surreal1221
Well-Known Member
Warning: If you are a commuting pilot desiring to get to a destination, according to the not so friendly agents here in Columbia, SC, Delta does not allow them to list crewmember(s) for the jumpseat.
Scenario example:
Delta 737 and a Delta 757 divert to Columbia because they were unable to get into Atlanta. Both planes have roughly 20-25 passengers deplane. Pilot attempting to commute to Atlanta approaches gate agent to inquire about listing on the Jumpseat. Agent immediately shuts pilot down and tells him "I'm not allowed." Pilot then contacts his company's CP to inquire and seek assistance in getting around what appears to be an unhelpful agent. CP successfully contacts Delta OCC sector manager and receives a "Yes, the pilot is able to Jumpseat." CP contacts pilot again and informs him that according to Delta managers there are no restrictions inhibiting a Delta plane that executed a diversion from taking on a jumpseater, if the Jumpseat is available. Shortly afterwards the 737 Captain comes up to the gate house. Pilot inquires with Captain. Captain inquires with agent and receives a similar terse statement from gate agent. Captain attempts to rationalize with agent. Agent provides a more colorful explanation as to why he is unable to list pilot for jumpseat. Captain approaches pilot and apologizes immensely for being unable to take pilot to Atlanta and confesses that "If he says I can't, then I suppose I can't. Good luck and I'm sorry."
So...for our Delta boys here: Are you guys aware of any policy restricting you guys as Captains from accepting a jumpseater on the second sequence of a flight from the diversion airport?
ALPA Jumpseat chairman has already been notified but I do not expect much to come from it. This pilot strongly feels that Columbia, SC agents are extremely unwilling to work with commuting crewmembers when it requires basic outside of the box thinking.
Scenario example:
Delta 737 and a Delta 757 divert to Columbia because they were unable to get into Atlanta. Both planes have roughly 20-25 passengers deplane. Pilot attempting to commute to Atlanta approaches gate agent to inquire about listing on the Jumpseat. Agent immediately shuts pilot down and tells him "I'm not allowed." Pilot then contacts his company's CP to inquire and seek assistance in getting around what appears to be an unhelpful agent. CP successfully contacts Delta OCC sector manager and receives a "Yes, the pilot is able to Jumpseat." CP contacts pilot again and informs him that according to Delta managers there are no restrictions inhibiting a Delta plane that executed a diversion from taking on a jumpseater, if the Jumpseat is available. Shortly afterwards the 737 Captain comes up to the gate house. Pilot inquires with Captain. Captain inquires with agent and receives a similar terse statement from gate agent. Captain attempts to rationalize with agent. Agent provides a more colorful explanation as to why he is unable to list pilot for jumpseat. Captain approaches pilot and apologizes immensely for being unable to take pilot to Atlanta and confesses that "If he says I can't, then I suppose I can't. Good luck and I'm sorry."
So...for our Delta boys here: Are you guys aware of any policy restricting you guys as Captains from accepting a jumpseater on the second sequence of a flight from the diversion airport?
ALPA Jumpseat chairman has already been notified but I do not expect much to come from it. This pilot strongly feels that Columbia, SC agents are extremely unwilling to work with commuting crewmembers when it requires basic outside of the box thinking.