Do you tip the shuttle driver?
Aug 23, 2010 | 6:24 pm
#17
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
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I believe that tipping cabbies (and barbers/hair stylists) has been part of established American tipping practice, in addition to servers (but unlike ... oh say ... 7/11 cashiers!), so that the IRS expects at least some tipping to be declared, so not doing so, unless they're notably rude or unhelpful, actually penalizes them?
As far as the 7-11 cashiers goes, there is a huge street festival I go to the first weekend of august in Chicago every year and there is a 7-11 right in the middle of the action and their parking lot is set up as a stage area, and believe it or not that weekend they do have a tip jar set up there.
Aug 23, 2010 | 7:20 pm
#18
Original Poster
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Location: RSW
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The IRS looks at "occupation" and expect those putting "cab driver" to declare (some) tips. In my experience, shuttle folks do other things as well for their primary job, with titles such as "porter" that wouldn't raise that flag.
Aug 23, 2010 | 7:39 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Hawaii
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Posts: 266
I tip the driver a couple of bucks only if I have a bag. If I have only a carry-on that requires no help from the driver, I don't tip.
Aug 23, 2010 | 10:32 pm
#25
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Boston area
Programs: Primary: AA & Marriott; Also Hilton, JetBlue and United
Posts: 313
A bit different but related... the Hilton I frequent has a shuttle to my office, removing the requirement for me to rent a car. They take me to the office and pick me up each day, and I tip the driver $5 each way. Not only good karma, but they're saving me a ton in rental car fees and time getting / returning the rental car.
Aug 24, 2010 | 1:39 am
#26
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
Programs: Delta Skymiles Diamond. Skyteam Elite Plus. Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 174
I always do regardless of how many bags I have. They have a thankless job and for the most part all of them at ATL are friendly, polite, and fun to talk to.
Aug 24, 2010 | 7:24 am
#28
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Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
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If a shuttle driver gets off his butt and helps anyone with their bag they get $1. As for cabbies most all lease the cab for a set amount and they pocket all tips. If either keep gabbing on their cellphones they get a big zero tip (usually I give one (1) warning to stop gabbing).
MisterNice
MisterNice
Aug 24, 2010 | 11:13 am
#30
Join Date: Oct 2005
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Posts: 725
One time in HNL I was returning my car at HNL and heading to their tiny inter-island terminal. The shuttle was empty but the driver said he had to take the normal route and go to the main terminal first before dropping off at the inter-island terminal. Puzzled because there wasn't anyone else on the shuttle. I was running late and got off the shuttle because I saw a cab dropping someone off for pickup of their car. Rep saw me get off the shuttle and asked what happened...said he'd drive me to the terminal personally. $20 tip for a 3 minute ride and I didn't miss my flight (even though the next one was leaving 1.5 hours later)^