So I arrived early at the gate and got a seat next to the gate. The captain arrived and stood near me since there were no gate agents yet.

Then another guy walked up to the captain and said "I guess I am on your flight today". He flashed a badge and showed the captain his credentials. They talked and the captain introduced the guy to the flight crew (who have arrived). Again he showed his credentials.

I thought he was an air marshall because of his badge. But he seemed a bit too chatty for that. Plus he was wearing another credential around his neck (i could not read it). That logo on his neck badge had light blue markings, not a seal. So he could of been DoT?

When the gate agent arrived, he could not find his seat. The guy said he was in the jumpseat.

When I boarded I looked in thr cockpit and he was in there taking notes or something.

So who was this guy? Does FAA have people who show up and do this? He had a badge too, so he could be DoT Agent? How often does this happen? I never seen it before in my limited years of flying. Thanks!