Originally Posted by
Ancien Maestro
I think tipping in the western world culture is an accepted practice. When receiving excellent service, tipping would extend gratitude.. even the offer of a tip.
I think out of respect, if offering a tip, and the FA refuses, then just say 'thanks, I appreciate your service.' I usually ask twice, and stop, out of respect for the individual's wishes.
Rubbish.
There are places where it is culturally appropriate to tip and others where it is demeaning and offensive. To generalize, in North America it is culturally appropriate to tip service workers. It is not culturally appropriate to tip "professionals" like doctors, lawyers, and yes, FA's. it smacks of something between condescension and a bribe, or just plain showing off - "I have more money than you!"
In other threads you have been reminded that many Europeans find your views on tipping to be outrageous, so to claim that "tipping in the western world culture is an accepted practice" is projecting onto a large area a view which is not only inaccurate but in many cases offensive.