Jul 22, 2016, 12:12 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
American Airlines' Employee Tip and Gifts Policy
AA employees (contract employees not included) are not allowed to accept cash or gift cards.
American Airlines limits the value of gifts to employees to $25.
Can I give a tip or gift to a flight attendant?
Jul 21, 2016, 2:35 pm
#16
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Of course, when it comes to true "tipping," anything other than cash is unacceptable. I know I would have been angry if someone left me a Starbucks card after I served them when I was working as a waiter.
Jul 21, 2016, 2:55 pm
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,967
I should mention that I do follow the custom of tipping $1 for each visit to the club bar ($2 if I'm also getting food). I also leave a dollar when I'm leaving behind my used glasses and plates. I would just feel bad otherwise--we live in a culture where bartenders and service workers are expected to make a significant portion of their income from tips. That is why they (especially servers and bartenders) are legally allowed to earn less than the minimum wage in many states.
For my part, I prefer self-service lounges, because I dislike the added expensive of tipping bartenders when all I'm getting is a free club soda. But I do it anyway. Not fair to them to punish them when they aren't responsible for the system.
For my part, I prefer self-service lounges, because I dislike the added expensive of tipping bartenders when all I'm getting is a free club soda. But I do it anyway. Not fair to them to punish them when they aren't responsible for the system.
Jul 21, 2016, 3:47 pm
#18
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
This thread is about whether or not tipping a cabin crew member is recommended. General opinions and discussion about tipping, tipping customs in the USA, etc. do not belong here; they belong in OMNI or OMNI/PR. Tipping Admirals Club contract employees, hotel housekeeping staff, coffee and other drinking and dining establishments should be discussed separately as well.
/Moderator
/Moderator
Jul 21, 2016, 4:02 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
Jul 21, 2016, 4:21 pm
#22
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SNA
Programs: AA gold, DL Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat
Posts: 446
I would limit my enthusiasm to expressing my heartfelt gratitude directly to the FA and/or their manager as well as send a note to customer service. In the long run, expending monetary value in this context will degrade the customer experience.
Jul 21, 2016, 4:27 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: DL: Silver; AA: EX PLAT; UA: Silver; HY: DIA; HH: DIA; MR: TIT
Posts: 1,708
I am sincerely interested in knowing as I will not choose to waste my time writing letters/e-mails if has no meaningful impact. Does anyone know?
Jul 21, 2016, 4:34 pm
#24
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: SNA
Programs: AA gold, DL Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Plat
Posts: 446
But the question that remains unanswered (at least to me) is how does that do one iota to help the great FAs? If all benefits are seniority-driven, does it matter at all if the personnel file is full or compliments or complaints for that matter?
I am sincerely interested in knowing as I will not choose to waste my time writing letters/e-mails if has no meaningful impact. Does anyone know?
I am sincerely interested in knowing as I will not choose to waste my time writing letters/e-mails if has no meaningful impact. Does anyone know?
Jul 21, 2016, 4:56 pm
#25
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Pacific
Programs: UA GS, Lifetime 4 MM, BA Gold, , Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite, Marriott Ambassador Elite
Posts: 476
I don't see why we can't tip Flight Attendants.
I have tipped a couple of times for excellent service -- $100 bill during the holiday season when the planes are crazy, I am in an expansive mood, and if the flight is good, then I don't mind sharing my good fortune. I think anything less than $20 could be construed as being crass.
I have tipped a couple of times for excellent service -- $100 bill during the holiday season when the planes are crazy, I am in an expansive mood, and if the flight is good, then I don't mind sharing my good fortune. I think anything less than $20 could be construed as being crass.
Jul 21, 2016, 5:08 pm
#29
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: BAEC, IB+, TAM multi+
Posts: 453
I do not think it is appropriate to tip FAs. FAs aren't like waitresses in a restaurant or taxi drivers, who earn a low wage. They are professionals, who are highly trained and are there for your security and comfort, and while maybe not earning a very large wage they certainly make more than enough for a living.
Jul 21, 2016, 5:13 pm
#30
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,649
I do not think it is appropriate to tip FAs. FAs aren't like waitresses in a restaurant or taxi drivers, who earn a low wage. They are professionals, who are highly trained and are there for your security and comfort, and while maybe not earning a very large wage they certainly make more than enough for a living.
How many times have we been lectured on FT that FA's are there for safety and service to a far lesser amount.