Originally Posted by
afterDawn
US tipping etiquette recently made news here in Australia highlighting the fact that even in today's globalised world, slow news days still come around every now and again. It seems newly US-based Australian Rove McManus has had a
tough time figuring out the ins and outs of tipping in the US.
Now while im comfortable with dining and other service interactions where i might be required to tip, im not so strong on the topic when it relates to air travel, which leads me to pose the following slightly embarrassing questions to you all:
1. If using kerbside checkin for a flight, am i required to tip the guy (or gal) who checks me in? If so, how much? Is there any way around this, or do some airlines only employ kerbside checkin?
2. Under what other circumstances, if any, would i be required to tip someone while travelling by air?
Thanks,
afterDawn
You are never
required to tip, except in restraunts where it states that 18% will be added to parties of x number or more on the menu.
Tipping is gratuity, and done when you are satisfied or impressed with the performance of a service. If you are not, you do not have to do it..there are certainly no laws requiring it.
It is rare, but I do not tip if I find the service to be outrageously horrible..usually in a restraunt. I can count the number of times I have refused to tip on one hand.
For things like shuttle drivers, I will not tip if they do not provide the service I usually get from the same company..say taking my luggage for me and putting it curbside. Driver A did it on the outbound, Driver B did NOT do it on the inbound...that kind of thing.
Furthermore, the size of the tip increases with extra-service or good conversation etc. For OK service I tip the standard 20%..for better service I give more.
But you never, ever HAVE to.