I also usually tip off-site airport parking $1/bag. Sometimes I will add an extra dollar if it's very early or very late at night. Somehow I feel like it's more of a "special" trip since it's an on-call typ eof thing. But the drivers are typically very cheerful and nice so early/late.

I also don't tip hotel or rental car shuttles. Not sure why. Shouldn't be any different but I don't think of it like I do at home going to/from airport on shuttle.

Did they assist me? Then I'll tip. I did not tip the driver who, instead of helping me and my wife and 2 young kids with our bags, car seats, and stroller, decided to help the middle-aged couple with their 2 carryon-sized suitcases. I got everything onto and off of the shuttle myself, with the exception of one car seat he took off. If I receive sub-par service at a restaurant, I'll also leave a sub-par tip. Sorry, but you don't get a tip just for showing up and doing the bare minimum. And yes, I have worked jobs for which I received a voluntary tip, which is why I always tried to be as pleasant, friendly, and helpful as possible while trying not to be fake and in-your-face.

How much should I tip?
 

I am taking a shuttle from one destination to the other which is costing me $130 return. There will be 2 of us with 2 large suitcases and 1 carry on. I am prepaying my fare but the operator has advised I can tip in advance. How much should I tip?

I always tip $1 for shuttle bus/van drivers, especially if they help me with my rollaboard (as they usually are eager to do).

Drivers are service workers, so tipping is customary/expected, much like bartenders, room attendants, porters, curbside check-in guys, etc.

Usually a couple of bucks.

If I have a bag and the driver is helpful, yes.
Even if I don't have a bag but I see the driver works hard to help others, yes.
As a fellow driver, I reckon it's all good karma...

I tip if I have more than a carry on AND if the driver is polite and quiet!! Of course, after my travel, I like peaceful and no noisy shuttle, dont you?

Thanks to everyone for your help!:cool:

I was thinking whether or not I should tip the shuttle driver, who didn't help at all with my suitcase and bag and just had me struggle to get it into the shuttle (there is also a trunk, which he didn't offer to open for me either). On the one hand, I feel bad he makes so little money. The company probably doesn't pay him much, with the rates it is charging for the shuttle. But should I compensate for the fact businesses are cutthroat and rates are so low? I feel I should, because I support paying all employees more.
In the end, however, given he pulled over without announcing my airline (I knew I was in the right terminal) and goes to the back to help the other customer retrieve his bag from the trunk, I just walked away.

Ah, back in America with American problems.

(regarding the old thread, a flyertalk search didn't reveal anything newer)

Why? No one put a gun to his head demanding he take that job. It's his bed, he made it.

I tip $1 a bag if the driver helps me and my wife.

How about if the shuttle is not FREE?

I don't parse these details. $1 if it's just driving, $2 if I have a bag. Makes little difference to me. Makes a big difference to the driver (likely).

We always have bags, so yes we do tip the shuttle driver. I don't believe we have ever had one that didn't help with bags.

Australia no..elsewhere yes.