configurations changed from one type to the other.
Anyhow, most people seem to think that once you list on FedEx, you are golden unless a deadheading crew shows up. Not true. Ground agents in HNL told me that occasionally they will encounter CA's that don't like to have jumpseaters riding upfront with them on longer flights as it gets "too stuffy".
Thanks! Yea I've heard of the MD-11s with the bunk configurations. I mean I have other options besides Fedex, but I figure they are the most convenient. How is HAL to jumpseat on? I heard they are pretty good too. And with them flying the bus out to the west coast, they should have 2 jumpseats up front.
mokulele
Well-Known Member
Hawaiian is awesome to jumpseat on. They have always been very accomodating. Cut-off for listing is 30 min prior for interisland and 45 min prior for transpacific. The Airbus A330-200 has two seats upfront; the main jumpseat in the center is very comfortable - essentially the same type of seat as the pilots and it rotates around. The second jumpseat is a foldaway chair behind the FO. HA does not allow offline jumpseaters to occupy the crew bunk below.
Although most HA 767s have one jumpseat upfront, some do have two jumpseats upfront as well.
I personally expect to be asking for rides all summer long, especially this year since DL stopped MSP-HNL. Hawaii is insanely popular during the summer. What baffles me is why anyone would allow their friends to travel there on buddy passes. DL alone had 200+ nonrevs trying to get out of HNL after Memorial Day. It took a week for everyone to clear.
Soul Brotha'
Off to go do Black guy stuff
I've done the MEM-HNL jumpseat. It was a great experience. They had three pilots with two jumpseats in the cockpit and two in the back. It was a MD-11 with the bunkbeds. Besides me and the three crew there was an AA pilot. We got a great meal 2X. They'll take up to as much as can fit in the actual jumpseats. When you call the number to list they'll confirm you if no other pilots have listed. Rode the van to their hotel and caught a cab to where my wife and I were staying. On the way back I was the only one on the flight. This was in June of last year, starting peak season. FedEx crews and staff treat OAL members really well.
MissedApproach
Well-Known Member
Don't forget about UPS out of SDF as well. I commute to HNL about once a month and I'm almost always the only JSer. Extremely accommodating and a class act all the way.
Alchemy
Well-Known Member
I didn't even think of Atlas. Do you know what time that Jfk flight leaves on Thursdays? I finish a trip in Lga on Thursday morning and would love it if I could make that Atlas flight.
Alchemy
Well-Known Member
It leaves very very early on Thursday morning, currently scheduled for 0225 local. It's not unusual for the flight to be pushed back 3 or 4 hours but that's still probably too early for you. Anyway, it's listed as Qantas 7550 and currently only has 4 crewmembers scheduled, leaving 4 seats vacant. Let me know if you need more info.