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Comments (12)
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Save/ShareA group of Skycaps is suing American Airlines because now that the airline charges $2-3 per bag for the service, fewer passengers are tipping (this is according to The Travel Insider). Generally, I don't like the idea of tipping when I'm already paying a fee (such as a coat check). But I think I'd still tip a Skycap, because I'd worry that my bag would go off on a random journey if I didn't. You tell me: If you pay $2 to check a bag, would you also tip? How much?
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Of course I tip skycaps. They aren't getting the money the airline charges and they are performing a service for me. I give #2/bag just as before
Posted By phyllis on March 21, 2008, 5:49 PM
This is the first I've ever heard of tipping a skycap when there is a fee. I travel for a living - every 2 weeks I'm flying - and it NEVER occurred to me that the skycaps don't get the fee!! I thought they implemented the fee because too many people were refusing to tip.
I'm horrified to learn I've been stiffing skycaps around the world ever since they implemented the fee!!
Posted By Somer on March 24, 2008, 6:13 PM
Skycaps are part of a service industry, same as housekeepers and waiters. Most of my travel is for business and I want to be sure to support these service people who do the necessary jobs that would drive me crazy. Besides, I can expense it, so why not? What's an extra dollar per bag compared against the overall cost of my trip?
Posted By Steve on March 27, 2008, 12:18 PM
I read in Outdoor Magazine several years ago that SkyCaptain was one of the top ten highest paid outdoor jobs in the US. Averaging over $100K or more per year. I don't make that kind of money and I am a professional. Thus I don't feel quite as sympathetic towards the Skycaps. That is also why I try very hard to avoid having to use them. However, they provide a service and I don't deny they deserve to be tipped. Just feel the whole airline industry is out of control right now and I don't want to put out anymore then I have to as it is.
Posted By JS on March 27, 2008, 1:28 PM
I too thought that the fee was in lieu of the tip because too few people tipped skycaps. If I may pose a dumb question, what exactly is the purpose of the fee since the service performed by the skycaps benefits not only the traveler but the airlines as well. What am I missing?
Posted By Jennie Arrington on March 27, 2008, 2:06 PM
I'm with Somer - I thought the fee was going to the SkyCap. I'm mortified that I've been (however unintentionally) snubbing skycaps all over the country!
Posted By TravellerMel on March 27, 2008, 2:43 PM
For those who thought that the Skycap was getting the $2/bag charged by the airlines, you should read the signs around their stations. Everywhere I have been and used the services of the Skycaps, there are signs that state the airlines fee is not given to the Skycaps. In other words, they are telling you, a tip is still expected.
Posted By A. Barber on March 27, 2008, 3:32 PM
I always tip the Skycaps. I'm disabled and I know they don't get the fees (as the signs say). They help me, so I help them, period.
Posted By William Skiman on March 27, 2008, 5:07 PM
I always use the skycaps when they are available. They take care of my luggage, get my receipt, and sometimes even get me an emergency exit seat. For this I tip them appropriately. As an old taxi driver, I know how it use to be.
Posted By Charlie Carter on March 27, 2008, 9:21 PM
I too am disabled and know that I would not be able to travel without the services of the Skycaps. I find that for the most part they are cheerful, polite and able to help with more than just luggage. Of course I tip$1-2 per bag and more if other services are required such as changing a seat or getting on another flight if a flight has been canceled.I do resent the airlines charging the fees now - where is it going to go from here? Pay toilets on flights or charging for reading lights over the seats. Enough is enough!!!!
Posted By Maura Oneill on March 27, 2008, 9:47 PM
I would still tip the skycap employees, but actually only rarely use them now, so will continue to avoid using them unless absolutely necessary. (If my husband and I are on a long trip, we have enough tipping to do elsewhere as it is!)
Posted By Nancy Dallas on March 28, 2008, 10:55 AM
In response to JS's post about a Skycaptain making over 100k a year. Those numbers are inflated on a giant level. Before 9-11 when the airline industry had it highest volume of passengers, if a skycap had a position that was as busy in the winter as it is in the summer then they might possibly get close to that number. When in reality the average skycap probably makes between $20k a year on a night shift to $60k a year on a very busy curb with a prime shift. And the skycaps who have to collect a bag fee make even less. Passengers tend to tip less and some just don't want to pay the fee so they skip the curb.
Also note that most skycaps don't receive any benefits unless they work for the airline directly. Some curbs are airline employeed. Most are contracted out.
I noticed that Delta is now charging $3 per bag at Seatac airport!
Posted By Joe on April 28, 2008, 11:54 PM