Originally Posted by
jcatman
.....because the "non contract" employees are not hardworking?
No, I'm not saying that. The AA employee agents at the front desk are hardworking too. But they are professional, salaried employees, and they should not be tipped (just like pilots, flight attendants, gate agents, etc should not be tipped). The ones you should tip are the contract workers in service jobs who are typically wage-hour and would greatly appreciate any gratuities.
Not everyone who reads this forum from around the world might be aware of the distinction we have in the USA between professional, salaried employees and wage-hour service workers, especially in the context of travel, where these staff might wear similar-looking uniforms.
Some international visitors might not even know that in many US states, it is customary for bartenders to earn less than the legal minimum wage in their regular wages, given that they are expected to make up a significant portion of their income from tips.
If it makes you feel better, proceed to throw money all around the lounge. You should consider yourself fortunate to have the discretionary funds to do so, especially since it appears you make a habit of leaving money for employees whose performance you have not actually witnessed.
But please don't attempt to make other lounge visitors feel guilty if they don't have the same resources or don't feel the same obligation. mgm discovered "The Bridge", and mgm should have enjoyed its offerings. That's why the lounge exists.
Not trying to make anyone else feel guilty. I'm merely sharing what I do, based on many years of traveling both domestically and internationally, and having many friends who work in service industry jobs. In my opinion, if you can spare a dollar to leave behind, you will make the day of the custodian in the Flagship Lounge who clears your dirty plates. Just my opinion.