Who are considered "deadheaders" in an airline crew?

In the context of airline operations, "deadheaders" refer to crew members who are not actively serving passengers on a flight but are traveling non-operationally as passengers. This typically occurs when crew members need to position themselves to another location in order to fulfill their operational duties on a subsequent flight.

Understanding this term is important as it highlights the logistics involved in crew scheduling and positioning. Crew members travel for various reasons, such as to report for duty at a different airport or to return home after completing a trip, and they do so in a capacity that does not involve them performing their regular work duties. This is a common practice in the airline industry, ensuring that crew members can maintain their operational responsibilities while managing their schedules effectively.

The other options focus on different aspects of crew operations. For instance, off-duty flight attendants may not be involved in active flight operations but do not necessarily fall under the 'deadheader' designation. Employees flying free of charge for training also do not fit this category, as their travel is specifically for educational purposes rather than positioning for duty. Part-time staff on standby may be ready to serve but again do not align with the definition of 'deadheaders.'