However, the new policy makes it difficult to even ask for the jump seat. Recently I asked the check in staff if I could see captain to request jump seat, and was told "unless the captain comes and asks you....forget it...and that's the new policy".
First I've heard of any 'new' policy. Sounds like a policy approved by a ground pounder. Most skippers I've come across don't mind air crew or engineers coming and asking for the jump.
Maybe the guys and girls on the gate now have a policy that says that
THEY can't go and ask for the jump seat for you but I don't see where that prohibits you asking for it. I can see a (very, very small) security issue with having all sorts of staff travellers in the bridge before boarding but that hasn't stopped us to the present date!
Anyway, the whole thing is a dogs breakfast. Logic was gone from aviation a long time before Sep 11 2001. It just gave us another department to apply that lack of logic to!
