Tipping the Flight Fantastic
Quite frankly, a waiter could baste me in brandy, flambe my fedora and withhold a fire extinguisher, and I would likely leave a 15 percent gratuity, okay, 14 percent; but I'd let him know how steamed I was.
Since I don't have to take my own advice, tipping should be commensurate with the level of service received. Granted a cab driver may just get you from point A to point B, but if you arrive with all tires inflated and doors intact, a tip is a fine way to celebrate your safe return to the curb.
Let me give you some of the generally accepted tipping levels, or better put, amounts that will spare you from groans, eye rolls or being pelted with change.
As a general rule, the magic number in the U.S seems to be 15 percent for good service, 20 percent for the exceptional.
Other guidelines include:
I'm a big believer in rewarding great service and reporting bad service. And while tipping is up to the individual, I can't think of any good service situation that doesn't warrant a kind thank you to the service provider. (And besides, a hug can just get you into trouble.)
Since I don't have to take my own advice, tipping should be commensurate with the level of service received. Granted a cab driver may just get you from point A to point B, but if you arrive with all tires inflated and doors intact, a tip is a fine way to celebrate your safe return to the curb.
Let me give you some of the generally accepted tipping levels, or better put, amounts that will spare you from groans, eye rolls or being pelted with change.
As a general rule, the magic number in the U.S seems to be 15 percent for good service, 20 percent for the exceptional.
Other guidelines include:
- Luggage: $1 to $3/bag for skycaps, shuttle drivers and bell desk.
- Wheelchair/electric cart assistance at the airport: $3 to $5
- Maid service: $3 to $10/day (a sliding scale based on one's level of slovenliness)
- Concierge, sommelier, spa services: 15% to 20% of purchase price of item or specific service
- Taxis & Limos: 10% to 20% of fare
- Room service: 15% of bill ( some hotels include it automatically)
- Coat check: $1 to $2 per item (more if they return a better coat)
- Parking valet: $2 to $5 (of course, as in my case, be sure the tip doesn't exceed the value of the car)
I'm a big believer in rewarding great service and reporting bad service. And while tipping is up to the individual, I can't think of any good service situation that doesn't warrant a kind thank you to the service provider. (And besides, a hug can just get you into trouble.)
Comments
In terms of hotel concierge, I sometimes bring them back something from my excursion (a small gift certificate from the spa, a box of chocolates, some baked goods I found en route to my destination) as a sign of my appreciation. Sure, cash is always king; but just like any other human interaction, intentionality rules the heart.
Posted by: David Shorter | February 9, 2007 11:44 AM