I really had no idea that they don't get paid. I do remember my family using the skycap service back in the late 1990s when flying with TWA out of St. Louis. It seemed like everybody was using them. But now, I don't even think of using them, for some reason. I just go inside and check my stuff. I find that I get better service inside, even if I am using the self-service check in, because I can ask a question about gates, diners, etc and get an answer from an airline employee.

Um, no one forces them to work as as skycaps, and many skycaps make over 100K a year in tips.

If I used a Skycap, I would consider $1 per bag the correct tip

Can you cite some evidence of this? I don't know of any any profession that earns $0 an hour. Even restaurant folk make $2.22 or whatever, and they must make at least minimum wage with tips.

Now a skycap may tell you're they're not making any money, but I would doubt their veracity. I knew a skycap almost 20 years ago. He was making $60,000 a year at the time.

If I have to feel intimidated to hand money over, then it's not a real service is it? So if you pay $10 for two bags, and it takes 90 seconds for the skycap to tag and move your bags. That's $400 an hour, plus his wages that he does get. Seems pretty ridiculous.

Wow, great minds thing alike. $1 a bag is what I consider normal, unless it's a very heavy bag (70 pounds, and then they'll generally make you go inside to check it anyway).

I'm sure that skycaps are mad that their tips have been reduced because of the $2 or $3 fee that the airlines have imposed. So perhaps they're only making $60,000 or $80,000 now.

I disagree that a skycap should be considered basic service. The airlines provide you with a perfectly fine place to haul your luggage (the counter). Anything else is supplementary.

I don't normally use skycaps, but in a recent trip from ABQ, I encountered a huge line (they had even removed the 1st class line to accomodate the crowd). This was after the storms that had essentially closed down DFW the day before.

As I watched the crowd for a second, I went outside and used the skycap. I gave him 2 bags and a $10 bill. After a thirty second conversation, driven far more by me than the man, I not only had checked my bags, I had a reconfirmed ticket, plus a verified trip plan.

Yes, with the exception of the bag checking, I'd done all of the above from home before heading for the Sunport, but the skycap provided the information without my asking. I think the $6 tip was well worth avoiding the cattle-line.

yuck. intimidation, blackmail, reeks of the mafia and their "protection."

I have only two children and find curbside checkin well worth the price. It is soooooo much better than dragging piles of luggage and excited antsy kids through all the lines.

Maybe I'm cheap, but I usually give the cap a $20 for five bags and tip. Never had a problem.

I find it funny that someone will pay 10 grand for a seat on a plane but won't pay 20 dollars to have SOMEONE ELSE carry your bags. YOU AREN'T SO HIGH AND MIGHTY THAT YOU GET THIS SERVICE FOR FREE YOUR MAGESTY. Try telling a caddy at a golf club they don't deserve money for carrying around your bag and see how surly the young gentleman who is probably white will get.

I don't pay 10 grand for a seat. Not many here on FT will.

The thing is what is fair tip if you leave one? When they complain that $1 tip per bag isn't enough and intimate that you bag will not make your flight, is that a correct situation? A tip is a voluntary contribution. Otherwise, it's called a bribe.

why don't the airports simply post what the fee is, per bag, for the sky cap service, and if you want you can tip more if the level of service is worthy

Uh, that's how it is most places. There is a $2 or so fee per bag, and then you can tip on top of that. However, the skycaps don't like it since that $2 goes to the airlines (for paying their wages, and I'm sure some profit), and not into their pockets like normal.

Oh my God! For two weeks? Was this your first trip or did you intend to take that much luggage?

Skycaps are widely known as one the top 10 overpaid professions in the U.S.:
http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Stor...le&dist=google
Most make $300 per day or $70,000 to $100,000 per day mostly in cash.

I've been following this thread wondering what others would have done with a suitcase full of garbage. After all, the pax in the story paid for a service, tipped, declined to be extorted and was consequently vandalized. What about that?

"many", "at the nations busiest metro airports" LOL. I got roped into selling Mary Kay with broad statements like that LOL