"Jumpseating" on Amtrak

[saxman]

This is something we talked about today in training at my airline. Many of us are going to be based at JFK Airport and they talked about getting from Newark or LGA to JFK in case us pilots can't find a flight into JFK. They said they have been working with several bus companies to give discounts to commuting flight crew who need to transfer airports. Then the thought came to me...What about commuting on Amtrak?!? As many of you probably know, many pilots don't live in their base city. They commute to work by "jumpseating" either on their own airline or any other airline. But that can be a hassle in itself, especially if bad weather hits the area. So say if, all the flights to NYC are booked solid and a pilot gets knocked off. It'd be nice to fly into PHL or DCA or even BOS and just take Amtrak into NYC! One problem- Amtrak is not cheap on the NEC!

For me, I'm planning on living in Boston and commuting to JFK. Most of the time, with dozons of flights a day, it would be an easy commute. But what if I'm stuck? I would love to just hop on Acela to take the trip in almost the same amount of time. But one reason I'm not going to that much is simply the cost. Would Amtrak ever let airline employees "jumpseat" on their trains. Or at least give a big discount to those people. Obviously this should be on a standby basis, but it would be great to have. I really can't afford the 80 to 120 it costs to ride between BOS and NYC. I might pay 40 or so. I'm not even sure if its worth it to buy a 10-ride ticket.

So would Amtrak ever let someone do this?? If so, how much trouble would it be to get them to?

 

[AmtrakWPK]

What are the chances that the airlines would agree to "jumpseat" Amtrak crews on their way to someplace to catch up with a train? In the current climate, I highly doubt it. But they would surely have to agree to do that if you have any chance at all of Amtrak agreeing to what you're talking about.....

 

[Brad C.]

Cant say much about this topic, but wanted to pass on a hearty,

WAR EAGLE!,

Brad Class of '97.

 

[caravanman]

I have nothing against flying.. without it I couldn't get to my nearest Amtrak station.. 5000 miles!

I do wonder how fair it is that comparativly highly paid pilots might get reduced rail travel costs, when us low paid prols have to stump up full fair?

Ed B)

 

[Guest]

Frieght crews deadhead/jump seat on Amtrak all the time.

 

[AlanB]

Frieght crews deadhead/jump seat on Amtrak all the time.

Yes, that was part of the agreement that created Amtrak.

 

[Guest]

This is something we talked about today in training at my airline. Many of us are going to be based at JFK Airport and they talked about getting from Newark or LGA to JFK in case us pilots can't find a flight into JFK. They said they have been working with several bus companies to give discounts to commuting flight crew who need to transfer airports. Then the thought came to me...What about commuting on Amtrak?!? As many of you probably know, many pilots don't live in their base city. They commute to work by "jumpseating" either on their own airline or any other airline. But that can be a hassle in itself, especially if bad weather hits the area. So say if, all the flights to NYC are booked solid and a pilot gets knocked off. It'd be nice to fly into PHL or DCA or even BOS and just take Amtrak into NYC! One problem- Amtrak is not cheap on the NEC!
For me, I'm planning on living in Boston and commuting to JFK. Most of the time, with dozons of flights a day, it would be an easy commute. But what if I'm stuck? I would love to just hop on Acela to take the trip in almost the same amount of time. But one reason I'm not going to that much is simply the cost. Would Amtrak ever let airline employees "jumpseat" on their trains. Or at least give a big discount to those people. Obviously this should be on a standby basis, but it would be great to have. I really can't afford the 80 to 120 it costs to ride between BOS and NYC. I might pay 40 or so. I'm not even sure if its worth it to buy a 10-ride ticket.

So would Amtrak ever let someone do this?? If so, how much trouble would it be to get them to?

Great idea....I doubt that the powers to be will be bite into it account of liability. Our Amtrak passes used to make us sign off all liability. We once tried to rent an entire coach for a ball game in Houston on the Sunset. We started inquiring in March for a July game. We received a very callous "NO" letter the following September. Good luck.

 

[GG-1]

I have nothing against flying.. without it I couldn't get to my nearest Amtrak station.. 5000 miles!

But at least you have rail travel closer than I. It's 2500 miles to anything but a tourist attraction that goes someplace other than back to it's start.

Aloha

 

[caravanman]

Yes GG-1, But at least the weather should be better where you are!

Ed B)

 

[saxman]

I have nothing against flying.. without it I couldn't get to my nearest Amtrak station.. 5000 miles!I do wonder how fair it is that comparativly highly paid pilots might get reduced rail travel costs, when us low paid prols have to stump up full fair?

Ed B)

I really don't get paid very much at all though.

 

[caravanman]

You fly guys should be paid top dollar! I don't want you worrying about paying for the BMW while coming into land !

Ed B)

 

[XNWA]

I have nothing against flying.. without it I couldn't get to my nearest Amtrak station.. 5000 miles!

I do wonder how fair it is that comparativly highly paid pilots might get reduced rail travel costs, when us low paid prols have to stump up full fair?

Ed B)

I really don't get paid very much at all though.

Because you are a new hire.

 

[Dakguy201]

Allowing an airline pilot to "jumpseat" strikes me as giving aid and comfort to the enemy.