From: www.unitedafa.org

With the increased load factors, reduction in schedule of United flights and occasional increase in available jumpseats due to minimal staffing, many more of us are finding that the only way to get anywhere space available is by riding on the jumpseat.  It is in our nature to want to assist the working crews.  We are used to being part of a team and we want to help our fellow Flight Attendants during stressful times such as boarding.  The next time you find yourself in this situation, consider the consequences of your choice. 

There are a number of considerations associated with assisting the working crew when you are traveling as a jumpseater.  First and foremost is the most obvious issue: you are not a working member of the crew.  You are not being compensated and you are working for free!  Secondly, since you are not a working member of the crew, you may not be covered in the event of an occupational illness or injury.  An obvious exception would be if you were drafted to work in accordance with Section 9.I.7 or Section 12.Q.7 which would mean you are working and not traveling on CJA.

It also creates confusion among the passengers, as they may understand you work for United, but it could detract from the respect and authority commanded by your flying partners who are in uniform and performing their pre-flight or boarding duties.  Perhaps one of the most problematic of all the issues associated with assisting while traveling on CJA is that it contributes to the "making it work” mentality that we inadvertently tend to fall into when we are forced to work without the tools or staffing necessary to complete our jobs. 

As long as we are willing to work for free, cut corners and become creative in the interest of “doing more with less”, we will never see the return to proper staffing that we deserve.  It is understanding and commendable that we instinctively want to help each other out.  That is our nature.  It's a strength and it"s a large part of why we all do what we do every day.  However, it’s important to remember that what may seem helpful at the time may ultimately create problems down the road and perpetuate a condition that allows our flights to continue without the staffing, tools or support we deserve and need to adequately do our jobs.