Tipping in lounge showers etc?
#31
Join Date: Nov 2008
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I also don’t like tipping in situations like this but as rule of thumb I look for a tip jar. If there is one then I suppose that tipping is expected in that country/situation, and also that the management approves of the practise.
#32
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: KBOS
Programs: BA GfL
Posts: 921
I recall when I wanted to have a shower I have been told that there were at least 3 persons before me in the line'
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...
#34
Join Date: Nov 2010
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I tip often, and in all kinds of circumstances and service sectors, mainly for two reasons:
1) I feel I am fortunate and a bit more well off than many of them in the airport services sector and anything I can do to help I will. Even just one $/€/£/etc might be very minimal for me but is helpful to them.
2) Getting that bit of extra special service in numerous situations and in many circumstances. Specifically, at airports, I can list many examples to fill an entire page; for instance;
A) Tipping a lounge attendants gets special care such as continually checking up on me, cleaning up table, and (sometimes) a few extra perks.
B) Tipping bathroom/shower attendants gets and extra cleaning before using, extra towels, and generally in site if I need anything else.
Aslo, someone earlier made a comment about tipping in the Middle East. I feel that is besides the point and tips are appreciated all overt the world, not just the ME. In the US, I’m sure you can imagine what $20 can do. I even read an article once about a guy who wanted to see how far $20 can get him in New York City. I was amazed what people would do for $20. But maybe I’m transgressing and suitable for a new post
1) I feel I am fortunate and a bit more well off than many of them in the airport services sector and anything I can do to help I will. Even just one $/€/£/etc might be very minimal for me but is helpful to them.
2) Getting that bit of extra special service in numerous situations and in many circumstances. Specifically, at airports, I can list many examples to fill an entire page; for instance;
A) Tipping a lounge attendants gets special care such as continually checking up on me, cleaning up table, and (sometimes) a few extra perks.
B) Tipping bathroom/shower attendants gets and extra cleaning before using, extra towels, and generally in site if I need anything else.
Aslo, someone earlier made a comment about tipping in the Middle East. I feel that is besides the point and tips are appreciated all overt the world, not just the ME. In the US, I’m sure you can imagine what $20 can do. I even read an article once about a guy who wanted to see how far $20 can get him in New York City. I was amazed what people would do for $20. But maybe I’m transgressing and suitable for a new post
#37
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#38
Join Date: Oct 2004
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I recall when I wanted to have a shower I have been told that there were at least 3 persons before me in the line'
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...
The other common experience is the shower guy asks where I'm from, then goes on to say what good people we are. Asks if I need anything, trying way too hard to be friendly. When I finish and in the absence of a tip, the guy looks completely depressed and doesn't say a word. Very clear he was expecting a tip, and that's all the more reason not to give one. I do tip in general but not when it's blatantly obvious he's soliciting one.
#39
Join Date: Nov 2010
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#40
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Wow. Can I get you anything? Cup of tea, maybe?
I'm showering at AM far too often, but never happened to me.
They've never written my info on a piece of paper; but they do type it into the terminal at the shower area reception desk (the rear one, behind the deli).
I'm showering at AM far too often, but never happened to me.
They've never written my info on a piece of paper; but they do type it into the terminal at the shower area reception desk (the rear one, behind the deli).
#41
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
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I had a similar experience: was told no showers were available and there was a waiting list, yet the list of names on the sheet of paper had all been crossed off. He then said, wait a minute, and left for 30 seconds, came back and said he found a shower for me .....
....... Very clear he was expecting a tip, and that's all the more reason not to give one. I do tip in general but not when it's blatantly obvious he's soliciting one.
....... Very clear he was expecting a tip, and that's all the more reason not to give one. I do tip in general but not when it's blatantly obvious he's soliciting one.
I've noted tip jars on airport shuttles and by the self-esrvice breakfast buffet in hotels. In a hotel executive lounge the free breakfast ended with a written bill for zero dollars delivered by an enterprising member of the lounge team.
So although I've never, ever experienced the situations in the Qatar lounge delineated above, I'm a tad puzzled that when they happen, world travellers would find them worthy of comment.
#42
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SE Asia
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A similar situation was raised on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum a couple of years back - Staff looking after showers in the Qantas LA lounge were angling for tips, and a few members raised the issue. QF were alerted and responded, saying that under no circumstances should tips be paid, and that any specific instances should be reported so that management could take action.
#44
Join Date: Jan 2010
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I recall when I wanted to have a shower I have been told that there were at least 3 persons before me in the line'
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...
I can't tell if indeed 3 people went before me but when it was my turn the staff insisted on that he called me before someone who was supposed to be before me in the line. He was clearly waiting for a tip...