It only pervades in PART of the world. In other parts of the world it seems only to occur where ignorant people think they are being clever by exporting it there too.

The only time I saw an attempt to tip an FA was where a north American chap tried to give US$20 to a Vietnamese cabin attendant between Taipei and Saigon. He wouldn't take no for an answer. "You need it more than me" and plenty of other patronising stuff. She was very professional, pointing out that she wasn't allowed to take it though she "appreciated" the thought.

If she'd been less professional she would have told him what a patronising twat he was for making assumptions about her personal situation. Sorry sir, this poor oriental girl is not so cheap.

Believe me, some would tip the street lighting if they could...