AlisonB84

I may be totally wrong here but I thought that in the US tipped positions (eg wait staff, housekeeping staff, bell staff etc etc) are all taxed on an assumption that they make a certain amount in tips. So if you don't tip them, they are losing wages.

Airbridge

No you do not see but that is OK I shall tip the seeing eye dog with a treat for you

Land-of-Miles

In the US I tip a dollar a drink or sometimes per order in situations where I get free drinks (e.g. AA Lounges and Casinos).

I find it easier to swallow giving a tip when I am being table served (as in a casino) and sometimes AA AC's than when going to a bar for an order. However it is the culture and I broadly try to conform to it.

I would not give a tip for a complimentary service anywhere else in the world that didn't have the rapacious tipping culture of the US. I do however sometimes tip a bar person in busy location sin the UK as effectively a bribe for better/faster service.

JesW

I tipped a buck a drink when I was last at LAS but I was in a good mood. Had just been offered my one and only op-up from WTP and Europe had just won the Ryder Cup at Medinah!

Tobias-UK

That is not for my concern. If that is true then that system is flawed.

In the US I always tip in restaurants and bars, typically 15-20% of the total bill (including tax) depending on venue and service although rarely in airline lounges. I do not like being reminded to tip by the waiter, when that happens the tip is always reduced for their rudeness. If a tip is added to the bill by a server I will always cross it out and reduce it. A gratuity is a gratuity which is given (or not) at the behest of the giver.

Joely

On the whole free breakfast voucher thing, I usually just ask for a cheque to put a tip on so I can put it on my company card.

Hannibal Lecter

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/s...dispelled.html

Sixth Freedom

When it comes to American hotels I normally tip for services that I use, such as the bar, restaurant, room maid and so on at 10% and a few dollars per day for the maid. But when it comes to services that I do not want I object to tipping, viz...

I quite adequately carried and secured my bag for the nearly 4,000 mile journey from London to Chicago and I do not need to pay a chap to carry it the last few metres to my room.

Personal bar service in an airport lounge is a service that I do not want and so I do not tip.

T8191

Just so, based on working hours and (where relevant) establishment turnover. I have been well briefed on that topic by friends in the workplace.

paul4040

I'm afraid that situation is for the American workers to sort out by organising themselves and demanding better from their employers and politicians.

T8191

I have some doubt the Inland Revenue Service will grasp that concept to their bosom.

it's the American way, and it is not for us non-residents to challenge their processes. I have no problem with tipping 'over there' ... It's the way it is, like driving on the wrong side of the street.

"When in Rome ..." again.

rolaaand

I'm not a Vegas regular but the last time I went through there the lounge was quiet and the big guy behind the bar was friendly with plenty of chat. I was happy to fling a few dollars in the jar for him. An hour later, the place was rammed, but he remembered my tipping and I didn't have to wait long for service. It can pay divideneds :-)

PETER01

^

waspsl

Agreed with the exception of the room maid as never even thought about that.

I do have an issue with the guy hanging round the toilets handing out paper towels however

The _Banking_Scot

Hi,

Interesting thread,

My experiences in the US,

Server at a buffet ( who would bring the drinks,clears plates away) $2-$3 at breakfast ($3 if they regularly refill the orange juice, coffee), $3-$5 at dinner at the mid range buffets ( if they come round regularly with refill during dinner and coffee afterwards i will throw in an extra $1)

Maids -usually $2-$3 depending on the hotel ( if I have left lots of newspapers or bags after shopping, I would go up to $5.

Bellboys- If I am at a resort and have bags to take to the room and they give me a lift in the club car as the room might be some way away I might go up to $10 ( and they will bring ice in the ice bucket if I ask -good for a quick cold drink after a long international flight to the US). Otherwise if it is just from the desk to the room $2 per bag. I will tip $2 per bag for storing the bags at the bell stand both coming and going ( different people)

Taxi stand ($1)

US lounges (non self service)- I will generally tip $1 per drink (including soft drinks- although I usually order a soft drink with my alcoholic drink). I sometimes throwin 4 quarters or a $1 coin saying I'm getting rid of the quarters before going back to the UK and everyone is pleased and seem to get rapid service when I go back up for another soft drink. I pick up a lot of quarters ( and $ coins from the Las Vegas monorail and Phoenix light rail)

Tour guides-about 10% ( or a bit more if they have been very good)

I dislike the tip jars at the coffee shops or the food court shops though.

Regards

TBS