Tipping Etiquette: Should You Tip Baggage Handlers At Airports?

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be confusing to know when, where, and how much to tip. In the US, it is customary to tip baggage handlers at the airport, and the standard amount is $1 to $2 per bag. However, this amount can vary depending on the number of bags, the weather conditions, and the level of service provided. For example, if you have multiple bags or heavy luggage, it is considerate to tip more generously. It is also worth noting that while airport employees can usually accept tips, airline employees are often not allowed to do so as they are salaried workers.

How much to tip baggage handlers

Tipping culture varies across the world, and it can be tricky to know how much to give, especially when travelling. In the US, tipping is expected and makes up a large part of workers' salaries. Here is a guide to how much to tip baggage handlers at the airport.

Firstly, it is important to note that airline employees are not usually allowed to accept tips, whereas airport employees are. So, if you are checking in your bags at the airline desk, no tip is required. However, if you are using an outside baggage handler, also called a skycap or porter, a tip is expected.

The standard tipping amount for baggage handlers is between $1 and $2 per bag. If you have a lot of luggage, or your bags are particularly heavy or awkwardly sized, you should tip more generously. The same goes if the weather is bad or the handler provides you with directions or answers a question about your flight.

If you are tipping $1 or $2 per bag, you should not ask for change. For example, if your baggage handler takes three bags from you and all you have is a $5 bill, you should give the full amount without asking for change.

Cash is always the best way to express appreciation, but you can also send an email to the airline or airport to report excellent service, or make a phone call to a supervisor.

When not to tip baggage handlers

Tipping culture can be confusing, especially when travelling. While it is a way to show gratitude and appreciation for good service, it is not always necessary or expected. Here are some scenarios where you may choose not to tip baggage handlers:

When the service is not required or desired

If you are capable of and prefer to handle your own luggage, you may opt to do so and not require the assistance of a baggage handler. In such cases, a tip is not expected or required. This may be the case if you have only carry-on luggage or are travelling light and do not need assistance.

When the service is already included

If the service provided by the baggage handler is already included in the price of your ticket or as part of your travel package, you may not need to tip. Some airlines or travel companies include baggage handling as a standard service, so check the terms of your booking to see if this is the case.

When the handler is an airline employee

In some cases, baggage handlers may be employees of the airline rather than the airport. In these instances, they may not be permitted to accept tips, as it is considered part of their job responsibilities. Check with the airline or airport to clarify who their baggage handlers are employed by.

When you are dissatisfied with the service

While it is generally considered good etiquette to tip for services, if you are extremely dissatisfied with the service, you may choose not to tip. However, it is important to remember that everyone has bad days, and it may not be intentional. Consider providing feedback or speaking to a supervisor instead of withholding a tip.

When you don't have cash

Tipping culture varies around the world, and in some places, cash tips may not be expected. However, when it comes to baggage handlers, cash is usually the preferred method of showing appreciation. If you don't have small denominations of cash or local currency, you may choose to forgo the tip and instead express your gratitude verbally or through a letter of appreciation.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and tipping is ultimately a personal choice. Use your best judgment and be considerate of the handler's efforts and the service provided.

Airline employees vs. airport employees

When it comes to tipping culture, the general rule is that airline employees are not usually allowed to accept tips, whereas airport employees often can. This is because airline employees are typically salaried and not permitted to take gratuities, whereas airport employees are often hourly workers who rely on tips to supplement their income.

However, it's important to note that the specific roles of these employees can cause confusion. For example, baggage handlers are often assumed to be airport employees, but they are usually employed by the airline or a subcontractor. Similarly, ticket counter and gate agents are usually airline employees or subcontractors, not airport staff.

So, when you are tipping for a service, how do you know whether the person is an airline or airport employee? One way to tell is to look at the uniform. Airline employees will usually have a name badge and wear a uniform with the airline logo. They may also have tags indicating their specific role, such as "pilot" or "flight attendant". Airport employees, on the other hand, may have a more generic uniform or, in some cases, no uniform at all. They may also have a badge indicating their specific role, such as "security" or "customer service".

Another way to differentiate between the two is to consider the nature of the service being provided. Airline employees are typically responsible for tasks directly related to your flight, such as ticketing, baggage handling, and in-flight services. On the other hand, airport employees often provide services that are not specific to your flight, such as wheelchair assistance, restaurant services, or building maintenance.

When it comes to tipping, it's always a good idea to have some small bills on hand. For airport employees, $5 is generally considered a standard tip, but you can adjust this amount depending on the service and your satisfaction. For example, if you are tipping a baggage handler, you might tip $1-2 per bag, or more if you have oversized luggage or if the handler goes above and beyond. For other airport services, such as wheelchair assistance, $2-5 is generally appropriate, depending on the level of assistance provided.

It's worth noting that, while tipping is customary in many countries, the amount and even the act of tipping can vary greatly depending on cultural norms and the local economy. Additionally, while tipping is a great way to show appreciation for good service, it's not the only way. If you receive exceptional service from an airline employee, you can always reach out to their supervisor or the airline directly to let them know. Similarly, if an airport employee goes above and beyond, you can contact the airport manager or leave a positive review.

Tipping etiquette when checking into a hotel

Tipping is an important aspect of the overall guest experience at a hotel. It is a way to recognise and appreciate the hard work of hotel staff, creating a positive and respectful relationship between guests and staff. While it is not required for every hotel employee or service, tipping several staff members upon check-in is customary in most hotels. Here is a breakdown of tipping etiquette when checking into a hotel:

Shuttle Driver

Many hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. While this service is free, tipping the driver is customary. The standard tip is $1 to $2 per person each time you use the shuttle. If the driver handles your luggage or provides excellent service, consider adding another $1 or $2 to the tip.

Doorman

You are not expected to tip a doorman for simply opening and holding the door. However, if the doorman goes above and beyond, such as bringing your bags from your car, taxi, or shuttle to the front desk, a tip of $2 to $3 is appropriate.

Front Desk Clerks and Concierge

Front desk clerks are responsible for checking you in, answering questions, and providing basic information about the hotel. For these standard services, tipping is not necessary. However, if the front desk clerk goes out of their way to offer additional assistance, such as providing detailed information about the city or helping you locate a forgotten item, a tip of $5 to $10 is customary. If they go the extra mile, such as securing a reservation at a popular restaurant, a tip of up to $25 is appropriate.

Bell Staff

The bell staff assists with your luggage, delivering it to your room and ensuring a smooth check-in and check-out process. The standard tip for bell staff is $1 to $2 per bag upon arrival and departure. If they go above and beyond, such as handling special requests or offering exceptional assistance, consider tipping a little extra.

Room Service and Housekeeping

It is customary to tip room service staff and housekeeping. For room service, give a tip of 15% of the check if a service charge is not already included. For housekeeping, the recommended tip is $2 to $5 per night, depending on the hotel's level of service and room cleanliness. It is common practice to tip housekeeping staff daily rather than waiting until check-out, to ensure the tip reaches the correct person.

Hotel Restaurants and Bars

When dining at hotel restaurants or enjoying drinks at the bar, it is important to tip the waitstaff and bartenders. For waitstaff, tip around 15% to 20% of the total bill for satisfactory service, and consider tipping on the higher end for exceptional service. For bartenders, a tip of $1 to $2 per drink or 15% to 20% of the total bill is customary, with a little extra for complex or customised drinks.

Remember, tipping is a personal decision, and the amount you give may vary depending on your level of satisfaction with the service and your budget. Carrying cash is generally a good idea, as some staff members may prefer cash tips. Additionally, always review the hotel's policies and ask staff if you are unsure about tipping expectations.

Other airport staff you should tip

Tipping culture can be confusing, especially when travelling. Here is a list of other airport staff you may encounter and should tip:

Curbside Check-in Employees

These are usually employees of the airline and not the airport, so you are not expected to tip them. However, if they go above and beyond, you may want to express your gratitude in other ways, such as a handwritten letter or email to their manager.

Wheelchair Support Staff

For travellers who need assistance getting around the airport, wheelchair support staff provide a crucial service. A customary tip for this service is $5 per person, but you can give more or less depending on your preference and the level of service provided.

Flight Attendants

Tipping flight attendants is not customary and is not expected. However, if a flight attendant provides extraordinary service, it is at the passenger's discretion to offer a tip as an expression of gratitude.

Pilots

Pilots are not expecting tips, and it is neither expected nor accepted. However, if you want to show your appreciation for a safe flight, a bag of sweets for the cockpit crew is a kind gesture.

Airport Employees

If an airport employee goes above and beyond, it is appropriate to offer a tip. $5 is the customary amount. You can also inform the airport manager or write a letter of appreciation, which could help the employee earn a bonus or raise.

Frequently asked questions