Originally Posted by
MacGuruTX
I gave one to a gate agent once based on her assistance on getting me onto an earlier flight home after a routing snafu. Based on her reaction to it, I would guess that they must have some real value internally.
My understanding is that it goes on their record, and they can use them to enter monthly drawings.
Mostly, I suspect that this communicates recognition/appreciation for a job that is often under-appreciated.