Tipping Question
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Delta, GM; HHonors, Gold
Posts: 258
Tipping Question
Hi! Husband and I have a deluxe bedroom on the Empire Builder coming up - wondering about tips? Sleeping car attendant, before or after trip and how much per person/per day? Dining car, how much at each meal? Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
First thing to remember is that tipping is never required on Amtrak. Also, on-board personnel are not paid sub-minimum wage (as many land-based service/restaurant employees are). So, keep in mind that your tip compensates the Amtrak employee on top of their already competitive wage.
That said, most people find it appropriate to tip at mealtimes to the same level as you would in a traditional restaurant. As a sleeping car passenger, you won't get a bill for your meals (unless you purchase an alcoholic beverage). But you can leave your tip (in cash) on the table when you leave. (I try to take along small bills for this purpose)
I wouldn't worry about the "percentage" since Amtrak dining car meal prices are somewhat inflated. I generally tip a dollar or two per person for good service, or more for great service. I have also declined to tip when service was horrible, which sadly happens all too often.
I would never tip a sleeping car attendant (SCA) at the beginning of the trip since you cannot know at that point whether they will be deserving of one. I understand that some people tip up front as a way to grease the skids. But an SCA is required to serve all passengers equally well regardless of financial incentive.
As far as how much to tip an SCA after the trip, theories vary widely on this. For good service, some people tip $10 or even $20 per night. Frankly it seems a bit spendy to drop an extra $40 on someone just for doing their job. But if the spirit moves...then go for it. I'm more in the $10/flat rate range for good service, a bit more for exceptional service. I've also declined to tip when service was far below standards.
That said, most people find it appropriate to tip at mealtimes to the same level as you would in a traditional restaurant. As a sleeping car passenger, you won't get a bill for your meals (unless you purchase an alcoholic beverage). But you can leave your tip (in cash) on the table when you leave. (I try to take along small bills for this purpose)
I wouldn't worry about the "percentage" since Amtrak dining car meal prices are somewhat inflated. I generally tip a dollar or two per person for good service, or more for great service. I have also declined to tip when service was horrible, which sadly happens all too often.
I would never tip a sleeping car attendant (SCA) at the beginning of the trip since you cannot know at that point whether they will be deserving of one. I understand that some people tip up front as a way to grease the skids. But an SCA is required to serve all passengers equally well regardless of financial incentive.
As far as how much to tip an SCA after the trip, theories vary widely on this. For good service, some people tip $10 or even $20 per night. Frankly it seems a bit spendy to drop an extra $40 on someone just for doing their job. But if the spirit moves...then go for it. I'm more in the $10/flat rate range for good service, a bit more for exceptional service. I've also declined to tip when service was far below standards.
#4
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: Chick-Fil-A Red, Wawa, Red Cross blood donor
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Other opinions: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amthints-people.shtml
#5
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,813
Same here (except I do it at the beginning of the trip...mostly to try and get rooms for the family near each other.)
Other opinions: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amthints-people.shtml
Other opinions: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amthints-people.shtml
I thought they were all assigned in advance. I wouldn't like it if my chosen room was given away by an SCA.
#6
Join Date: May 2009
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#8
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: CWT
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards, Hilton Honors
Posts: 81
I start at $10 per night per person, if warranted. If the SCA also brings our meals to our room, I'll at least double it. I tip close to the end of the trip. It's easy to overlook when you (and everyone else is) are rushing to get your stuff and get off the train.
#9
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What my Dad and I do is when we board, during our first interaction with the attendant, we give him a $20. This is whether it's one night or two mind you. We've found this gets us really good service during the trip and that it's well worth the extra expense.
#11
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#12
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dh
#13
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AGR Select/Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum
Posts: 102
Most expierenced riders would disagree with this "tip". Tips are to show appreciation for good service rendered, so if you get one of those invisible slackers that do show up on LDTrains, you've wasted your $20 tip( aka bribe).
So tip your SCA at the end of each leg of your trip according to the service you get, just like the servers in the Diner and any Redcaps you might use during your journey..
So tip your SCA at the end of each leg of your trip according to the service you get, just like the servers in the Diner and any Redcaps you might use during your journey..
#14
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Most expierenced riders would disagree with this "tip". Tips are to show appreciation for good service rendered, so if you get one of those invisible slackers that do show up on LDTrains, you've wasted your $20 tip( aka bribe).
So tip your SCA at the end of each leg of your trip according to the service you get, just like the servers in the Diner and any Redcaps you might use during your journey..
So tip your SCA at the end of each leg of your trip according to the service you get, just like the servers in the Diner and any Redcaps you might use during your journey..
#15
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 52
When I travel on Amtrak with my dad, he gives the SCA a tip at the beginning. It has helped us arrange favorable terms for transition from sleeper to coach and vice versa when dealing with zone limits on Guest Rewards redemptions. There are also many occasions when an SCA, without negatively affecting any other passengers, can shuffle room assignments to keep groups together.
I, like a fool, give the tip at the end. I think my dad's method works better. I need to change.
I, like a fool, give the tip at the end. I think my dad's method works better. I need to change.