Can a gate agent upgrade someone because they like you or you tip them?
Nov 30, 2006, 7:17 am
#31
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Not all countries have this love affair with tipping.
Nov 30, 2006, 10:06 am
#33
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Nov 30, 2006, 10:58 pm
#34
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In both instances, the agent is essentially denying the employer revenue or encouraging people NOT to book the more expensive room or seat in the first place and then benefitting directly themselves.
The only difference perhaps (from what i've read on FT) may be that the audits carried out on hotel desk staff for doing this aren't at the same level as those in the airline industry...
Nov 30, 2006, 11:25 pm
#35
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I thought exactly the same thing, but why is it different doing this for a hotel vs an airline?
In both instances, the agent is essentially denying the employer revenue or encouraging people NOT to book the more expensive room or seat in the first place and then benefitting directly themselves.
In both instances, the agent is essentially denying the employer revenue or encouraging people NOT to book the more expensive room or seat in the first place and then benefitting directly themselves.
Many say that tipping is expected in the US hotel industry and is nothing more than part of the workers remuneration - ie to make up what is otherwise part of a low wage. Its not to get anything more. If you don't tip, you're a scrooge.
But then you'll always find posters who will tell you with great glee how they secured an "extra" by "generously tipping" someone.
As you move away from North America, the whole tipping thing seems less prevalent in the service sector. Its practically unknown here in Taiwan. Offering cash to GA could cause them serious problems if they were to get caught accepting.
May 26, 2008, 7:52 am
#36
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$20 trick on airlines
The thought popped up in my head the other day... we all know the $20 trick for hotels (most commonly in Vegas)--you think it'd work at the airport for an upgrade on your flight?
May 26, 2008, 8:05 am
#38
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May 26, 2008, 9:49 am
#39
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We've had other threads on tipping of airline employees and the bottom line is that employees in the U.S. are prohibited from accepting tips and can be discharged for doing it. As noted, some airlines will offer upgrades unlikely to be used at the last minute or at check-in in return for a standard level of payment to the airline. These funds collected have to be accounted for to the airline as well.
$20 trick
May 26, 2008, 11:34 am
#43
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May 26, 2008, 11:42 am
#44
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In most cases it will not work, and an especially officious airline employee might report this attempt to security and result in your being denied boarding or worse.