jump seat

American  

noun

1. a movable or folding seat, as in a carriage, taxicab, or limousine, used as an extra seat.

---

jump seat British  

noun

1. a folding seat for temporary use, as on the flight deck of some aircraft for an additional crew member

2. a folding seat in a motor vehicle such as in a London taxi

---

Etymology

Origin of jump seat

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Mr. Emerson was off duty during the flight, and was riding in the cockpit jump seat.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023

Loffi, the Oklahoma State professor, said banning pilots from the jump seat would be silly because a pilot intent on crashing the plane could simply wait until their turn to operate a flight.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 24, 2023

Reaching the handles on the fire suppression system would be relatively easy for someone in a jump seat, given that it’s within “arm’s reach,” Miller said.

From Slate • Oct. 24, 2023

When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied it’s often filled by an off-duty pilot, but the seat can be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.

From Washington Times • Oct. 23, 2023

Ralph lowered his legs; the jump seat popped right back vertical as though it had already forgotten him.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen