Travel Tip$
Posted on August 25, 2009
One of the things that I get most anxious about when traveling is how much to tip. I don’t want to look cheap but I also don’t want to unnecessarily over-tip either. So what is the balance and who gets a tip anyway? Well, here is who and how much I tip. And, I would love some feedback to see if I am on-base, off-base or if I forgot someone. I will start at the beginning of the trip:
The Club Lounge: From the bartender to the person checking on my upgrade chances or flight status. Good service and extra effort certainly earns a tip. Just because the services are free (well, free after your annual fee) doesn’t mean that the people working there do not deserve a tip.
The Flight Attendant: If you are ordering a cocktail and they bring it to you and, for whatever reason, don’t charge you for it then $2-$3 is a nice gesture. Same applies if the attendant helps you out with any special requests.
The Cab Driver: 10% +$1 a bag – This is if the driver takes a reasonable route and does not try and rip me off. If I am trying to make a flight or in a hurry or if the driver takes me on a local route to avoid traffic, 15-20% is worth it. Also, if this is the case, I get his card or cell number and ask if I can call him specifically while I am in town.
The Bellman: $1-$2 per bag. If I just have a couple of bags then I spring for a five-spot.
The Concierge: If I get a good one and I know I will need a lot of help during the trip I ask what their shift is and always go back to that person. Then I tip them $10-$15 on the first visit and that is usually it. If I just ask once for something simple, like where the closest convenient store is, I typically do not tip for that.
The Maid: $2-$5 a day with a thank you note and sometimes a request like, “More bath salts would be great if you can leave some additional.” Maids always seem to be ignored and you would be amazed at the gratitude and extra attention even a dollar will get you.
The Server: 20% is standard for me. I may be behind the times on this and please someone tell me if I am. Poor service obviously decreases that tip and exceptional service, like special orders and such, earns a larger tip. And, if it is a large group and everyone splits the check, like 6-ways, I always add something extra along with a, “Thank you.”
The Bartender: This depends for me. If it is one drink while I wait then it is typically a dollar. If I am running a tab then I treat it like a restaurant and go with 20%. That is, if the bartender keeps me a full glass. And, if you ever are lucky enough to get one of those fantastic bartenders that help pull you into a group and spiffs you a shot now and then an extra $5 on top of the tip is nice.
Keep in mind these tipping tips are for travel in the U.S. Different countries have different customs and expectations so educate yourself before you go. Frommers or Fodors are good sources for information on tipping abroad.
The World Wide Will
MedjetAssist -Take Trips, Not Chances
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great post will!! sounds like you have had lots of experience with this! Travel + Leisure had an article on tipping in the September 2008 issue that echos what you have said here. here is the link to the article on Travelandleisure.com!
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worldwide-guide-to-tipping
Thanks Daryn! Thanks for the link too. Great article.
Will
Wow – I think some of this is a little off base. Tipping of flight attendants is inappropriate and not allowed by most airlines. It certainly wasn’t when I worked for the airlines. Ditto for airline sponsored lounges. The private lounges may be a different case.
I also think the restaurant rates are way high – 15-18% before tax is the norm in Canada.
I always tip more generously in third world countries because the cost is so low and the people helping me are often struggling.
Totally agree about the maids and do it the first night you are there – they will really look after you.