Tip skycaps or else!
Mar 22, 2007 | 11:16 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 644
Tip skycaps or else!
Mar 22, 2007 | 1:43 pm
#2
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 122
This is much of the reason I never use skycaps. I've heard too many such horror stories and, frankly, I don't see the rationale for why tipping is expected with this service. (Not to be mistaken with understanding why you should still tip skycaps even if you don't like the concept.)
Mar 22, 2007 | 1:50 pm
#3
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: BOS
Programs: UA 1K (2MM); AA LT Gold (1.9 MM); SQ; WN; DL; "Bonvoy Ambassador""
Posts: 399
The only time I use skycaps is when our entire family of 6 is traveling and then, I view it as a tremendous convenience to be able to dump 5 or 6 bags and perhaps some golf clubs curbside to free my wife up to deal with four young children inside the terminal and to allow me to either park the car or return the rental. As this situation only occurs when we are on vacation, I am in a good mood and I try to value the convenience of the service rendered. For that, I usually tip $20--which I view as reasonable value.
Mar 22, 2007 | 2:00 pm
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland OR Double Emerald (QF and AA), DL PM/MM, Starwood Plat
Posts: 19,593
Mar 22, 2007 | 3:18 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: AS/MVP, *Wood G
Posts: 300
The only time I use skycaps is when our entire family of 6 is traveling and then, I view it as a tremendous convenience to be able to dump 5 or 6 bags and perhaps some golf clubs curbside to free my wife up to deal with four young children inside the terminal and to allow me to either park the car or return the rental. As this situation only occurs when we are on vacation, I am in a good mood and I try to value the convenience of the service rendered. For that, I usually tip $20--which I view as reasonable value.
Mar 22, 2007 | 3:49 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 447
Amen, and I have half the children you do. It's not worth hauling everything from the curb or parking lot into the terminal to try to weave through the lines and people while trying to control kids who would not sit still at this particular moment out of sheer spite (and have no idea they were doing it).
Mar 22, 2007 | 10:52 pm
#8
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 33
If a skycap says "That's not enough." after I hand over the tip I would instantly grab my bags, the tip and head inside instead. I would take a statement like that as a threat against my luggage and would hate to see what might happen to it after it leaves my possession.
Mar 23, 2007 | 12:35 am
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Current Micronesian, Ex Buckeye....
Programs: All My $$$ Went to CO (Plat) with a Lifetime PClub membership that got degraded to United crap...
Posts: 2,089
I agree 100%, but with 13 bags all at 50 lbs or 70 lbs I tip more. Maybe too much but at 5:30 am departure out of HNL I'll over tip to avoid lugging all that stuff with three little kids.
Mar 23, 2007 | 12:54 am
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt something
Posts: 34,505
I've found that many US Skycaps are arrogant and rude. I used to use them about 50% of the time, but now refuse to use any. Ones at Logan are probably the worst I've ever seen.
Mar 23, 2007 | 5:46 am
#11
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: IAD
Programs: United MP
Posts: 7,856
Mar 23, 2007 | 7:02 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 594
I think it's a question of race and class. Most of the skycaps seem to be overwhelmingly black and the travelers who use them are mainly white and I think the skycaps resent this. The first time I used a skycap he reminded me in a very nasty tone that I had forgotten to tip him. Really I had no idea I was supposed to tip. I didn't have any change so I gave him a $10 bill I was so intimidated. Skycaps look very unhappy.
Mar 23, 2007 | 7:12 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: TPA
Programs: US Plat, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 793
A few days a ago at DCA-- Baggage check lines are extremely long, I find a skycap, quickly hand over $10 for 1 bag and 1 set of golf clubs, less than 5 minutes later, bag check in hand- and I'm off to security. It was wonderful
Mar 23, 2007 | 7:19 am
#14
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: TK*G, UA*S, PC Diamond Amb, Marriott Life Platinum
Posts: 4,717
HTB.
Mar 23, 2007 | 8:28 am
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: MCI
Programs: AA Gold 1MM, AS MVP, UA Silver, WN A-List, Marriott LT Titanium, HH Diamond
Posts: 53,010
I flat out avoid Skycaps in the U.S. - I don't care how much luggage I have. I simply have found that they are surly and intimindating no matter how much you tip them. If there was a better attitude there, I'd probably find the service worth $10-20 for 5-6 bags.