Tredders

Probably a daft question, but something I’ve been wondering for a while; I’ve read about people bringing a (sealed) box of chocolates on a flight as a gift for cabin crew. What’s the reaction to this from the cabin crew? Is there an official policy about accepting chocolates etc? I read a thread on TripAdvisor where the reaction was “US based airlines have a policy of throwing away any food gifts given” but don’t know if this is true or not.

Reason I ask is that I’m flying quite regularly to the US (from the UK) and have thought of doing this before, but not sure if it’s acceptable/appropriate/appreciated. Last thing I want is any awkwardness! I should say that the intention is not to gain an upgrade / free stream of unlimited champagne / any kind of preferential treatment. It would just be a small gesture to say thank you for doing what I consider to be a difficult job!

My flights are generally BA operated, but next weeks is a BA ticket on an AA flight. Generally I’m lucky enough to fly F.

Thanks in advance for any info.

passy777

I think courtesy and respect to CC would be more appreciated.

Tredders

Totally agree, and that’s a given. Cabin crew get that (from me at least) already.

JD1905

Goes without saying though really doesn’t it.

I think it’s a nice gesture to give chocolates or something. I’m not sure if I would or not though, on the fence.

Tredders

That’s exactly where I am right now. Fine line between a nice gesture and a bit creepy (giving chocolates I mean, not me in general!!). But it would be good to hear a CC members thoughts on it.

passy777

For the majority it does, unfortunately, I have seen too many pax full of their own importance who treat crew with contempt.

subject2load

Must say I find the idea pretty tacky myself, although that’s just personal opinion.

(but if you do decide on such a plan, best make the chocolates Lindt truffles …… and that way the CC can offer them to pax if by chance the F class dessert has not been loaded)

Can I help you

Absolutely no to giving chocolates or any gifts, if you appreciate the service you receive from your cabin crew then please tell them as I’m sure they would love to hear this, gifts are always looked on as suspicious.

citiflyerUK

When I commuted weekly with SAS/BA I got to know a lot of the crew and on my last flight at Christmas I usually bought some chocolates in duty free (I asked the shop to seal the bag so it was obviously genuine and untampered)and gave them to the crew. They always seemed grateful - on one flight I saw the crew divide them out into cups and hand them out among themselves (every crew member including the captain came and thanked me which was a bit much but nice) and on SAS the crew had some and offered them to kids on the flight too.

I thought it was a nice touch considering I spent almost as much time with them as I did with my family at that time.

JD1905

Yeah I like this - Similarly the same lady works on checkout at our local Tesco every week and we’ll buy her a gift at Christmas.

I’ve had a thought about giving CC a gift and have decided that my approach would be to keep a box of chocolates, and if the service is good then i’d hand them over as a thank you at the end of the flight. If not… nomnomnom

KeaneJohn

I will often buy chocolates for short haul crews for them to hopefully enjoy on the turnaround or layover as I’d worry they were wasted if crews were unable/unwilling to take the, througH customs.

For AA flights I will give a Waitrose Gift Card as they stay at the [name of hotel removed by moderator] in London and there’s a crew room at the hotel and there’s a mini Waitrose next door and they can get treats/a ready meal/salad/some English stuff to take home.

A lot of the crews especially from/to Miami are regulars so I’ll give that on US bound flights too if I don’t have any Starbucks Gift cards on me and they can trade with colleagues or save for their next trip.

I’ll always offer it towards the end of the flight so that it can’t be construed as a bribe for better service.

Can I help you

Some very good points KeaneJohn, genuine thanks such as yours at the end of the flight would generally be appreciated.

MFCC

Surely depends on the chocolate no?

In seriousness, whilst the gesture I’m sure comes from a good place; in some cases it can come across almost as a ‘bribe’ to receive the best service, for which there’s no need.
As mentioned by others, a simple thanks is enough.

13901

When I flew standby/duty as a staffer I'd always bring something for the crew. No hidden agendas, no desires to be "bumped up" (especially as I either already had F priority or flew on flights with only Club), just to give something back. From speaking to my wife, whenever they get some presents it's normally from fellow airline employees or at Christmas and it's in good nature.

She once had a very creepy experience with a man in F who wanted to buy her something from the duty free. He was extremely insistent, she kept on refusing (she had some bad vibes about him) and deflected him to a donation to Flying Start. Eventually he started harassing her on LinkedIn and stopped only when she threatened to contact his employer.

carrotjuice

I would've thought cabin crew pass by so many airport duty free outlets that have plenty of chocolates on offer, hence indulging in chocolates isn't something that they'd be terribly keen on.