Do you tip the shuttle driver?
#61
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: CO Plat
Posts: 51
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.
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.
#62



Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 6,095
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.
#63
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 6
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?
#64
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 11,049
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.
Drivers are service workers, so tipping is customary/expected, much like bartenders, room attendants, porters, curbside check-in guys, etc.
#66
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 13,644
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...
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...
#69




Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,934
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)
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)
#70
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 31,464
#74
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: USA
Programs: SA Air, Air Canada, KLM, BA,Lufthansa, United, AA, Hawaiian, Air New Zealnd, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic
Posts: 777
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.






