Deadhead flight is a term used in aviation when a certificate holder is transported by another plane between airports. Deadheading is the practice of carrying, free of charge, a transport companys own staff on a normal passenger trip so that they can be in the right place to begin their duties). Deadheading crew members may be transported in any cabin, including a coach with the passengers on the flight, or on a jump seat in the cockpit or galleys of the plane. Deadheading crew time is added to the total duty time as an active crew member of a flight that day, and should not exceed certain limits. Deadheading may be on company aircraft, commercial passenger carriers, or by charter.
Deadheading pilots and flight attendants are considered to be on duty when theyre deadheading and are usually given their full pay, even though they dont have to actively work on the flight. Deadheads generally board first and are usually required to be in uniform in case they are asked to work during the flight or have to head for another plane immediately upon landing.
