Airline Club tipping etiquette
Jun 5, 2013, 4:02 pm
#76
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,813
I am surprised to read how few of responses mentioned basing their tips on the quality of service given.
The 'I always leave $x for y drinks' method only encourages servers to not see tips as earned for their service, but just 'random' money given based on how generous the customer happens to be.
The 'I always leave $x for y drinks' method only encourages servers to not see tips as earned for their service, but just 'random' money given based on how generous the customer happens to be.
Jun 5, 2013, 5:55 pm
#77
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
Jun 5, 2013, 8:53 pm
#78
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Formerly HPN, but then DCA and IAD for a while, and now back to HPN!
Programs: Honestly, I've been out of the travel game so long that I'm not even sure. Maybe Marriott Gold?
Posts: 10,677
I am surprised to read how few of responses mentioned basing their tips on the quality of service given.
The 'I always leave $x for y drinks' method only encourages servers to not see tips as earned for their service, but just 'random' money given based on how generous the customer happens to be.
The 'I always leave $x for y drinks' method only encourages servers to not see tips as earned for their service, but just 'random' money given based on how generous the customer happens to be.
Jun 6, 2013, 9:53 am
#80
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ELP
Programs: AAdvantage, Amex MR
Posts: 2,314
I see the lounge as an extension of the flight experience. I don't tip the FA so I don't tip the bartender at the lounge.
Now at a bar in the terminal where you open a tab sure I will tip there same as any other bar or restaurant where the staff is making server wages.
Now at a bar in the terminal where you open a tab sure I will tip there same as any other bar or restaurant where the staff is making server wages.
Jun 6, 2013, 10:14 am
#81
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA/YVR/BLI
Programs: UA "Lifetime" Gold, AS MVPG100K, OW Emerald, HH Lifetime Diamond, IC Plat, Marriott Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 9,489
I see the lounge as an extension of the flight experience. I don't tip the FA so I don't tip the bartender at the lounge.
Now at a bar in the terminal where you open a tab sure I will tip there same as any other bar or restaurant where the staff is making server wages.
Now at a bar in the terminal where you open a tab sure I will tip there same as any other bar or restaurant where the staff is making server wages.
I suppose part of that is my assumption the lounge employees are earning wages better than the average server wage.
To offer an example close to home for me, I travel on British Columbia Ferries occasionally and sometimes eat at the buffet.
I would never consider leaving a tip because all of the employees are union members who earn $25 (est.) dollars an hour or more plus benefits.
If anything, they should be tipping me for keeping them employed.
