Via Rail - Tipping Question?
Oct 3, 2006 | 6:45 pm
#2
Moderator: Avianca, Travel Photography, Travel Technology & USA
Join Date: Jul 2001
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As this has nothing to do with miles and points, I'll move it to a more approporiate forum.
Oct 6, 2006 | 5:06 pm
#3
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Sacramento, CA, US
Posts: 2,264
No, rail staff in North America is highly unionized and well-paid compared with other people working in the tourist/hospitality business. In contrast, cruise ship employees do really rely on the tips as a big part of their compensation.
Essentially, a few dollars at the end of your trip to a sleeping car attendant would normally be considered to be just fine. Meals will be without charge, and a tip of some sort would be OK.
Leaving no tip at all would not raise as many eyebrows as it might in other hospitality businesses, because people are paid well.
So, in summary, some tipping should probably be done, but nowhere near what is done on cruise ships.
Essentially, a few dollars at the end of your trip to a sleeping car attendant would normally be considered to be just fine. Meals will be without charge, and a tip of some sort would be OK.
Leaving no tip at all would not raise as many eyebrows as it might in other hospitality businesses, because people are paid well.
So, in summary, some tipping should probably be done, but nowhere near what is done on cruise ships.
Oct 10, 2006 | 9:06 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,170
Originally Posted by Reindeerflame
No, rail staff in North America is highly unionized and well-paid compared with other people working in the tourist/hospitality business. In contrast, cruise ship employees do really rely on the tips as a big part of their compensation.
Essentially, a few dollars at the end of your trip to a sleeping car attendant would normally be considered to be just fine. Meals will be without charge, and a tip of some sort would be OK.
Leaving no tip at all would not raise as many eyebrows as it might in other hospitality businesses, because people are paid well.
So, in summary, some tipping should probably be done, but nowhere near what is done on cruise ships.
Essentially, a few dollars at the end of your trip to a sleeping car attendant would normally be considered to be just fine. Meals will be without charge, and a tip of some sort would be OK.
Leaving no tip at all would not raise as many eyebrows as it might in other hospitality businesses, because people are paid well.
So, in summary, some tipping should probably be done, but nowhere near what is done on cruise ships.
Jan 31, 2007 | 11:22 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,170
I contacted Via Rail and was provided with the following information which I post below for the benefits of those contemplating rail travel in Canada:
"Good Evening,
There is no set rule for tipping on-board the train. There is no obligation to tip but please feel free to tip based on qualify service . If you choose to tip please remember, however, that the crew will change several times on long journeys. You can obtain more information from the Service Manager on board your train.
A general guideline from one of our tour operators is;
Sleeping car service attendant - $5 per guest/night
Dining car
-breakfast - $2 per guest/meal
-lunch - $3 per guest/meal
-dinner - $4 per guest/meal
Bar service - 15% of tab
Activity coordinator - $2 per guest/day
Baggage service attendant (if you retain the services of) $2 per bag
I hope that this is of help to you.
Customer support desk"
"Good Evening,
There is no set rule for tipping on-board the train. There is no obligation to tip but please feel free to tip based on qualify service . If you choose to tip please remember, however, that the crew will change several times on long journeys. You can obtain more information from the Service Manager on board your train.
A general guideline from one of our tour operators is;
Sleeping car service attendant - $5 per guest/night
Dining car
-breakfast - $2 per guest/meal
-lunch - $3 per guest/meal
-dinner - $4 per guest/meal
Bar service - 15% of tab
Activity coordinator - $2 per guest/day
Baggage service attendant (if you retain the services of) $2 per bag
I hope that this is of help to you.
Customer support desk"
Feb 3, 2007 | 5:41 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: YOW, but formerly SJC/SFO, LGA, YUL, YGK, and ultimately YQQ
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Posts: 104
Tipping is customary, particularly when travelling in sleeper cars, not necessary in comfort class (i.e. the standard chairs, usually for a short haul)
I usually tip slightly more at meals where alcohol is involved, it becomes a bit more of a hassle for the staff and most people i've noticed tend to do the same. My standard tip at the end of a cross country trip is 15 to each of the 2 sleeping car attendents but that's a personal guidline, i've seen people tip less and tip more.
I usually tip slightly more at meals where alcohol is involved, it becomes a bit more of a hassle for the staff and most people i've noticed tend to do the same. My standard tip at the end of a cross country trip is 15 to each of the 2 sleeping car attendents but that's a personal guidline, i've seen people tip less and tip more.