Curb Side Checking Agent Asking for Tips?
Oct 12, 2015 | 2:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DCA
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Curb Side Checking Agent Asking for Tips?
Hey all - Checked in this afternoon at DCA curb-side. The agent at curb side check-in, after checking my two bags, said to me matter of factly: Sir, we accept tips.
I've checked in probably a dozen times at DCA in the last year and have never seen anyone tipping these guys.
Am I just an ... for not thinking of tipping them? I'm a newish frequent flyer, so I'll admit ignorance here.
Just wanted to get the reaction from others if this is normal/acceptable, etc.
I've checked in probably a dozen times at DCA in the last year and have never seen anyone tipping these guys.
Am I just an ... for not thinking of tipping them? I'm a newish frequent flyer, so I'll admit ignorance here.
Just wanted to get the reaction from others if this is normal/acceptable, etc.
Oct 12, 2015 | 2:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Minneapolis, MN (MSP)
Programs: DL DM, UA 1K MM, Subway Club Member
Posts: 1,993
Yes, IME it is normal to tip the curbside check in folks. They are offering a service (similar to a hotel doorman) and I think the bulk of the compensation for those staff (I believe they are contractors and not DL employees) is via tips.
Oct 12, 2015 | 2:51 pm
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: DCA
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Got it - just didn't think about it. Will be ready to do that in the future.
Oct 12, 2015 | 3:01 pm
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
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They aren't agents, they are independent contractors who work for some pittance + tips. Depending on how you are feeling about if $2-5 seems reasonable for 1-2 bags.
You can always go inside and check in there. Those people are agents (or employees of a subcontractor), but they aren't supposed to even accept tips.
You can always go inside and check in there. Those people are agents (or employees of a subcontractor), but they aren't supposed to even accept tips.
Oct 12, 2015 | 3:26 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,394
Snark over, and I apologize for the snark.
Oct 12, 2015 | 4:44 pm
#9
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
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As others have said... Yes tip the curbside people!
They don't work for Delta.
I've been tipping the curbside sky caps since I first started traveling by myself in the 80's. This is pretty much the deal at all airports with curbside.
In fact, if I recall, I think AA's curbside at DCA charges a per bag fee.
They don't work for Delta.
I've been tipping the curbside sky caps since I first started traveling by myself in the 80's. This is pretty much the deal at all airports with curbside.
In fact, if I recall, I think AA's curbside at DCA charges a per bag fee.
Oct 12, 2015 | 4:53 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
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Posts: 3,996
This also is why I recommend never checking in bags with a skycap - they are not an employee of Delta.
Sometimes, your bags don't even go directly into the luggage system - they go onto a cart to later be processed, decreasing the time available for them to get loaded correctly onto your flight. An unprofessional skycap could easily delay your baggage if they felt your tip was insufficient.
Rather than paying the extra cost of a gratuity and accepting the extra risk of an additional person handling your baggage, I strongly recommend dropping off your baggage inside at the counter, unless you're traveling with an excessive number of items.
Sometimes, your bags don't even go directly into the luggage system - they go onto a cart to later be processed, decreasing the time available for them to get loaded correctly onto your flight. An unprofessional skycap could easily delay your baggage if they felt your tip was insufficient.
Rather than paying the extra cost of a gratuity and accepting the extra risk of an additional person handling your baggage, I strongly recommend dropping off your baggage inside at the counter, unless you're traveling with an excessive number of items.
Oct 12, 2015 | 7:08 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Now near LAX
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Posts: 4,789
Yeah, Skycaps can be as aggressive as anyone I've ever seen when it comes to asking for tips (which is the main reason I avoid them). And the results of not tipping are not always the best:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...caps-else.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...caps-else.html
Oct 12, 2015 | 7:21 pm
#12
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That said, it's been years since I used a skycap and curbside checkin. I always go inside and check in at the counter. I don't even like the automated kiosks.
Oct 12, 2015 | 8:08 pm
#13
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When I was a student, we used skycaps and tipped generously to check extra bags. If three were free, it was easily to check six bags or boxes. Now the computer would never let that happen.
Oct 12, 2015 | 9:05 pm
#14
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I find the practice of tipping to be abhorrent. People who are tip whores make me want to throw up.
This is why the number of times I've used a skycap in my entire life is ZERO.
If you want to throw your money away instead of going inside to check your bag without that hassle, could you send me some of your extra dough? Thanks
This is why the number of times I've used a skycap in my entire life is ZERO.
If you want to throw your money away instead of going inside to check your bag without that hassle, could you send me some of your extra dough? Thanks
Oct 12, 2015 | 9:20 pm
#15
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Normally I don't do curbside checkin, but a few times when I've seen long lines inside, I've run back to the curb to drop any bags that must be checked. A tip if often much cheaper than missing a flight.