Between the economy, airline problems, and personal problems, you never know what is going on in the other guy’s head. It is best to just follow their lead and be as respectful and helpful as possible.
I agree, and I was respectful, asked permission to ride, etc.
I also understand the dynamics, hence I just sat there and didn't say aword...
Staple,
As someone said, you don't know what was going on there..had nothing to do with you. Maybe you stumbled into a cockpit where His High Eminence and the Loyal Minion were not getting along.
I totally agree. Again, I understand crew dynamics...
Consider it training by negative example and think how lucky it wasn't YOU in one of those front seats.
Yes, I
did think that!
Maybe not the popular opinion but:
On a personal level, it's really too bad you were all but completely ignored throughout the flight.
On a business level... the pilots have no obligation to entertain the jumpseater or each other whatsoever.
I understand that and I wasn't expecting to be
entertained.
My attitude about the jumpseat is much like Doug's attitude about this web-site - you're in my living room, kick off your shoes and enjoy yourself
as long as you follow the rules! I will be your host and make you feel
comfortable...
I have rode in the jump on plenty of mainline flights where less than a few words have been exchanged through the duration. On redeyes it's pretty much what you want; daytime flights could go either way. I throw on my earphones if nobody wants to chat, and honestly am just glad to have a ride, considering that's the last possible seat on the plane. I'm okay with it though, since I'd rather sit in silence than talk airline politics... and maybe 30%ish of the time one of the guys/gals lead the conversation that way.
Now I may have a less than completely developed view of the whole thing, considering I'm still pretty much an airline newbie. I will say that whoever rides in the jump if I'm upfront will be treated respectfully and professionally!
Thank you!
I'm sorry you had a crappy experience on my airline.
It wasn't crappy, just *odd*.
Especially in contrast to the SkyWest crew who gave me a ride home the week before and were welcoming, courteous and interested in having a conversation (at cruise) about all of the avition topics
du jour...
I don't think that's normal at all, but in 3.5 short years of commuting I've experienced a number of rides like this. (The worst was a Delta captain who didn't shake my hand or say a *single word* to me for 4 hours after the initial OK...but I'm still thankful he gave me a ride home).
I'm sorry you had that experience and let me apologize to you for his rudeness!
I've been in a number of silent cockpits, though, both as a jumpseater and pilot. That's just some people's personality, you know?
Believe me, I know!
Pilots all have bad days....
I was "lucky" enough to travel from SMF-LAS-CMH in the cockpit with 2 different SWA crews yesterday and they were the most enjoyable crews I've ever been up front with. As a commuter for the past 16 months, I've experienced my fair share of "not wanting to talk" at all. It is what it is...I'm just thankful for getting a ride to work for the right price! As the industry goes, so do the moods.
I get it, but "not wanting to talk" and ignoring are two different things, IMO...
Who cares. It's a free ride. There is no rule that says you have to be buddy buddy with your JSer.
I totally agree! I was happy to have the ride to work.
Maybe the crew didn't get along, if your feelings are being hurt because the CA and FO are not talking to you,
Let me reiterate - my feelings were not hurt, I just found it a little odd...
instead of waiting for 2.5 hours, just speak up and start the conversation yourself. Personally I could care less if the crew never even looked at me, it's a free ride.
As a jumpseater, I always follow the lead of the Captain. If he doesn't want to talk, I keep my mouth shut - which is what I did in this case.
Thanks for the input, everyone who replied.
As I originally posted, I just found this experience to be *way* out of the norm... and interesting!
Kevin
