Look professional. If you are not in uniform, make sure you dress appropriately. My airline states that jumpseat occupants will be dressed in business casual attire (no jeans) or approved pilot uniform.

Whether you can wear jeans while "jumpseating" (riding in an extra cockpit or cabin seat as a non-revenue crew member) depends entirely on the specific airline's dress code and the "Agreement" between your carrier and the operating carrier. Traditionally, the "jumpseat" is a professional privilege, and "business casual" is the gold standard. Most U.S. major airlines (like Delta or United) generally prohibit denim for jumpseaters, requiring slacks or chinos and a collared shirt (or a uniform). However, some cargo carriers (like FedEx or UPS) and some low-cost carriers (like Southwest or JetBlue) have more relaxed policies that allow "neat, dark-colored denim" without holes or distressing. If you are an off-duty pilot from a different airline (OAL), you are almost always expected to wear your full uniform or "Pilot Business Casual" (slacks and a button-down). The general rule of thumb for 2026 is: "When in doubt, don't wear jeans." It is a sign of respect to the Captain and crew, and dressing too casually can lead to a gate agent or the Captain denying you the seat, regardless of your eligibility.