Sheffield School of Aeronautics is committed to providing the best information, news, and guides related to the aviation industry and flight dispatchers. That being said, we would like to take this opportunity to touch on a subject that is a little more light-hearted – jump seat etiquette.
If you are a practicing flight dispatcher or are in school to receive a certification for the job, you are likely aware that all flight dispatchers are required to do a minimum of five hours of jump seat time per year. The following are the most common flight dispatcher jump seat etiquette to abide by.
Shoes On or Off?
This is an ongoing debate for all airline travelers: is it rude to take your shoes off during a flight? Well, even though that may still be up for debate for travelers when it comes to sitting in the jump seat, shoes should be on if you are a flight dispatcher earning jump seat time. No one likes a dispatcher that takes their shoes off, and you should treat this as part of your job and yearly duties, which means you should act professional.
Free Jump Seats?
A lot of aircraft dispatchers may use their free jump seat time as an opportunity to get some much needed time off, or to hitch a ride to a destination they have always wanted to visit, all of which is fine and should be expected, but it should not be taken advantage of to the point that you are getting your friends and family in on free jump seat time.
Pay Attention!
Sheffield School of Aeronautics urges students to remember that these jump seat flights are meant to remind flight dispatchers that the decisions they make have an impact on flights. This is a way to remind yourself of how important and integral you are to the flight crew. So sit up, pay attention, and engage with the pilots. Chances are you have dispatched for them in the past.
