Source: unitedafa.org

There continues to be confusion on several issues regarding the cross utilization of Cabin Jumpseats on United and Continental aircraft by Flight Attendants at both subsidiaries.

For the purposes of Jumpseat use, United aircraft metal is governed by the United Flight Attendant Contract.  Likewise, Jumpseat use on Continental metal is determined by the provisions in the Continental Flight Attendant Agreement.  Use of the jumpseat at either subsidiary is subject to the policies and procedures in place at each subsidiary.

Weight Restriction
There has been no change to the Contractual requirement for CJA's to be accommodated on weight-restricted United metal flights.  United, Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants will be accommodated and afforded the Contractual use of the Jumpseat on weight-restricted s-United metal flights.

The Continental Agreement has different language regarding the use of a Jumpseat on Continental metal, and therefore United, Continental and Continental Micronesia Flight Attendants may not be afforded the use of a Jumpseat on weight-restricted Continental metal flights.

Where to sit
As we reported last month, management updated their policy regarding where CJA riders may sit once the aircraft door is closed.  CJA riders may take any open cabin seat once the door is closed.  In addition, use of open seats in the premium cabins will continue to be coordinated by the purser, and assigned based on company seniority among all OMC & CJA riders.

737 Confusion
On all United aircraft metal, United Flight Attendants seeking to use our Contractual CJA should be boarded ahead of Continental Flight Attendants seeking CJA transportation on the same aircraft.  Continental Flight Attendants are afforded the same priority on Continental aircraft metal in accordance with the terms of our agreements.

If there is any confusion during the assignment of CJA on 737 aircraft assigned to the United fleet (73B and 37K), and you are not afforded the priority handling, you should submit a worksheet through your Local Council.

Speaking with the Captain
Remember also, that Flight Attendants are not required to obtain permission from the captain when traveling via CJA.  Our long-standing tradition and professional courtesy at United has been to introduce ourselves to the Purser and Flight Officers.  While not a requirement, we encourage you to continue to observe this formality.  In doing so we foster a mutual respect between the pilots and Flight Attendants that only serves to strengthen our professional relationships.  In the ongoing, challenging environment of United's merger, maintaining respect and professionalism among our peers at United is important.