I am very new to the American tip culture and have strong opinions about it. One group of persons who render me service of outstanding quality are FLIGHT ATTENDANTS (May be a small percentage) and I would like to know whether anybody tips them in cash or kind?

No. It's never (in my experience, which is pretty extensive, including keeping my eyes open) done. It's against airline rules, and the amount of a tip isn't worth risking their job over. Most FAs will refuse a tip. Many would be offended.

Most airlines have programs where you can give employees (including FAs, but not restricted to them) some sort of card for service above normal competence. American calls its cards SOS, for SomeOne Special. On AA, an SOS card can be redeemed for things typically worth about $5. Multiple cards can be used at a time - for instance, three SOS's cover the fees for a "free" ticket within North America. A note that he/she received an SOS also goes in the employee's file.

If you don't have an SOS card or its equivalent on another airline, small gifts are appreciated also. Of course, you have to plan in advance to have something on hand. See thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum1/HTML/004936.html for more on gifts.

For truly exceptional situations, a letter to the company's executive offices is nice.

I have seen PAX give a tip to the FA in rare instances. Usually only a dollar or two when getting a drink, and the FA seemed embarrassed, but not offended. I think she took it just to end the situation.

[This message has been edited by johnndor (edited 08-09-2001).]

I have never tipped a FA, although I have more than often given them a book that I finished in flight, and an occassional CD as well.

I have images in my head of James Caan peeling money off his roll and trying to lay it on the FA's.

See also http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...-2001Aug7.html

"A quick question: Your flight has just landed and the flight attendants are standing at the plane's exit, saying their customary "buh-byes," and you reach in your wallet and hand the attendant $5. Yes, a tip, because the flight attendant's attitude and service were extra-special. Do you believe tipping attendants would help ensure better customer service? After all, you tip waiters and waitresses in restaurants, and they're not even responsible for your safety. What do you think of this idea? Let us know. E-mail us at [email protected] or write to Business Class in care of Keith L. Alexander, The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071."

Personally, I think arilines should encourage it! After all, pay for new hire F/A's is pretty tragic and demoralizing.

If the F/A's could pick up an extra $20-30 bucks/trip, it stands to reason that the service received inflight might improve. And equally as important, one would think that F/A attitude toward the customer might improve. It stands to reason that the cabin crew would be spending more time in the cabin 'working the passengers.'

A well phrased announcement of the 'new policy' could be made inflight, just prior to the first beverage service just to familiarize psgrs to this new 'service enhancement.' I doubt that few psgrs would object.

Just an idea, which would appear to benefit the F/A crew, and cost the airlines virtually nothing.

From what I understand, FA's would prefer that for above average performance that you mail a letter to their carrier explaining how they went "above and beyond" the call of duty. At least as far as Delta's policy, a letter like this will be put in the FA's personnel file and will be taken into account at their next review. Also, some letters like this will result in them getting a flight pass with a higher level of standby than they automatically receive.

It is done and not against ALL airline rules. On domestic flights where you pay for drinks I think it happens more often. There are many ways to say thanks and tipping is an option.

Gee, I thought they were there for our safety, not to bring us a second drink. This would take them one step farther away from being regarded as "safety professionals" and one step closer to being regarded as a waiter/ress in the sky:

WAITRESS IN THE SKY


She don't wear no pants and she don't wear no tie
Always on the ball, she's always on strike
Struttin' up the aisle, big deal, you get to fly
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky

Paid my fare, don't wanna complain
You get to me, you're always outta champagne
Treat me like a bum, don't wear no tie
'cause you ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky

And the sign says, "Thank you very much for not smoking"
My own sign says, "I'm sorry, I'm smokin'"
Don't treat me special, don't kiss my ...
Treat me like the way they treat 'em up in first class

Sanitation expert and a maintenance engineer
Garbage man, a janitor and you my dear
A real union flight attendant, my oh my
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky
You ain't nothin' but a waitress in the sky

(c) The Replacements (I assume).

I thought that the FAs are there primarily for my safety?

If there's an emergency and the FA helps me out on the evacuation slide, I'd probably give him or her a buck.

Wideman

The Buzz forum on FlyerTalk Miles is for topics related to miles and points. General travel related topics should be posted on FlyerTalk Travel. This thread will now be closed.

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