Hotel Courtesy shuttle
Oct 17, 1999, 10:07 pm
#1
Company Representative - Air Canada
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
Hotel Courtesy shuttle
Arrived here at the YVR Hilton Vancouver Airport hotel, took the complimentary shuttle from airport. I just have my laptop briefcase and the a small luggauge (the ones which have wheels and can fit in overhead bin), the driver insisted on putting that in the back of the shuttle. When I got off, he retrieved it for me, I didn't give him any tips as I usually don't for complimentary shuttle which is the whole idea of "complimentary". I can hear him cursing me and he stood there and stare at me until I got in the hotel.
Want to know, do you guys usually tip in these cases? Should I complain to Hilton?
Regards,
Empress
Want to know, do you guys usually tip in these cases? Should I complain to Hilton?
Regards,
Empress
Oct 17, 1999, 10:41 pm
#2
Join Date: May 1999
Location: New York City
Programs: UA MM-1P, Hilton Life Diamond, Marriot Life Gold, ICH Spire
Posts: 4,080
I never used to tip courtesy van drivers, but now I do, when I feel the service particularly warrants it.
However, tipping is always optional. Of course you should complain to Hilton. There is no circumstance that justifies getting cursed at by a hotel employee. If you don't complain then you are validating his conduct, in a way.
However, tipping is always optional. Of course you should complain to Hilton. There is no circumstance that justifies getting cursed at by a hotel employee. If you don't complain then you are validating his conduct, in a way.
Oct 18, 1999, 1:23 am
#3
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Las Vegas, NV, USA
Programs: AAdvantage EXP/1mm/Admirals,United Silver+Club (life),Marriott Titanium,Hilton & Accor Gold
Posts: 5,061
I usually tip $1. If I like the driver, he gets $2. If I don't like the driver (or am indifferent and he didn't touch my bag), he gets nothing.
Once again, this an instance where employers don't pay a living wage. While service in a restaurant is complimentary, a tip is expected. Same thing on a shuttle...
Once again, this an instance where employers don't pay a living wage. While service in a restaurant is complimentary, a tip is expected. Same thing on a shuttle...
Oct 18, 1999, 2:26 am
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CH-3823 Wengen Switzerland
Programs: miles&more, MileagePlus
Posts: 27,041
1$ (without luggage to help with) - 2$ (with luggage)
If he does somethinge 'out of the normal' (example: drops me at the rent-a-car lot) $2 - 5 (SFO $5 because the rent-a-car aerea is so far away).
I give the tip when I enter the shuttle - and ask him to organize the luggage being brought inside to the hotel check-in area.
If he does somethinge 'out of the normal' (example: drops me at the rent-a-car lot) $2 - 5 (SFO $5 because the rent-a-car aerea is so far away).
I give the tip when I enter the shuttle - and ask him to organize the luggage being brought inside to the hotel check-in area.
Oct 18, 1999, 5:18 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 1999
Posts: 46,817
His behavior -cursing you etc is clearly unacceptable and whether you complain or not is a personal choice matter.
Your logic on "complimentary" however, admittedly escapes me. It is your choice to tip or not to, according to services provided. While I've often be accused of overtiping (having worked in service jobs like waiter, valet parking), I'll give a waiter extra for throwing in something complimentary just to show appreciation. Drinks are free/complimentary in LV casinos but I've always tipped $1-2 each time.
BTW- There are some hotels now that are quietly charging patrons for use of the "complimentary" shuttle, so you should watch out for this! I really object to that!
Your logic on "complimentary" however, admittedly escapes me. It is your choice to tip or not to, according to services provided. While I've often be accused of overtiping (having worked in service jobs like waiter, valet parking), I'll give a waiter extra for throwing in something complimentary just to show appreciation. Drinks are free/complimentary in LV casinos but I've always tipped $1-2 each time.
BTW- There are some hotels now that are quietly charging patrons for use of the "complimentary" shuttle, so you should watch out for this! I really object to that!
Oct 18, 1999, 2:45 pm
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: New York
Posts: 2,115
I almost always tip the van drivers, unless I feel the service poor.
I respect that these drivers are working, and picking me up at the airport takes time.
Some the hotel's I've stayed at that are 20 mins from the airport still offer airport transportation. That means the driver is spending 40 mins to pick up me, I think a tip is in order.
That said, you have every right to complain to hilton.
I respect that these drivers are working, and picking me up at the airport takes time.
Some the hotel's I've stayed at that are 20 mins from the airport still offer airport transportation. That means the driver is spending 40 mins to pick up me, I think a tip is in order.
That said, you have every right to complain to hilton.
Oct 18, 1999, 5:51 pm
#8
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Ormond Beach, FL USA
Programs: Delta Flying Colonel, Lifetime Silver Medallion, Million Miler
Posts: 621
Usually $1 for hotel shuttle drivers if they handle luggage at all. How about the car rental shuttles? I usually don't tip them unless they do something special. Does this make sense?
Oct 18, 1999, 6:02 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 1999
Posts: 217
Got to reply to this one 
In my distant youth as a college student I drove one of those "complimentary" shuttles. Many a time folks did the "well complimentary is free" argument and left me nothing (never cursed anyone but wanted to). Unfortunately I was paid less than minimum wage (but taxed as if I was making minimum wage) and it was tough. Taking home $5 on an eight hour shift I was making less than minimum some nights.
Back then it was a minimum of $.50, now I would consider the minimum to be $1, unless the driver was a real maniac or something.
Complimentary is not free in the case of hotel shuttles folks.
jb
In my distant youth as a college student I drove one of those "complimentary" shuttles. Many a time folks did the "well complimentary is free" argument and left me nothing (never cursed anyone but wanted to). Unfortunately I was paid less than minimum wage (but taxed as if I was making minimum wage) and it was tough. Taking home $5 on an eight hour shift I was making less than minimum some nights.
Back then it was a minimum of $.50, now I would consider the minimum to be $1, unless the driver was a real maniac or something.
Complimentary is not free in the case of hotel shuttles folks.
jb
Oct 18, 1999, 6:55 pm
#10
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: New York
Posts: 2,115
Think of all the complimentary things we tip for.
Bellhop service is free?
What about drinks at the airport club?
What about maid service?
What about skycaps?
What about complimentary breakfasts at hotels?
As for hotel shuttles, at many hotels, they provide area transportation, not just airport service. It's a great service, At many hotels this saves expensive taxi rides or the need for a rental car.
Bellhop service is free?
What about drinks at the airport club?
What about maid service?
What about skycaps?
What about complimentary breakfasts at hotels?
As for hotel shuttles, at many hotels, they provide area transportation, not just airport service. It's a great service, At many hotels this saves expensive taxi rides or the need for a rental car.
Oct 18, 1999, 7:24 pm
#11
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NEWYORK, NY U.S.A.
Posts: 312
The cursing at you was not called for.
If the driver in any way assists me with my luggage he or she gets $2.00 maybe more if he or she answers a question of importance. OTHERWISE they get $1.00 and a thank you very much... I also consider the distance from the airport terminal and the hotel in determining the tip amount. More likley than not these pepole are paid close to minimum wage. AND they are providing a service...Please keep that in mind.
Just my two cents...
Mike
If the driver in any way assists me with my luggage he or she gets $2.00 maybe more if he or she answers a question of importance. OTHERWISE they get $1.00 and a thank you very much... I also consider the distance from the airport terminal and the hotel in determining the tip amount. More likley than not these pepole are paid close to minimum wage. AND they are providing a service...Please keep that in mind.
Just my two cents...
Mike
Oct 18, 1999, 8:56 pm
#12
Company Representative - Air Canada
Original Poster
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
Just to add a couple info...the ride was about 5 minutes. I was not impressed by the atitiude in the beginning when he first insisted that I must put my small luggage in the back. I never have been force to do this and I was only one of two person on the van. There is a rack "in" the van for small lugguage. and this is my eighth time taking this shuttle this year. I have tipped a couple of the driver even though they didn't handle my lugguage but simply they were very friendly and have very nice atitude.
Regards,
Empress
Regards,
Empress