Tipping drivers
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 508
Tipping drivers
I'd like to know how you tip drivers. Do you tip based on total fare or base fare? On a recent trip from EWR to downtown Manhattan my fare was Fare: $56.00
Tolls: $21.98 Airport Fee: $2.50 Total: $80.48. Would you tip based on $56 or based on total $80.48?
Tolls: $21.98 Airport Fee: $2.50 Total: $80.48. Would you tip based on $56 or based on total $80.48?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 28,504
I would tip on the fare, or maybe the fare plus the airport fee. Never on the tolls.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH
Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD
Posts: 17,111
#8
Join Date: Jun 2006
Programs: AA EP 4MM, UA 1MM, DL 1MM
Posts: 404
+1 on both taxis and restaurants. I never tip on the added tolls, surcharges, etc. I usually give 20% rounded up to make it an even dollar amount. Same with restaurants. I never tip on the tax. 20-25% tip based on the base food and drink total depending on the service.
#9
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,313
I tip (and generally at about 20% in cash to the driver directly) only if the driver goes beyond the expected and already paid for service. i.e. helping with a heavy bag, waiting longer, making a stop, just being generally nice and having a good chat, etc. Tipping for me is not part of the cost but a reward fro extra service. I am always quick and generous to acknowledge it, but also very aware when somebody does the bare minimum.
#11
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Israel/United States
Posts: 1,216
I tip (and generally at about 20% in cash to the driver directly) only if the driver goes beyond the expected and already paid for service. i.e. helping with a heavy bag, waiting longer, making a stop, just being generally nice and having a good chat, etc. Tipping for me is not part of the cost but a reward fro extra service. I am always quick and generous to acknowledge it, but also very aware when somebody does the bare minimum.
Bottom line, if you are visiting the US, you dont have to like our systems or culture- but you should respect it and follow it!
#12
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,313
I do not know what is the tipping custom in your home country, but here tips are expected and part of the drivers salary! If someone does extra, I tip extra- but safely getting me to my destination and handing me my bags is their job and there are almost no times when they should not be tipped!
Bottom line, if you are visiting the US, you dont have to like our systems or culture- but you should respect it and follow it!
Bottom line, if you are visiting the US, you dont have to like our systems or culture- but you should respect it and follow it!
Perhaps doing as we each se fit regarding the providing extra payment is the best way to go in a society that is free to choose as is the case in America. And maybe be a little less preachy at the same time

#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: n.y.c.
Posts: 13,955
I do not know what is the tipping custom in your home country, but here tips are expected and part of the drivers salary! If someone does extra, I tip extra- but safely getting me to my destination and handing me my bags is their job and there are almost no times when they should not be tipped!
Bottom line, if you are visiting the US, you don’t have to like our systems or culture- but you should respect it and follow it!
Bottom line, if you are visiting the US, you don’t have to like our systems or culture- but you should respect it and follow it!
A tip by definition is not part of the salary.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: MSY (finally); previously NYC, BOS, AUH
Programs: AA EXP, 6MM; BA GLD
Posts: 17,111