Question about commuting via airlines

[bc2209]

I understand the process of commuting through different airlines and the agreements they have with one another, in which I assume are through the pilot contracts. Why is it that one would have to wear their "pilot uniform" in order to jump seat or non rev? That part I'm not 100 on...



No good with street clothes?

 

[Autothrust Blue]

I understand the process of commuting through different airlines and the agreements they have with one another, in which I assume are through the pilot contracts. Why is it that one would have to wear their "pilot uniform" in order to jump seat or non rev? That part I'm not 100 on...



No good with street clothes?

Dress code is GENERALLY uniform or business casual for jumpseat occupants.

Most of my commutes had me going to work either right away, or later in the day, so I would dress accordingly.

 

[Ajax]

Getting undressed for the TSA and getting dressed again is too much work, let me ride in the buff

 

[BobDDuck]

I haven't heard of any airline that requires a uniform to jumpseat. It's certainly easier some times (getting through the TSA shenanigans, dealing with the gate agent, pre boarding for overhead space, getting water/food etc from the FAs) but not required.

 

[RRPower]

I learned my lesson last month when I went to DCA to get my flight kit cause I had training coming up. Wore nice clothes but left the monkey suit at home. I had nothing...I repeat nothing with me and I got destroyed going through TSA. Yelled at me for going in the employee line, yelled at me for cutting (I had no bags)...made me go through the Chernobyl machine...had to do that twice...then a pat down. I will NEVER not travel in uniform again. I couldn't imagine if I had actually had bags. Unreal.

 

[BobDDuck]

I learned my lesson last month when I went to DCA to get my flight kit cause I had training coming up. Wore nice clothes but left the monkey suit at home. I had nothing...I repeat nothing with me and I got destroyed going through TSA. Yelled at me for going in the employee line, yelled at me for cutting (I had no bags)...made me go through the Chernobyl machine...had to do that twice...then a pat down. I will NEVER not travel in uniform again. I couldn't imagine if I had actually had bags. Unreal.

I've gone through the lines at both the Delta and USAirways piers in regular clothes (with bags and with out) a bunch recently and have never had a problem. It's really hit or miss I guess.

 

[z987k]

I learned my lesson last month when I went to DCA to get my flight kit cause I had training coming up. Wore nice clothes but left the monkey suit at home. I had nothing...I repeat nothing with me and I got destroyed going through TSA. Yelled at me for going in the employee line, yelled at me for cutting (I had no bags)...made me go through the Chernobyl machine...had to do that twice...then a pat down. I will NEVER not travel in uniform again. I couldn't imagine if I had actually had bags. Unreal.

I will put a uniform on just to go through security and then take it off 30 seconds later because it's WAY less hassle to change clothes twice than to deal with them in street clothes.

 

[BobDDuck]

I will put a uniform on just to go through security and then take it off 30 seconds later because it's WAY less hassle to change clothes twice than to deal with them in street clothes.

If they catch you doing that and you have more than 3 ounces of liquids they will fine you and, depending on the location, pursue federal charges. We've had it happen to a few of our guys here.

 

[ufgators]

I haven't heard of any airline that requires a uniform to jumpseat. It's certainly easier some times (getting through the TSA shenanigans, dealing with the gate agent, pre boarding for overhead space, getting water/food etc from the FAs) but not required.

Exactly! I usually have to commute to work on my day off but I always commute with my uniform on. Just makes everything a lot more easier.
www.jumpseatinfo.org will have a listing of most if not all airline jumpseat policies including their dress code requirements.

 

[ghoster]

I learned my lesson last month when I went to DCA to get my flight kit cause I had training coming up. Wore nice clothes but left the monkey suit at home. I had nothing...I repeat nothing with me and I got destroyed going through TSA. Yelled at me for going in the employee line, yelled at me for cutting (I had no bags)...made me go through the Chernobyl machine...had to do that twice...then a pat down. I will NEVER not travel in uniform again. I couldn't imagine if I had actually had bags. Unreal.

Perhaps that provides some insight as to what the average traveler has to put up with. No wonder everyone one hates air travel nowdays.

 

[drunkenbeagle]

If they catch you doing that and you have more than 3 ounces of liquids they will fine you and, depending on the location, pursue federal charges. We've had it happen to a few of our guys here.

Land of the free, home of the brave and all.

Federal charges for what exactly?

 

[Cav]

I'm totally opposite. I commute to work and I virtually NEVER commute in uniform. I also commute to work offline 90% of the time and have never had any issues. It really has nothing to do with the stupid questions and more to do with basic comfort. I usually will wear my uniform pants with a button down shirt and maybe a sweater or fleece depending on what I've got packed. I actually comply with the TSA liquid requirements because frankly I'm male and don't need to carry anything besides tooth paste, deodorant, and shaving cream. I've got TSA Pre Approved and I can get through that security line 10 times faster and easier rather than waiting for the 70 yr old FA in front of me to find her driver's license for Known Crew Member. Furthermore if I'm heading home from work and can get on my commute using a normal nonrev pass and not the Jumpseat, I can enjoy a cocktail on the ride home or maybe a stop in the lounge before the flight. Spending a few extra bucks makes my commute very tolerable. It doesn't have to be miserable unless you let it become so.

 

[Pilotforhire587]

I always jumpseat to work in uniform, but that is because I pack lots of food with me and have had the TSA give me crap about canned goods like tuna or soups. After a trip if I am commuting home the same day I will often change.

 

[Cass]

Uniform, everyone treats you a whole lot better. Dealing with the oompa loompas, flight crew, and other pax is just less hassle. Although, seems like there's always the one guy who'd like to point out that the cockpit is the other direction when you're boarding. A quick "I'm the tail gunner today" usually does the trick and shuts em up.

 

[Pilotforhire587]

Uniform, everyone treats you a whole lot better. Dealing with the oompa loompas, flight crew, and other pax is just less hassle. Although, seems like there's always the one guy who'd like to point out that the cockpit is the other direction when you're boarding. A quick "I'm the tail gunner today" usually does the trick and shuts em up.

Sometimes its hard to want to maintain a professional attitude.

 

[jynxyjoe]

I'm a commuter now, I don't find my uniform that uncomfortable anymore and I go out of my way to go through KCM. To me it feels like I break stride for half a second and roll on, I have to do infinitely more in the TSA lines but I probably bring a little more crap than I need to (food for a 4-5 day).

 

[Springer]

Commuted for 20+ years and NEVER wore a uniform. Rather be incognito.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Land of the free, home of the brave and all.

Federal charges for what exactly?

Circumventing or attempting to circumvent TSA security measures. I kid you not.

It's very stupid, since it's not a risk- or identity-based approach to security, but it's apparently a "thing."

 

[Skåning]

I'm totally opposite. I commute to work and I virtually NEVER commute in uniform. I also commute to work offline 90% of the time and have never had any issues. It really has nothing to do with the stupid questions and more to do with basic comfort. I usually will wear my uniform pants with a button down shirt and maybe a sweater or fleece depending on what I've got packed. I actually comply with the TSA liquid requirements because frankly I'm male and don't need to carry anything besides tooth paste, deodorant, and shaving cream. I've got TSA Pre Approved and I can get through that security line 10 times faster and easier rather than waiting for the 70 yr old FA in front of me to find her driver's license for Known Crew Member. Furthermore if I'm heading home from work and can get on my commute using a normal nonrev pass and not the Jumpseat, I can enjoy a cocktail on the ride home or maybe a stop in the lounge before the flight. Spending a few extra bucks makes my commute very tolerable. It doesn't have to be miserable unless you let it become so.

whoa that's waaaay different than my commute. What am i doing wrong?

 

[Cav]

whoa that's waaaay different than my commute. What am i doing wrong?

Not saying this is the case with you Skåning but a lot of miserable commuters I hear doing most of the complaining are cheap. I understand that a regional FO probably has no other alternative but I sure see a lot of older guys digging through yesterday's sandwiches at the food kiosk or running to the crew room to grab the first recliner for the night. We moved out of base for a job opportunity that my wife got. She'd moved around for my job enough so it only seemed fair and we wanted out of the northeast. When that happened and I started commuting we agreed that I would never sleep in a crew room unless I absolutely had to, that I might spend a few extra bucks every once in awhile on a descent meal while waiting for a flight, inflight internet occasionally, and I'd take advantage of the airline club when I could. I consider those part of the cost of doing business if you will.

It doesn't have to be miserable unless you let it. Sometimes I actually enjoy unwinding during my ride home comfortably out of uniform, Woodford on the rocks, and a good song or two on my iPod.