Jumpseat Safety Reminders

It’s a common occurrence across the system: When our planes are full, we must sit on a jumpseat to reach our final destination. Sitting on an available jumpseat requires much more attention to safety and procedure than sitting in an open cabin seat. Here are some reminders for a safe and compliant jumpseat trip.

Board the aircraft according to standard passenger boarding procedures or as directed by the agent working the flight. When receiving the jumpseat award, it is good practice to confirm with the agent when you should board. Always be mindful not to interfere with the boarding and pre-departure process.

• Confirm with the Purser the next open jumpseat to be occupied according to our eFAOM and airplane staffing sheets. A jumpseater must always occupy the next available jumpseat that a working crew member would occupy.
  For verification purposes, jumpseat positions are outlined in our electronic Flight Attendant Operations Manual (eFAOM). As a courtesy, introduce yourself to the flight deck.
• Crew Member ID badge requirements are as follows.

a.) If a Flight Attendant is jumpseating in uniform, they MUST display their crew member ID badge until the aircraft door is closed.

b.) If a Flight Attendant is not in uniform, she/he should display her/his ID badge anytime when seated on a jumpseat.

• While occupying a jumpseat, Flight Attendants must adhere to all FARs, United policies, and carry-on baggage limits. Please do not put your fellow crew members in an uncomfortable position by asking to make room for your bags when the overhead bin space is full.
• Flight Attendants utilizing the jumpseat may not visit the flight deck.
• Flight Attendants utilizing the jumpseat may not use any crew rest facilities during any portion of the flight.

Additionally, crewmembers must recognize that jumpseaters are not part of the working crew. While jumpseating, Flight Attendants should NOT perform working crew duties, even if just to help out. Examples include arming doors, setting up galleys, or briefing exit rows.

NOTE: In the event of an emergency, United Flight Attendant jumpseat riders assume responsibilities of a working crew member and will assist or operate exits as needed. Should this occur please be sure to file any required reports per SOP in the eFAOM.