Do you tip AC bartenders?
#16
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
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Posts: 7,345
I only use my vouchers in the ACs and almost never have US money on me. So no I don't tip. I understand bartenders and waiters in the US are generally very low paid and work for tips. However, I'm not sure the employees in the AC working behind the bar fall into that category.
Simple solution which I do: buy a bag of chips (which I won't even eat) and tell them you're putting their tip on that.

#18
Join Date: Apr 2017
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Posts: 1,852
I usually give a $1 per drink.
I have an easier time justifying it given the drinks are complimentary. I generally despise tipping "culture" here.
I have an easier time justifying it given the drinks are complimentary. I generally despise tipping "culture" here.

#19
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Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
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If I am not wrong the tips are included in the price of your ticket.

#20
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,621
Tips are included in the price of each glass of Mionetto Prosecco, which the AC sells for about $12.00 plus applicable sales tax.
The same glass of Mionetto Prosecco is FREE at the United Club.
The same glass of Mionetto Prosecco is FREE at the United Club.


#21
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Eurozone
Programs: LH SEN, HH Gold
Posts: 2,868
I find tipping in an private airline club to be ridiculous. I wouldn't tip at a friend's garden party. I wouldn't tip at a catered office party. Why should I be tipping at a private airline club that I'm invited into based on my loyalty? But I'm used to Lufthansa clubs where everything is (of course) free and you'd look like a fool for even pulling your wallet out of your pocket.

#22
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I find tipping in an private airline club to be ridiculous. I wouldn't tip at a friend's garden party. I wouldn't tip at a catered office party. Why should I be tipping at a private airline club that I'm invited into based on my loyalty? I'm used to Lufthansa clubs where everything is free and you'd look like a fool for pulling your wallet out of your pocket.
Last edited by AANYC1981; May 5, 17 at 8:14 pm

#23
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 5,447
In the US, $1 per drink tip is norm for me..

#24
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: FNT, but DTW if I can't help it
Programs: AAdvantage Former EXP/Current PLT / Total Rewards - Diamond / Hilton HHonors - Gold
Posts: 757
If I have cash, I tip $1 / drink (Also only a soda drinker, never alcohol).
I feel self-conscious not tipping when I don't have cash on me, but it's not going to stop me from getting a drink.
I prefer the clubs with self-serve soda machines because I'm never put in this position.
I feel self-conscious not tipping when I don't have cash on me, but it's not going to stop me from getting a drink.
I prefer the clubs with self-serve soda machines because I'm never put in this position.

#26
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Gold,
Posts: 4,463
I was at the AC in Miami and had two free drink chits. I ordered a Bloody Mary from this great bartender and it was really tasty. I tipped him a $5. The next Bloody Mary was much stronger, but still tasty. And another $5 tip. And I was served the minute I walked up to the crowded bar. I figure if I can afford to pay for the Intl Biz Class ticket that gets me into the AC, I can tip the bartender well for a nice cocktail.

#27
Join Date: Dec 2001
Programs: DL 2MM, AA MM, DL Sky Club Life, AA Admirals Club Life, Hilton Gold Life
Posts: 949
Are they airline employees or not?
Do they get employee travel vouchers ?
Should I treat them the same as my FA?
or are they just bartenders getting paid typical bartender salaries?
Do they get employee travel vouchers ?
Should I treat them the same as my FA?
or are they just bartenders getting paid typical bartender salaries?

#28
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Location: NYC
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#29
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 2,945
I tip on alcoholic beverages, but not on soda. When I get an alcoholic drink, I'm tipping for the bartender's service/expertise in pouring out the right amount and in the right way.
When I get a soda...all they're doing is scooping some ice into a cup and pushing a button. That is no more service than I get at the McDonald's drive-thru. I don't tip at McD's for that, and neither do I tip at the AC for that.
When I get a soda...all they're doing is scooping some ice into a cup and pushing a button. That is no more service than I get at the McDonald's drive-thru. I don't tip at McD's for that, and neither do I tip at the AC for that.

#30

Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BTR
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Posts: 6,157
When I travel I carry a few rolls of $1 coins. When in an AC, I always tip one dollar per drink regardless of whether it's a beer, mixed drink or soft drink.
