Do you tip Shuttle drivers?

[gshoemate]

O.K., when you take a shuttle from an airport to a car rental, do you tip the driver? I am under the impression that the driver will help me load and unload my luggage but this is the first time I have taken a shuttle and have no idea about tipping. TIA

 

[charabby]

Yes, traditionally, you tip shuttle drivers. I usually give them $2 or so a bag because they normally help load and unload. Now, in April, I went to NYC and the driver just sat in the van while I struggled with bags - I didn't give her a tip on the theory that I was already paying to be driven to the parking lot. I might have been wrong to not tip, but in that case, I didn't think she deserved anything 'extra' b/c she didn't do anything but what I had directly paid her for.

 

[mcgrawfan]

I think standard guidelines suggest $1-$2 per bag. We have used the Mears shuttles and the drivers are always very helpful with the bags. Sometimes you are lucky enough to get drivers that narrate your trip to and from the airport. We have learned interesting Florida and Disney information that way.

 

[crisi]

I've never had the airport to car rental shuttle driver help with my bags and I've never tipped them. But I've never taken the car rental shuttle at MCO either.

 

[wahaha1]

I think this is part of the driver's job and responsibility, and they get paid for doing this job. Well, I have been using this kind of shuttle for many times, I've never tipped them. Rather, I just say "Thank you" to show my appreciation.

If there is such entiquette/rule of tipping a driver, please, put a tip section on my car rental bill in the future. (Just as what I have at the restaurant)!

 

[catherines_mama]

I usually pay $1 - $2 per bag. It is so wonderful that they help, especially as I travel alone w/ a DD and LOTS of bags LOL I NEED the help.

Same for curbside check-in. Once traveling on business my colleague did not tip the guy and he (bellman) kept saying "Thank you Mr Hall, have a great flight Mr Hall THank you Mr hall" Can you tell he wanted a tip? LOL

 

[prncess674]

If they help with the bags I give a small tip. If they don't help with the bags then no tip. I figure driving me is their job, if they assist with the bags they are going above the specifications of their job so they get a tip.

 

[cdrn1]

Same here. $2 per bag if pleasant and helpful, $1 if just helpful but poker faced, $0 if they just sit there like a bump and let me handle my own bags.

 

[Lewisc]

There job is to drive you, helping you with your luggage is what people normally tip for. Many drivers have a tip can to remind people of the etiquette. I think this thread was about the Mears shuttle from the airport to the hotel but if a car rental driver helps me with my luggage I think I'd tip just like I tip the skycap in the airport.

Originally posted by wahaha1
I think this is part of the driver's job and responsibility, and they get paid for doing this job. Well, I have been using this kind of shuttle for many times, I've never tipped them. Rather, I just say "Thank you" to show my appreciation.

If there is such entiquette/rule of tipping a driver, please, put a tip section on my car rental bill in the future. (Just as what I have at the restaurant)!

 

[denisenh]

We tip shuttle drivers but have not had one yet that didn't help. I am not sure what I would do in that case.
Sometimes you can place a few dollars on the dash on your way out (using your judgment as to whether you should or shouldn't use this method) or just hand it to them as you walk away.
The only ettiquette that I feel confident passing on regarding tipping is: Have your tip ready. There is nothing more tacky and uncomfortable than fishing around for a tip or, heaven help us, not having anything less than a 10 or 20. Be prepared, plan ahead. When you tip the valet, have it ready and do so quickly and with confidence as you make your smooth move toward the drivers seat or away from your vehicle. DH has gotten good at this. LOL. We only use valet when we have to though. Same goes for bellhop. I'd rather struggle and trip (and maybe even fall down) than to spend a few dollars that I don't have to.
And, I may be wrong but I believe that the sky cap folks work for tips. We always have a tip ready and most definitely feel this service is worth a good tip.
Also, on the subject we tip housekeeping daily (as there may be different ones each day) and I place the tip in an obvious spot with a quick thank you note and a simple request if i have one. That is if we will be gone all day.
If we will be in most of the day, I request no housekeeping service and do not tip for that day.
Tips add up and deserve a place in your travel budget.