Senior Skipper

I noticed this too with Pizza Hut. ***? The delivery charge comes out of the tip.

I'm with the guys who don't tip the van driver. I can't afford it (it adds up at the end of the year). On top of that, if he takes me from the airport to the hotel, that's what he's paid to do. If the airline wants happy van drivers, they can negotiate a tip when they do the hotel contract.

Now, would my point of view change after I upgrade? Maybe. But for now, that's how it is.

Banja

I usually tip, unless I'm out of cash. I don't know about most of you, but if I carry cash, it gets spent that much more quickly. That said, plus tipping van drivers, plus airport ATM fees eats into the per diem on a 4 day pretty easily. However, like I said I usually tip and I feel bad if I don't 'cause I forgot to get the cash out.

JungleBus

Even if you're a cheap bastage, tipping is cheap insurance in case you need to be driven anywhere while at the hotel. Hotel drivers often aren't required to take guests anywhere but the airport, and "we're too busy right now" is a convenient excuse if he thinks you're a cheap jerk. Pays to get on his good side right off the bat. We stay at too many places in the middle of nowhere, it's nice to have the option of wheels.

JungleBus

Try this, it works pretty well for me. Figure the maximum you want to spend for the month at the beginning of the month, then take that amount out all at once and carry it with you. When it's gone, it's gone. I guarantee you'll be a whole lot more careful with your cash.

shfo

I tip if they are:

1 on time
2 load the bags carefully
3 are safe drivers

We had a crew get seriously injured do to a terrible van driver getting in an accident. I don't reward poor behavior.

I also worked the ramp at an FBO for three years. I think my total tips over those three years was less than $100. I really didn't care. A tip was a nice unexpected surprise but I didn't expect it.

shfo

I do that by week. I withdraw $40 at the ATM when heading toward my first flight. That is to last my whole trip.

On Autopilot

I do what I saw on a commercial. I write "ITT Technical Institute" on a napkin then hand it to them. I can't help but wonder how many folks have been inspired to get a better career because of me......

NismoRacer

I don't tip because I never carry cash. I don't like to go to the bank, when i can just use my debit card for everything. Most of the van drivers don't get payed like servers or bartenders cause 95% of then are not dedicated van drivers. Most of them are front desk clerks, MX, or work in some other capacity at the hotel and get payed accordingly. I bartended for 10 years before i got into this industry, and am one of the biggest tippers. Just cause I don't tip the van driver doesn't mean that I'm not tipping my server or bartender 25-30% all the time. My wife gets mad every time I tip cause she thinks it to much. I don't. Even if the service is bad they get a good tip, cause most likely its not there fault.

The Juice

Just as a side thought...

So some say to remember to "represent the industry well" by tipping your van drivers and showing them that pilots are not a bunch of cheap bastards.

However....

How does it feel after you walk into the hotel and hear the standard crap we hear all the time from front desk workers..

"No, you do not get points."
"No, breakfast is not included in your contract"
"No, we do not offer shuttle services for food"
"No, we only have double beds left."
"No, we can not give you a microwave or fridge to place your food in."
"Discount at the restaurant? you have to be kidding"
"I dont care if you are a Hilton Diamond member, here you are a $50 a night guest and barely deserve semi-clean sheets"
"Sorry, even though we knew you were coming we only have a disabled access room for you, have fun working that shower."

The majority of hotels treat airline crews like second class citizens. I could tip $10 every way but the Holiday Inn in Tyler, TX will still refuse to treat us as valued guests.

So remember, act like a generous, high paying pilot on the van ride and then prepare to be treated like airline trash one you walk in the hotel.

etflies

I've been treated very well at our hotels, with most of them doing everything they can to make my stay as enjoyable as possible. It isn't their fault a company is chincy, they're following the contract they probably had nothing to do with setting up.


On the tipping issue, if they're taking me to/from the airport, no. I load my own bags, half the time its a taxi already arranged for and the tip is already included (this from the driver's mouth). If they take me somewhere else, a store, to get food, etc. then absolutely I will.