Refused Lounge entry at PHL
#31
formerly rxfleming
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: AUH, DXB (and GLA)
Programs: BA GGL, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Plat Elite
Posts: 2,452
Please. Never feel obligated to tip anywhere in the United States. Especially in a lounge bar.
#32
#33
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
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Posts: 8,278
I'm good friends with the bar hosts at the PHL A and C gate lounges. They don't require you to tip. They are on ex-Delta contracts and have excellent salaries and benefits. They aren't college students working at a dive bar.
Please. Never feel obligated to tip anywhere in the United States. Especially in a lounge bar.
Please. Never feel obligated to tip anywhere in the United States. Especially in a lounge bar.
But in general, US waitstaff make only a couple dollars an hour (less than half minimum wage) because of the cultural expectation of tipping. While not technically required, practically speaking you are obligated to tip bar and restaurant staff in the United States. The only exception is for bad service (and even then, most Americans leave 10% which in the United States is a clear signal that you were unhappy with the service).
#34
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
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#35
Join Date: May 2006
Location: MYF/CMA/SAN/YYZ/YKF
Programs: COdbaUA 1K MM, AA EXP, Bonbon Gold, GHA Titanium, Hertz PC, NEXUS and GE
Posts: 5,837
Shame on BA for refusing you access and shame on the Admirals Club drAAgons for not giving you drink chits. As a BA elite in any class, you are entitled to them. I think the problem is that the US lounge workers aren't as familiar. AA people are automatic with chits in chit situations.
No it isn't. 15% is the standard. It means you received adequate service. Tip creep isn't something to encourage.
No it isn't. 15% is the standard. It means you received adequate service. Tip creep isn't something to encourage.
#36
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Ipswich
Posts: 7,543
I'm astonished by this. There are many places in the US where you would be chased out by waitstaff if you didn't tip. It's far from the optional reflection of good service that it is in some European countries.
#37
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,757
I've not tipped once as the waitress, who really couldn't be bothered, didn't deserve anything in my opinion. If the staff are putting no effort into their job whatsoever, regardless of what they're being paid, I'm not going to "reward" them with even a 10% tip.
#38
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
Shame on BA for refusing you access and shame on the Admirals Club drAAgons for not giving you drink chits. As a BA elite in any class, you are entitled to them. I think the problem is that the US lounge workers aren't as familiar. AA people are automatic with chits in chit situations.
No it isn't. 15% is the standard. It means you received adequate service. Tip creep isn't something to encourage.
No it isn't. 15% is the standard. It means you received adequate service. Tip creep isn't something to encourage.
#39
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
At least that saves paying the bill then
I've not tipped once as the waitress, who really couldn't be bothered, didn't deserve anything in my opinion. If the staff are putting no effort into their job whatsoever, regardless of what they're being paid, I'm not going to "reward" them with even a 10% tip.
I've not tipped once as the waitress, who really couldn't be bothered, didn't deserve anything in my opinion. If the staff are putting no effort into their job whatsoever, regardless of what they're being paid, I'm not going to "reward" them with even a 10% tip.
#40
#41
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: BAEC Silver, IHG Diamond
Posts: 7,757
I just went straight to the AA lounge last time I was through there.
Fine for the hour I was there and I had bagels and Philadelphia for breakfast (although having Philadelphia in PHL didn't occur to me at the time).
Usually better coffee machines as well.
Fine for the hour I was there and I had bagels and Philadelphia for breakfast (although having Philadelphia in PHL didn't occur to me at the time).
Usually better coffee machines as well.
#42
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 935
What? A tip is a reward for service, why use some internal tip scale to show a degree of displeasure that only you understand. In my book good service = tip, anything less = no tip.
#43
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 935
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London
Programs: BA GGL, AA 1MM LT GLD, SPG PLAT, National Exec Selc, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Silver
Posts: 8,278
I assume you are not an American. You shouldn't try to apply logic from other cultures to the tipping culture in the US. You should respect the tipping culture that is present in the US or wherever you are for that matter.
#45
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Englandshire
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