Tipping Etiquette: Airport Restaurants And Your Wallet

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to know what to do when travelling to a new place. In the US, tipping is customary, and expected by service staff, who are often paid a lower minimum wage. When it comes to airport restaurants, it is generally advised to tip as you would in a regular restaurant – around 10-20% of the bill. However, it's important to note that airline employees are not usually allowed to accept tips, while airport employees often can.

Tipping in airport lounges

If you are satisfied with the service provided, you may want to tip lounge staff, especially bartenders and those providing sit-down meals. You can also leave a review on the Priority Pass app or website as a way of showing your appreciation.

If you have leftover foreign currency, tipping airport staff with this money may be a welcome gesture and can save you a trip to the bank to exchange it.

Tipping flight attendants

Tipping culture is a hotly debated topic, and while it is customary to tip wait staff, the same cannot be said for flight attendants. Many people believe that gratuities have no place on an airplane, and major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United maintain a strict "anti-tip" stance.

The primary role of flight attendants is to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, and accepting tips could create the impression that their service is contingent upon receiving extra payment. This could undermine their role as safety officers and compromise their impartiality. Some worry that flight attendants may prioritise service over safety if tipping were allowed, and big tippers might expect special treatment, which could interfere with the work of flight attendants and potentially jeopardise safety.

Flight attendants are not allowed to accept cash tips on most airlines, but small gifts like chocolates, snacks, or gift cards are usually welcomed. These tokens of appreciation are especially valued during the busy holiday season when many flight attendants are working instead of spending time with their families. Verbal appreciation and a simple "thank you" can also go a long way.

Some airlines provide employee recognition certificates, which passengers can give to outstanding crew members, and many airlines also have a process for submitting compliments or positive feedback about specific flight attendants. These non-cash forms of appreciation are generally preferred by flight attendants and their employers.

While it may be tempting to tip flight attendants for their hard work, especially in premium cabins, it is generally not encouraged. Their role as safety officers takes precedence over any service they provide, and tipping could undermine their primary function.

Tipping airport wheelchair staff

The amount you tip depends on the time spent and distance covered. If the attendant simply wheels you off the plane and hands you over to another at the gate, a tip of $1-2 is appropriate. If they wheel you from the gate to the baggage area, $5 is a good amount. If it's a large airport and a long way to baggage claim, $10 might be more suitable. If the attendant has to wait for luggage or a car, then you should factor in the additional time. For example, if they spend half an hour with you, a tip of $10-$15 is reasonable, with $20 an hour as a guideline.

It's a good idea to have various denomination bills on hand to be prepared for different situations. While tipping is not compulsory, it can make a significant difference to the minimum-wage workers who rely on tips to supplement their income.

Tipping curbside check-in staff

Tipping culture in the US can be confusing, especially for travellers from countries where tipping is not customary. While tipping is not mandatory, it is customary in the US to tip for services, and many workers rely on tips to supplement their income.

Curbside check-in employees are usually contracted by the airline, not the airport, and therefore, it is not expected that you tip them for help with ticketing or bags. However, tipping them is standard practice in the US, and they are allowed to accept tips. The general consensus is that you should tip $2 for the first bag and $1 for each additional bag. If you have oversized luggage, the tip is $2 per bag. If you are tipping in proportion to the service received, you can adjust the tip according to the number of bags and the level of service.

Other Airport Services

For other airport services, such as wheelchair support staff, it is customary to tip at least $2, and $5 if they go out of their way to assist you further. For airport and hotel check-in attendants, tipping is not required, but if they do something nice like upgrading your seat, you can express your gratitude through a letter or email. For airport services like these, another way to express your gratitude is to inform the airport manager or airline about the name of the employee who helped you out. A recommendation from a customer can help an employee earn a bonus or a raise.

Tipping airport bartenders

Tipping culture varies across the world, and while it is customary to tip in the US, it is not expected in other countries. In the US, tipping is a significant part of the service industry, and employees are often paid lower wages with the expectation that their income will be supplemented by tips.

When it comes to airport lounges, tipping is never expected but always appreciated. Lounge employees are paid at least minimum wage, but this is not always a livable wage. Tipping is common in US airport lounges, and it is a good practice to follow if you have received exceptional service.

If you are served a drink at an airport bar, it is customary to tip the bartender. The general tipping etiquette is to tip $1-3 per drink, with $1 being common for a glass of wine and $3 for a custom cocktail. If you plan on having multiple drinks, tipping $20 upfront will ensure great service throughout your time at the bar.

If you are having a sit-down meal, it is recommended to tip $10-20, depending on the quality and quantity of food and drinks. A good rule of thumb is to tip around 20% of what you think the meal would cost at a regular restaurant.

While tipping is not mandatory, it is a way to show gratitude and appreciate the service provided, especially if you have received friendly and attentive service.

Frequently asked questions