Tipping Emirates limo pickup driver ?
Jan 7, 2005, 4:05 am
#1
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Tipping Emirates limo pickup driver ?
I will be picked up by Emirates Air for a complimentary ride to and from JFK for my Emirates flight. First and business class get this perk.
What is the tipping etiquitte for the driver of complimentary limo service ?
What is the tipping etiquitte for the driver of complimentary limo service ?
Jan 7, 2005, 5:37 pm
#2
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Originally Posted by Oceanbound222
I will be picked up by Emirates Air for a complimentary ride to and from JFK for my Emirates flight. First and business class get this perk.
What is the tipping etiquitte for the driver of complimentary limo service ?
What is the tipping etiquitte for the driver of complimentary limo service ?
This isn't the USA.
No tipping required. A polite "Thank you" will do.
Jan 10, 2005, 2:31 am
#4
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Originally Posted by Oceanbound222
Guy,
No, I am talking about when the Emirates driver picks me up in Manhattan and takes me to JFK. What is the tipping policy for a complimentary lift to the airport.
Thanks
No, I am talking about when the Emirates driver picks me up in Manhattan and takes me to JFK. What is the tipping policy for a complimentary lift to the airport.
Thanks
Jan 10, 2005, 4:18 am
#5
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But perhaps EK have struck a deal with the limo company that includes the gratuity???
After all, they're (EK) the ones who are providing the service - to me it seems a bit like buying a friend dinner but then expecting them to stump up for the tip.
After all, they're (EK) the ones who are providing the service - to me it seems a bit like buying a friend dinner but then expecting them to stump up for the tip.
Jan 10, 2005, 6:45 am
#7
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Also, if you add that to the fact that probably more than 50% of the pax using this service aren't Americans then it makes even more sense for the limo company to have worked out a gratuity-inclusive deal for the drivers...
Jan 11, 2005, 12:11 pm
#8
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Well, if you think about it, there are three options:
First
You could call the Emirates office in New York and ask them (or wherever you booked your ticket) if tip is included. Or ask them the name of the service company and then ask them.
Second
You could part with $10 (x2) to tip your driver.
Third
You do nothing. No tip, no sweat.
Although this is unsolicited, if you were to ask me what I would recommend, I would call Emirates, see if their tip is included. If it is, I would tell the driver upon pick up that you were told his tip was included and that you are carrying no cash on you (even if it is a fib). If their tip isn't included, I would part with $20 ($10x2, there and back) and chalk it up to being one of those who appreciates others serving him.
First
You could call the Emirates office in New York and ask them (or wherever you booked your ticket) if tip is included. Or ask them the name of the service company and then ask them.
Second
You could part with $10 (x2) to tip your driver.
Third
You do nothing. No tip, no sweat.
Although this is unsolicited, if you were to ask me what I would recommend, I would call Emirates, see if their tip is included. If it is, I would tell the driver upon pick up that you were told his tip was included and that you are carrying no cash on you (even if it is a fib). If their tip isn't included, I would part with $20 ($10x2, there and back) and chalk it up to being one of those who appreciates others serving him.
Jan 17, 2005, 1:46 am
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I used the services of Virgin's complimentary limousince upon arrival at JFK once.
Driver was not even half as nice or courteous as the British limousine driver (to which I gave him 5 quid and he seemed pleasantly surprised and thanked profusely).
I only had a short transfer from JFK to LGA! I felt obligated to tip after all I was in USA. And handed the driver a $10. He didn't even bother to say thanks.
Was he expecting more?
Driver was not even half as nice or courteous as the British limousine driver (to which I gave him 5 quid and he seemed pleasantly surprised and thanked profusely).
I only had a short transfer from JFK to LGA! I felt obligated to tip after all I was in USA. And handed the driver a $10. He didn't even bother to say thanks.
Was he expecting more?
Oct 16, 2005, 1:33 am
#10
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EK uses Boston Coach. I just arranged a complimentary pickup for a friend in NY to JFK. Total last minute (like 5 hours before the flight). EK did it, but they said you're supposed to give them 24+ hours notice. I couldn't swing the free dinner at the Ritz deal. They were pretty adamant about needing 48-72 hours notice for that offer.
Oct 16, 2005, 5:47 am
#11
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Just used the limo service a couple of days ago from LHR to Exeter (~ 3 hr ride). I was pondering over the same tipping question. My driver was very nice and had no problem with the long drive. I gave him ten pounds (mostly because I didn't have a five pound note on me). Seeing as it cost me twenty-one pounds to take the National Express bus back to LHR today, the tip was not really that big a deal. I also think he appreciated it very much.
Oct 21, 2005, 3:20 pm
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Just because something is paid for on your behalf doesn't mean you shouldn't tip.
Example: If a friend of mine is the executive chef at a restaurant, and he buys me a round of drinks, I should still tip the waiter the normal tip for these drinks as the waiter still went from Point A - B with them and would have earned that money if I were paying.
The Boston Coach driver picking you up would normally be carrying someone that called for a car, so he would be tipped.
I would play it safe and tip. Afterall, you are getting a free limo ride, so you are ahead of the game anyway.
Example: If a friend of mine is the executive chef at a restaurant, and he buys me a round of drinks, I should still tip the waiter the normal tip for these drinks as the waiter still went from Point A - B with them and would have earned that money if I were paying.
The Boston Coach driver picking you up would normally be carrying someone that called for a car, so he would be tipped.
I would play it safe and tip. Afterall, you are getting a free limo ride, so you are ahead of the game anyway.
Oct 21, 2005, 7:45 pm
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Originally Posted by DillMan
I would play it safe and tip. Afterall, you are getting a free limo ride, so you are ahead of the game anyway.