to the reader that posted tipping is for after the fact.......T.I.P.S. stands for To Insure Proper Service! Fight attendants do vary in service and you will get your much needed drink either way. So if your on the fence just try it and see how it works for you.

Posted By sandra on March 28, 2011, 1:14 PM

@sandra TIPS do stands for "To Insure Proper Service", but that does not mean we take the literal meaning everywhere...Will you also say giving TIPS to the judge will be considered right? so you can ensure You get the proper service? or will you give TIPS to the congressmen?

Why is America so obsessed with TIPS, its time we pay for the jobs and expect no TIPS whatsoever...

Corruption starts at TIPS..

Posted By Nanda on March 28, 2011, 4:46 PM

We are not tipped because we are not waiters. Although 99% of the travelling public only witness the customer service aspect of our careers, we are trained professionals who cover a broad range of duties both on the ground and in the air. We hope no passenger will ever see us in true action, however, that is why we are federally required onboard. Would it be nice to receive a little more money for being the face/representitive of the airline, of course! But it should come from my airline, not my passengers.

Posted By Cabin Crew on March 28, 2011, 9:55 PM

Flight attendants are safety professionals. The services they provide that make them look like waitresses/waiters are psychological and safety related, as well as providing for the basic needs of passengers, and include the need to keep them entertained, reassured, and emotionally stable. To tip FAs is to treat them like they ARE waitresses/waiters, a job that America devalues (not so in Europe or Latin America),does not consider a profession, and is often peopled by students and wanna-bes, because Americans think ANYBODY can do it (which is not true.)
I'd rather treat FAs like the professionals they are. Would you tip the pilot? No? She could use the $, too! But she's out of the tip running because you consider HER a professional! Well, the FAs are professionals, too, and any one that would not find a tip insulting -- well, I hope there's no trouble on board that isn't within the capacity and training of a wanna-be student food server.

Posted By White Lotus on March 28, 2011, 9:57 PM

Stop writing about tipping flight attendants. It's what the airlines want. They want the passengers they're already nickel and diming to also foot the bill they owe us FAs. Passengers shouldn't be tipping. The airlines need to give us our hard earned and well deserved RAISES.

Posted By Stewardess on March 28, 2011, 10:22 PM

I personally do not want tips on the aircraft. As a flight attendant, I am expected to deliver prompt, efficient and courteous service to my passengers. I do so willingly. I enjoy my job even after 38 years and I marvel at the civility and patience of the traveling public. Been to an airport lately? We should be tipping the public for not freaking out after hours of waiting, poking and probing!

Posted By Sandy Mamere on March 28, 2011, 11:02 PM

I work for Jetblue and we pride ourselves on providing the customer service that everyone on any flight should receive! I have been offered tips and have never and would never take it. My job is to service YOU the customer! Each day & customer is different, but when someone really thanks you for helping them change their seat or carry their bag it turns the day to a positive. I think after working for some airlines for so long, there is a bitter attitude by many in the airline industry. Cash is not the way to snap them out of it! I'm lucky to work with an amazing team and have amazing customers. If you want to make a big difference for someone that helps you, write a letter or send an email...It is long term and so many truly reader it!

Posted By Jane on March 29, 2011, 11:44 AM

I've been flying since the days flight attendants were called stewardesses and had to retire when they married. The average age of a stewardess was about 25. I imagine the average age of flight attendants is about 50. As the longevity of the cabin crew increased, I noticed a corresponding decrease in their hospitality and warmth. Now, it's almost detiorated to an "us against them" mentality. I would never tip a member of the cabin crew but I'm quick to write letters of commendation or condemnation for good or bad service.

Posted By Uniall on March 31, 2011, 10:14 AM

Tipping the flight attendants is to pay the airline more for your flight. The reality of all service industry is that when tipping is expected, the employer will reduce the salary. Wait staffs get very upset when customer leave a smaller tip because that is their primary income.

Posted By Kin Cheung on March 31, 2011, 10:14 AM

I don't mind tipping for good service and since all of my sisters have been waitstaff, I am careful to always tip unless they directly were responsible for poor service. But waitstaff make little over 2.00 an hour - they count on tips. They don't get benefits, while some may get a discount, most do not even get free meals. From what I understand, airline attendants are salaried, in unions, get health benefits, and free flights. I'm sorry. This is not a fair comparison, they are compensated for their jobs unlike waitstaff who can barely make ends meet.

Posted By Dana on March 31, 2011, 10:26 AM

"Name a country where tipping is rare, like England. Its customer service is poor, isn't it? The U.S. has better restaurant and hotel service because its people work for tips."

I don't know anything about England, but in most western European countries service is included in the price of the meal and my experience is that service is excellent. They are professionals. Americans seem to think that good service is being interrupted every five minutes with "Is everything OK?"

Posted By Joan on March 31, 2011, 10:33 AM

I appreciate good service and recognize how hard many people work, not only flight attendants, and try to tip appropriately. It is also true that "hospitality and warmth" is lacking, and this is especially noticeable on US Air, whose flight attendants are cooly indifferent to the passengers. Sad. I've flown many other airlines and the flight attendant-passenger relationship is one of mutual respect.

Posted By Cindy on March 31, 2011, 10:52 AM

Am I the only one appalled that a flight attendant publicly admitted she shows favoritism to a passenger who has bribed her/him for that extra-special service? That's disgusting and unprofessional for any profession .... why not tip nurses in hospitals so your call button is answered on the first ring?
You want a tip? Drive a taxi or wait on tables ....

Posted By pua ke aloha on March 31, 2011, 11:18 AM

Am I the only one appalled that a flight attendant publicly admitted she shows favoritism to a passenger who has bribed her/him for that extra-special service? That's disgusting and unprofessional for any profession .... why not tip nurses in hospitals so your call button is answered on the first ring?
You want a tip? Drive a taxi or wait on tables ....

Posted By pua kealoha on March 31, 2011, 11:19 AM

No! I have been a waitress and have several family members who are flight attendants. There isn't much comparison in income, benefits, time off, etc.
Tips are considered part of a waiter's income and until certain laws were passed, tips were the only income in many circumstances. Restaurant staff are on their feet for virtually their entire shift. Airline staff do get to sit down occasionally. Flight attendants are well trained professionals and should not expect to receive tips.

Posted By OCOzzie on March 31, 2011, 11:44 AM

I am amazed. Are we relegating flight attendants to being flying waiters and waitresses? My feeling was they'd chosen this profession and have trained to be there for passengers' safety and comfort.

I do feel for them. It's their employers who are cutting salaries and benefits. On the other hand, would you tip a RN nurse in a hospital if she/he were caring for a family member or a friend in the hospital? Let's hope not.

Incredible.

Karen Fawcett
BonjourParis.
A site about France & Travel.

Posted By Karen Fawcett on March 31, 2011, 11:47 AM

I think that when the average flight attendant makes the same pay as the average waitress, a tip could possibly be in order. As far as I know the income of a flight attendant is much better.

Posted By David Foerster on March 31, 2011, 11:58 AM

Above and beyond calls for a little gratitude. Traveling with my father over the summer (16 hour flight) required more effort and service then a normal passenger. He is on oxygen 24/7 which had to be provided by the airline. One specific attendant was assigned to him, and had to remember to check the levels of the oxygen tank every couple of hours. She was there everytime, and was also incredibly sweet (my elderly father had a good time flirting with her) At the end of the flight when she gave him a hug and handed her a couple of $20s and thanked her for her excellent attention and asked her to have a few drinks on him,there was no denying that she had gone beyond the normal tasks of providing comfort.

But tipping to get an extra drink?? Can't you just buy the drink??

Posted By Jackie Butts on March 31, 2011, 11:59 AM

Name a country where tipping is rare, like England. Its customer service is poor, isn't it? The U.S. has better restaurant and hotel service because its people work for tips.

I can name one...Japan. Tipping is extremely rare, and customer service is excellent!!

Posted By Lao Li on March 31, 2011, 12:04 PM

Flight attendants are paid fairly decently and they have great travel benefits. I don't see why the traveler should tip them. Most FAs work about 20 to 30 hours a week and I know many of them also have a parttime job on the ground to supplement. If you don't think that tipping is a good idea, at least treat FAs with courtesy and respect. They DO work hard and have to put up with rude people and the threat of potential terrorism. I find that if you use great manners and treat another person with respect, 99% of the time you will get great service. Contrary to popular opinion, FAs are not glorified waiters and waitresses. That said, even waiters and waitresses deserve respect and courtesy. The most important thing to remember when traveling is to use your manners, remain calm, and be considerate of others. Don't be the typical loud, obnoxious, rude American. Thanks!

Posted By Su on March 31, 2011, 12:18 PM

Sure lets tip flight attendants, the mailman, police, firemen, teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and all local, state and federal employees that we encounter in our daily activities. This is ridiculous. I worked for the federal gov't for over 31 years and never expected or accepted a tip (illegal by the way to do so). I was paid to do my job by my employer. The payment of a tip is supposed to be to reward good service to individuals in lower paying jobs that are substantially subsidized by tipping (i.e. waiters and waitresses).
I give a Christmas bonus to my gardener, paper delivery man, and home cleaning crew. This is to encourage them to continue to do a good job and to reward their performance for the year. Tipping has gotten out of hand in the USA and is now expected practice to tip 15-20% even when service is subpar.

Posted By Mike on March 31, 2011, 12:36 PM

No Sandra, tip is not an acronym.

http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/tip.asp

Posted By Joan on March 31, 2011, 12:38 PM

I'll tip a FA as soon as I start tipping in Starbucks and fast food restaurants. When the airlines stop charging for checked bags, I'll revisit this insane idea.

Posted By AuntBee on March 31, 2011, 12:57 PM

Abhorrent to "tip" flight attendants. Serving passengers is a task which is part of their job description, for which they get salaries, generous benefits & medical insurance, and pensions at retirement.

Comparing them to waiters & suggesting tips insults both fight attendants & passengers. What's next? Tip the nurse/doctor/dental hygienist/grocery checker? Be serious.

Posted By taxi on March 31, 2011, 12:59 PM

Instead of a tip, how about an email to the airline about exceptional service! I have done this several times when someone has gone above and beyond in service. I have also written when someone has delt with a particular difficult situation with aplomb. I get their full name be sure to include the flight information and hope they are recognized for their efforts. Hopefully it will mean more in the long run than an extra $20.

Posted By Lisa Ceddia on March 31, 2011, 1:06 PM

Personally, I think we tip too many people/professions for no reason. Why should we be expected to tip a person for doing their job; it's the employers responsibility to provide the competitive pay for them to perform those services. If they perform some service beyond their job description, then that would be considered for tips.

I actually find it offensive to have tip jars at counters at coffee shops and take-out food places where the only service I receive is a cashier taking my order (and money) and giving me what I requested - where is the 'extra' service performed?

Shuttle and/or taxi drivers that load my baggage, waitstaff that is helpful beyond handing me a menu and delivering my food in a timely, professional manner (their actual job), for food/grocery delivery that comes early or packaged extra carefully I am more than happy to tip. Doormen opening a door, drive-thru staff handing me an order, counter staff ringing my purchases up should not expect tips since those services are what their employers pay them to do.

If you feel your FA performed above their duties, by all means offer a tip if you desire but I don't think it should be expected or normal practice. FA's are provided by the airlines for a variety of reasons, including for the most visible aspect of providing drinks/snacks/magazines/blankets/pillows. Part of that is to keep passengers semi-content to reduce movement around the cabin since space is limited and aisles need to remain clear for safety/emergency access.

Posted By Evelyn on March 31, 2011, 1:24 PM

As I Flight Attendant, I can assure you that tipping is in no way necessary. "Thank You" is entirely adequate and much more appreciated!

Posted By shawn on March 31, 2011, 1:29 PM

Tip a flight attendant? How greedy can they get? Waitresses work their tails off every second of their shift for no benefits and a laughable pittance of a wage. Tips bring them up to poverty wages. AND they have to pay taxes on those tips. You want tips? Get a job at Dennys.

Posted By Cynthia on March 31, 2011, 1:50 PM

Actually, American Airlines had a program awhile ago where
they would distribute vouchers to frequent fliers who would
present them to deserving AA staff, very often attendants.
I personally think that such a program achieves both objectives, having been informed by attendants that it was
of value and appreciated.
Perhaps the austerity programs are the problem as the intent
is acknowledgment for service beyond duty. Let's hear the
airlines' response.

Posted By peter on March 31, 2011, 2:23 PM

Absolutely not! As a former Flight attendant and frequent flyer, we do not need tips in the Airline Industry. We need to practice to be more gracious and kind to passengers. what a wonderful job that allows one more freedom than most. Thats my tip!
Memee

Posted By Memee on March 31, 2011, 2:24 PM

Under "normal" circumstances, I cannot imagine tipping a flight attendant. However, if I see an FA offering special service, I will send a note to the airline involved. I did that several years ago when an obviously sick man was seated across the aisle from me in First Class. His wife was with him and the FA was extraordinarily kind to them both. When I got home I wrote a note to US Airways with the name of the FA and got a note back that my message had reached her employment file. Tipping for ordinary service? Never.

Posted By Sheila on March 31, 2011, 2:29 PM

I would think most flight attendants dont view themselves as waiters and waitresses, but as highly trained professionals, which puts them out of the "tipping" category. They also make a significantly higher salary than waiters, cab drivers and others who deliver service. That said, it never hurts to compliment them, write a nice letter to their employer online with their name or number, etc. You bring cookies to your doctor at Christmas, and they dont think of that as a tip, but an affirmation of appreciation. Think similarly for flight attendants.

Posted By Don on March 31, 2011, 2:32 PM

Restaurant staff is tipped because they are often paid LESS than minimum wage and have No benefits .
Tips Are their Main wages .

Last I heard , ALL airline staff are paid significantly More than minimum wage And receive benefits .

If this is Not the case , please provide the specifics of under compensation please .
Thank-you

Posted By kate on March 31, 2011, 2:33 PM

No. I'm a server in CA and the reason tipping is part of the service is because I receive minimum wage and am forced to tip out my supporting staff based off a % of my sales. I have friends in other states that receive NO minimum wage and work off tips alone. A flight attendant makes a decent salary for their service. Giving "freebies" for tipping is, in essence, stealing from their employer and should not be encouraged...

Posted By Si on March 31, 2011, 2:34 PM

Take a "tip" from Japan or S. Korea. They don't accept tips. They give good service because it's their job.
Tipping a flight attendant is a bribe. What's next? My doctor??

Posted By RuthAnn on March 31, 2011, 2:54 PM

This is really an "in-betweener." On one hand, tips are given for good service BUT to people who are dependent on them for a living which--though hardly overpaid--flight attendants do not fit into. Waiters are paid below the minimum wage for this purpose. On the other hand, though, when I have been in an airline lounge and get a drink at the bar, there is a tip jar full of bills on the bar and those people are paid regular wages like the rest of the airline staff. So the answer is: I don't know.

Posted By Johntraveller on March 31, 2011, 2:58 PM

NO. Do you tip the EMT that gets you to the hospital? Then you don't tip flight attendants, who are also trained EMTs so that they can provide proper medical care in case of in-flight emergencies.

I also take issue with the author's idea that non-tipping countries have worse service—that's the author's opinion, not proven. One can argue that restaurant servers in many non-tipping countries, like Spain, are more willing to give diners ample time because they are NOT worried about turning over their tables in order to make enough pay for the day.

I don't want flight attendants to have to worry about scrounging a few extra bucks in-flight to make ends meet. I would rather that they are well-paid and well-rested with proper benefits to keep them healthy and equipped. These folks may make their job look so easy you think it's just smiling and greeting passengers, but really, they are watching out for you and your family and ready to help you if disaster strikes. Please let them do their job.

Posted By Sarah on March 31, 2011, 3:21 PM

Tipping is an escape mechanism created by employers to shift the wage burden on customers, and should be abolished. If the custom were to place the amount of the tip on the table before service, theoretically, the level of service should be consistently good regardless of the tip amount. If it's different, the person should be fired. So, no tips should ensure best efforts, or no job.

Posted By peter on March 31, 2011, 3:43 PM

The service in England is the same as it is in the USA. I'm not sure where the other writer has eaten, but I've found excellent service even in coffee shops. Flight Attendants are professionals. I don't tip doctors, professors, lawyers, or accountants. Tipping has gotten way out of control. It seems that everyone expects it.

Posted By Cynthia on March 31, 2011, 3:48 PM

I HATE tipping. I think that tipping a person should be illegal. I was in New Zealand and we asked about tipping at a restaurant, The response from a waiter was that they don,t expect a tip because their salary was adequate, and the service was great.

Posted By Loup Garou on March 31, 2011, 4:12 PM

Sure lets tip flight attendants, the mailman, police, firemen, teachers, nurses, doctors, lawyers and all local, state and federal employees that we encounter in our daily activities. This is ridiculous. I worked for the federal gov't for over 31 years and never expected or accepted a tip (illegal by the way to do so) I was paid to do my job by my employer. The payment of a tip is supposed to be to reward good service to individuals in lower paying jobs that are substantially subsidized by tipping (i.e. waiters and waitresses).
I give a Christmas bonus to my gardener, paper delivery man, and home cleaning crew. This is to encourage them to continue to do a good job and to reward their performance for the year. Tipping has gotten out of hand in the USA and is now expected practice to tip 15-20% even when service is subpar.

Posted By Mike on March 31, 2011, 12:36 PM

Mike
I take issue with you on one minor matter. I have given a Christmas bonus to the mailman for 40 years, just like my parents did before me. It is not illegal. In fact, federal law specifies that a mail deliverers can receive a maximum of $20 Christmas present.
John

Posted By Uniall on March 31, 2011, 4:56 PM

I AM SICK OF TIPPING EVERYONE AND THEIR DOG. I DON'T ENJOY LAS VEGAS AS MUCH ANYMORE,EVERYONE HAS THEIR HAND OUT. NO ONE IS NICE TO YOU UNLESS THEY EXPECT SOMETHING IN RETURN. EVEN THE BINGO HALL AT THE VFW IN MY SMALL TOWN, EVERY ONE EXPECTS A TIP AND THE AMOUNT WON MAY NOT BE ENOUGH TO COVER THE COST OF THE CARDS. TIPPING IS JUST PART OF THE GREED THAT HAS TAKEN OVER THE WORLD.

Posted By JULIA on March 31, 2011, 5:12 PM

Living in Japan and experiencing the 'no tip' service here, Americans should be ashamed. Japanese workers provide a service that puts most other countries to shame-ESPECIALLY the U.S. Name a country where the gas station attendants stop traffic for you as you exit, then bow to the customer and the person who stopped.
Just putting in my 2 yen worth. (really only needed 1 yen with the exchange rate)

Posted By Les on March 31, 2011, 5:55 PM

Tipping flight attendants should NOT be done as a routine. Just look at the restaurant industry. Restaurants pay their wait staff LESS than minimum wage because it counts on tips to make up for the difference, and many waiters/waitresses provide average or even poor service because they know they will receive tips anyway. Just as customers should not be paying tips to waiters/waitresses when their customer service is less than exceptional, passengers should not be paying tips to flight attendants for service that is less than exceptional. Tipping should be reserved for when a flight attendant (or waiter or waitress, etc.) has ALREADY performed exceptional service above and beyond the "call of duty," not for routine/average/mediocre/poor service or as a bribe toward future service.

Also, tipping is not routine in Japan, and that country has the absolutely best customer service I have ever experienced anywhere in any country. Again, Americans could learn some things from the Japanese: in this case, things regarding having self-respect, honor, and group-orientation rather than always expecting extra rewards for carrying out basic responsibilities.

Posted By Beth on March 31, 2011, 6:07 PM

I thought they were supposed to be trained professionals? I don't tip my Fireman or EMTs. If they want to make a waiters salary and my fare is justly discounted then I will tip them. Otherwise I will treat them as professionals.

Posted By Alexis on March 31, 2011, 6:16 PM

Thanks for everyone who posted comments and work in this industry. Your professional comments are greatly appreciated.

Posted By TravelingOne on March 31, 2011, 6:49 PM

I think flight attendants do a wonderful job and I appreciate them very much. BUT..to compare them to waitresses is both wrong and demeaning to them. A waitress is dependent on tips because they get a very small wage. Plus, when you have a dinner you might pay $30 for your meal, tops.. When you fly you're paying several hundred dollars for your flight, and the flight attendants are paid very very well. Tipping would be very inappropriate.

Posted By turtlehen on March 31, 2011, 7:34 PM

I'm new to "Budget Travel" and already I'm considering cancelling my subscription. I've never even considered tipping an industry that bleeds you dry from the get-go. Is this even an appropriate topic for a "budget" magazine? I'm afraid I can't afford your ideas!

Posted By Dave Soderberg on March 31, 2011, 8:16 PM

It makes more sense to "tip" the pilot for getting you to your destination safely than the FA for telling you to fasten your seat-belt! An emphatic "NO" to tipping the FA's. Tipping is already out of control in the U.S.!

Posted By Edward on March 31, 2011, 8:52 PM

Only once did I tip a FA. Around 1973 My business buddy and I were stuck in Portland by a cancelled plane just before Christmas when we were headed home back East. We managed to rebook - one first class and one economy. We flipped a coin. I won. My FA voluntarily took a drink to my buddy back in economy. She probably broke some rule but I tipped her (after she refused it) for her thoughtfulness and thanked her for going beyond the expected. Special circumstances justify special appreciation. I have never forgotten her special act.

Posted By k. Long on March 31, 2011, 9:06 PM

I never tip flight attendants but on EVERY flight I hand the first attendant I see upon entering a bag of Lindt chocolate truffles. They work hard, its nice to appreciate them.

Posted By RRaabe on March 31, 2011, 9:48 PM

This is ridiculous. First off, I'm currently living in a country (ROK) that does not tip anyone. Do you know why? The people who hire their workers ACTUALLY PAY THEM A DECENT SALARY. This is how it should be. It should not be the customers' responsibility to pay the workers' wages. The people in charge of the company and making all the profits should provide a fair wage for their workers. What's more (and more controversial for me to say) is that airline attendants in Japan, Korea, China, etc. provide 10 times better service than American flight attendants. This is a generalization, of course. I KNOW there are also wonderful, awesome American flight attendants out there, but from my experience, these people are the exception rather than the norm.

Posted By Odysseus on April 1, 2011, 1:23 AM

Flight attendants do not expect tips as part of their job and should always refuse--though it is a compliment to be offered one! If the customer sincerely wants to show their appreciation, a more professionally respectful and meaningful way to express it is by writing the airline a letter stating why the service was commendable. Include the name of the flight attendant, the flight number, route and date. These letters remain in the employee's file and are important in their job reviews. They are also noted by the government's Transportation and Safety Board's evaluation of the airline and count much more than the onboard "customer comment" forms that are available on some airlines (though this is better than nothing). Some airlines may have an email address for passenger comments or a blog; but a written letter remains highly valued. A copy of the letter is always sent to the employee and believe me, they are very gratifying and thrilling to receive since most people will not take the time to write one. Offering a tip may be more immediate and easier for the customer, but a letter is a more serious and appreciated measure.

Posted By Former Flight Attendant on April 1, 2011, 1:41 AM

Flight attendants do not expect tips as part of their job and should always refuse--though it is a compliment to be offered one! If the customer sincerely wants to show their appreciation, a more professionally respectful and meaningful way to express it is by writing the airline a letter stating why the service was commendable. Include the name of the flight attendant, the flight number, route and date. These letters remain in the employee's file and are important in their job reviews. They are also noted by the government's Transportation and Safety Board's evaluation of the airline and count much more than the onboard "customer comment" forms that are available on some airlines (though this is better than nothing). Some airlines may have an email address for passenger comments or a blog; but a written letter remains highly valued. A copy of the letter is always sent to the employee and believe me, they are very gratifying and thrilling to receive since most people will not take the time to write one. Offering a tip may be more immediate and easier for the customer, but a letter is a more serious and appreciated measure.

Posted By Former Flight Attendant on April 1, 2011, 1:48 AM

For those of us who fly Delta and hold Platinum, we have a method to express our appreciation of superior service. We get several sertificates yearly to give to the Delta employee who in our estimation provides surerior service. These coupons can be used by the employee for whatever reward they are eligible to receive. Other airlines would be better served to motivate their people by a similar scheme. Air attendants are professional people who service toward the passanger is included in what they do.

Posted By Tom Wassel on April 1, 2011, 1:20 PM

I am a flight attendant and I never expect a tip! However, it does feel like a compliment to be offered one. Furthermore, the only thing I ever use my tip money for is passing it on to my hotel van driver for loading my bag. So my thought is, "Yea! I don't have to make change for my $20 bill now!" I provide the same amount of service to all of my passengers no matter what the circumstances-but it is nice to be given something above the standard grunt (a smile works wonders too!) And someone earlier asked if they were to tip a flight attendant, what would the amount be; I would say it is typical for a dollar a drink. Anything more seems awkward.

Posted By A Flight Attendant on April 1, 2011, 6:37 PM

I often pass along a book I have finished reading to one of the attendants. Particularly if it is a difficult or long flight and/or they have been exceptionally pleasant.

Posted By Rose on April 2, 2011, 11:31 AM

I do not think passengers should be tipping, that would just add another expense to already long list of expenses that are no longer included in cost of the airline ticket. Also, you only compared service of the US to that of one other country. What about Japan? It is an insult to tip there. The Japanese simply expect and deliver good service because it is their job.

Posted By Anna on April 2, 2011, 11:55 AM

I AM A FLIGHT ATTENDANT MYSELF AND I ALSO REFUSE TO TAKE A TIP..THE FIRST FEW TIMES..LOL...BUT MY SERVICE IS THE SAME WITH EVERYONE..I AM PROUD OF THE SERVICE I GIVE AND DO IT GLADLY..AND THERE ARE MANY MANY TIMES WHEN I DO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND MY DUTIES..I HAVE CHASED PEOPLE THROUGH THE AIR PORT BEFORE BECAUSE THEY LEFT AN ITEM...TIPS ARE LIKE AT " ATTA BOY " TO ME IT TELLS ME I AM DOING A GOOD JOB..BUT ITS NOT EXPECTED ..ITS A CHOICE..I JUST SAYING..DEBBIE

Posted By debbie on April 2, 2011, 1:07 PM

I think tipping flight attendants is somewhat insulting as they are not airborne cocktail servers. I find a smile and a warm greeting goes a long way with airline employees. Traveling is a hassle for them as well!

Posted By Andy on April 6, 2011, 2:28 PM

I was a flight attendant for several years & we are not supposed to accept tips. However, there were very FEW times when a passenger would insist on us taking the tip. Depending on where people come from, they get offended if you don't.Trust me, though..it didn't happen often & we really don't expect it. The best thing a passenger can do for a flight attendant is send a letter or comment card to the company. And, I would give freebies when I had a family that was separated and someone volunteered to switch seats so they can sit together. Or if they were celebrating some kind of milestone. But,we would account for those drinks as well as the drinks we sold.I know that the majority of us are exceptional employees & some are wound too tight.So, those who say we are waitresses/waiters, we are, in a minimal sense but why do flight attendants get offended!!! Do they think they're too good to be put in that category?!?! WHATEVER! I know I treated my passengers the way I wanted to be treated. I took pride in my work. And,yes, the main reason we are there is for your safety but no need to get that your panties in a bunch

Posted By Lynnette on April 11, 2011, 5:48 PM

Seriously, tipping in the USA is out of control. There is no way I am going to tip FA. I will not give him/her a book that I've finished reading. I will not give him/her a bag of candies. I will smile, say hello, take my sit, and quietly enjoy my flight. I will thank the FA for the services provided, smile, and say good bye when I leave.

Posted By Mr D on April 13, 2011, 7:29 PM

Flight attendants can have it rough because they are trapped, and sometimes with some very nasty customers. But the opposite is also true -- On a plane the customer is trapped -- we certainly can't walk out and find a new flight (!) and I've been on flights where the attendant seemed aware that we had to accept whatever service we got. Because of the prices, we don't have all that much choice in choosing our flight up front, altho I will avoid an airline where I've had bad experiences, if I can afford it. In a restaurant, if the service is bad we are free to leave and find another restaurant. So I tip for service that shows they want me to stay and have a good experience. I never tip in any situation where I don't have a choice of leaving, unless the attendant has done something above and beyond what I've agreed to accept in service. What's next, tipping the nurse in ICU?

Posted By Eugenia Parrish on April 14, 2011, 5:21 PM

This is such a non issue. I've been flying for over 25 years and it just doesn't come up that often because most passengers know that tipping is not customary or necessary with regard to our profession. Over the years most of the people who have tried to tip me have been ones who don't fly much, and who, ironically, appear to be able to least afford to tip, young military personnel, for instance. In each case I have gently and graciously explained that it is quite simply my pleasure to be of service. Most major carriers (including mine) historically have not permitted their flight attendants to take tips...until when in recent years our salaries dropped so drastically that they were forced (sheepishly) to amend their policies slightly. My bosses will say to us that while we are not to solicit tips (no tip jar on the bev cart,haha!), we are now allowed to accept them when offered. Again, it is rare and should be handled with grace and according to each flight attendant's discretion. If someone insists, they usually know they are going against the norm and will make that clear and express themselves firmly. Sometimes I do accept...and yes I will comp them a drink...it's not a big deal. I do have the authority to do so, by the way, as well as to go above and beyond in in various other (company sanctioned) ways to show appreciation to the rare passenger or two who shows me and my colleagues extra respect and kindness in a time when it is now all too rare. Happy Flying!

Posted By Tamster on May 11, 2011, 3:54 AM

No,
Regardless of the many hats they may wear. It's a job that requires that you be able to. Regardless of what you do, The WAY you work should be a reflection of yourself and what you want others to think of you, it's called taking pride in your job. that being said, you do not warrant a TIP for taking pride in what you do. A smile,a handshake, or just mere gratitude from a customer or peer is more priceless than any TIP that you could recieve. Take Pride People!

Posted By Infinitequest on June 1, 2011, 5:40 PM

Vielen Dank für dieses Blog-es ist toll! Ich mag diese Art von Menschen, die Wissen mit anderen zu teilen.

Posted By mialem wypadek on March 6, 2012, 10:46 AM

That's cute that people think flight attendants get pensions and are highly paid!

Posted By Flight attendant on March 10, 2012, 1:23 AM

I would add posting status updates that end in emoticons.

Posted By Nastase Gabriela-Irina on May 6, 2012, 7:02 AM