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Some time ago I heard someone telling about travelling in cargo planes. Apparently some of those planes have a limited amount of extra seats and companies would sell them for an extra profit.

Does anyone have any information about this? Is that still possible?

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I'd think not. Cargo airplanes may not necessarily have pressurised cabins or seats necessary for human travel. – Ankur Banerjee♦ Mar 7 at 18:55
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And the pilots stand in the cockpit with oxygen masks? – Marcel C. Mar 7 at 22:08
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Of course they have pressurized cabins! They may be small, but they're definitely there. Some routes require two cockpit crews (due to their duration) and the secondary crew needs to sit somewhere too. There may just be a few additional seats but usually there is some space for additional "passengers". – perdian Mar 8 at 10:38
@nsn If its possible would you go ? – Simon Mar 8 at 14:11
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Well, if that were possible, then why wouldn't KLM load Vilma Soltesz on one of their cargo planes? – vartec Mar 8 at 14:13
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2 Answers

up vote 7 down vote accepted

The short answer is: depends.

There are multiple discussions on Airliners regarding the subject. One from 2004 and another from 2011.

General consensus is that it is not possible with few exceptions:

  1. Accompanying live cargo
  2. Being an employee of the company flying the cargo
  3. In the remote areas like Alaska it may be possible to be flying a half and half plane. Half cargo - Half passenger.
  4. You are an airline crew member or a courier in that case you can request a Jumpseat Service from cargo airlines like Atlas (maybe someone can enlighten me what Groom means here)

Save those you are likely to be denied access to the plane

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Indeed, airline employees can profit from these seats. Friends of mine have done this in the past for private travel. However, it's a Joker seat. If the airline needs the seat(s), the private travelers have to cede. – Marcel C. Mar 7 at 22:11
5. Being best buddies with an employee – Jonas Mar 8 at 13:35
@Jonas I take it you have availed yourself of this. :) – Karlson Mar 8 at 14:09
up vote 4 down vote

Short answer: no.

I have no special knowledge of the subject, so i propose a google potpourri.
"All I know is that I know nothing, except Google" - Socrates

It was the 2012 april's fool for STA travel.

Apparently it was possible for Fedex employees at some point.
Fly on cargo plane
Passengers on cargo flights still possible ?

(If you are a pet, it's possible too as there is pet cargo.)

Maybe in case of special merchandise professionals have to stay near (but it's not a travel).
(3 zoo keepers flew on a cargo because they brought two pandas)

By boat it's feasible, where can I get information on freighter travel?.

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