ALternative to jump-seating
If you can't get a jumpseat ride get the next best thing - a 'from the cockpit' video. I bought the Virgin 747-400 video by ITVV and it is interesting and informative (if a little over the top with all the verbal cross-checking going on compared to jump seat rides I have experienced)
I'd recommend these videos to anyone who would like an insight into being on the flight-deck - they're not cheap (well not at Transair anyway!) but worth owning one or two.
Hope this helps,
Desk-pilot