The pathetic system in the UK needs looking at. All Staff Travel has, for the most part, been eroded away and it's more or less impossible to get on without a valid full ticket any more. If you were on a staff ticket (sub load) you could usually get the jump seat if the a/c was full.
No longer.
The Departmet for Transport and CAA (should be the Department against Transport) have decreed, with a huge knee-jerk, that we cannot use any jump seats.
The situation is crazy.
I cannot even take my old Dad for a jump seat ride before he pegs out. In fact I am prevented from taking anyone who I've knon and trusted for years, but can take a CAA Inspector or security official, who I don't know from Adam, BUT they must get my permission.
No chance. I've withheld all permissions for these idiots till the situation is resolved.
I suggest others do the same!
Let's get it sorted out sensibly!!
VIVA THE SPANISH SYSTEM !!!
BAN ALL BUREAUCRATS FROM THE FLIGHT DECK UFN!!