I don't normally tip the concierge in exec lounge unless they give above board service, but I will. If I do it I do it willingly, because I think they've deserved it.

Re: maids, etc, usually I do because has been discussed ad naseum on a zillion FT forums they don't make much & do depend on some extra $$. Again, that's my choice.

Others in both instances don't feel the same way, so be it. To each their own.

BTW - for all those of you who say America should raise their rates etc so they don't depend on tips, you're probably right. But that's a separate issue which probably has been discussed on Omni. But

Let's go the other way.

I was in a country last year where (unbeknownst to me; should have done my homework) the norm was NOT to offer tips - so those servers are used to nothing. Presumably they're paid decently? Well, for 2 weeks not one server said to me sorry, your 15% isn't the norm here - they ALL accepted it. Hmm, wonder if they reported that as income or thought their salary was enough?

BTW - when I had major surgery a few years ago I hired a maid from a Holiday Inn (referred by a friend who knew the family; both parents working 2 jobs to put kids through school) to clean my place - it was more lucrative for her to actually take a vacation day & clean my place than what she was paid. And before you all say she got double dipping, maybe yes since she got vacation pay (which was signif less than I paid her), but oh my goodness - she was in my place for 7 hours - I actually started to feel weird (thinking I was the dirtiest person in the world!) & when I walked into the master bathroom she was on her hand/knees w/ a toothbrush cleaning the rings around the spout of the shower!! Trust me - most folk aren't that good - she earned every tip. And if she's that good at my place presumably the same at Holiday Inn.

Back to the orig ? - go w/ what works for you - neither is right nor wrong. Cheers.