Do you tip your DME driver?

[FatElvis]

I'm fine with doing it, just wasn't sure if it was appropriate/expected.

 

[ducklite]

If they handle your bag, then $1 per bag. If you feel that they do something over and above driving you, then a dollar or two would be appropriate. Otherwise it's not needed.

If they don't handle bags or make your trip magical in any way, they aren't any different than a city bus driver, and you don't tip those...

Anne

 

[islandbeachnut]

Yes, we tipped $1 per bag. Upon arriving at the airport from the hotel, I was disgusted by how many 'weasels' just grabbed their bags and ran when the driver's back was turned to unload other bags. Pretty pathetic.

 

[Hugpug]

Yes I did as he handled my carryon and besides that I was very impressed with the service. These people don't make that much so I figture if I can afford to make a trip WDW I surely should be able to tip for service IMHO

 

[kathy387]

We tipped $5 each way for 2 bags. Heck, it was only $10 compared to the $160 we saved on a rental car {not to mention what we would have had to pay for tolls} so why not spread the wealth?! Besides our bags were kinda heavy

 

[TDC Nala]

Yes, they always handle a bag for me, so I tip them. Usually I'm the only person on the bus who does.

 

[Valentine]

I always tip them.. even without a bag... I just think that it is a service position.. and you know what it's only $2 out of my pocket...and appropriate.. for me... not everyone has to do what I do... it is just my personal take.

Kathy

 

[Letsbgoofy]

We had a carry on with us. I gave my son (16) money and he got the bag and tipped while I got in the check in line. The first thing he said to me was that he was the only one who tipped the driver.

I think some people just don't know that they "should" tip, and some probably just don't care. I don't remember ever noticing my parents tip people. I have always been somewhat clueless about who should be tipped, and nervous that I might offend someone by tipping when I shouldn't. I think my son learned from this trip as he was part of tipping the bus driver, valet, mousekeeping, and waiters when they deserved more than the DP covers.

 

[boomhauer]

I gave him $3 I think last time. I had 2 bags.

 

[ducklite]

I just don't agree that they are a tipped position unless they do something special or handle your bags. It's the same as a Disney bus driver, and you don't tip them.

I'm a very good tipper, and would be the first to extend a gratuity to someone who handled my bag or made my experience a little more enjoyable. But a driver who simply drives me from point A to point B, well like I said, a city bus driver does the same thing, and I don't tip them either...

IMHO bus drivers who don't handle bags are NOT in a service industry, they are drivers who are paid well over minimum wage, and as such there is no need to tip them.

Anne

 

[pumpkinboy]

Yes, I tipped this last trip. In our case, the first two buses to show up at the Boardwalk did not have wheelchair lifts; since DS (aged 8) is wheelchair-bound we could not board. The third driver who had a lift-equipped bus was diverted to BW by mgmt, and got us on board quickly and efficiently; we arrived at the airport in plenty of time (a little less than 2 hours). For the rescue, the good and efficient service and pleasant demeanor, I tipped $5. I did not see very many others tipping her, even some whom she helped with bags. I tipped her in front of other passengers who were going on to the next stop to indicate to them that tipping was customary, and since she did a great job I wanted to make sure others rewarded her too.

 

[Lewisc]

The DME buses don't really have room for luggage, even for carryon. I agree it's only a tipped position if the driver helps you with your luggage but I suspect most passengers wind up having the driver stow some carryon items under the bus.

Courtesy shuttle bus drivers are generally tipped if they help with luggage.

I just don't agree that they are a tipped position unless they do something special or handle your bags. It's the same as a Disney bus driver, and you don't tip them.

I'm a very good tipper, and would be the first to extend a gratuity to someone who handled my bag or made my experience a little more enjoyable. But a driver who simply drives me from point A to point B, well like I said, a city bus driver does the same thing, and I don't tip them either...

IMHO bus drivers who don't handle bags are NOT in a service industry, they are drivers who are paid well over minimum wage, and as such there is no need to tip them.

Anne

 

[Letsbgoofy]

I also agree that they are only a tipped position if they handle your bags. I edit my story by saying that all the people we got off the bus with had at least carry on luggage with them; 2 groups looked like they had all their regular luggage too. That was what surprised my son, that all the other groups grabbed their luggage that the driver pulled out from under the bus and walked away without tipping.

 

[goofy4tink]

If someone touches my bag, they get a tip. Well, except for the one time that someone took our bags from our towncar driver, and put them on a luggage carrier (and of course stood there with that expectant look), then someone else came along and took the carrier into the resort (the Polynesian), then yet another person took the carrier from person #2 and delievered it to our room. Come on now...I think that's a bit excessive. Now my dh won't let anyone touch our bags at a resort. Says that check-in cost us about $20!!!
As for the DME driver...if he loads/unloads any of my stuff, he/she gets a tip. Otherwise, no. Unless....they have given a really good ride. We had one driver who was a hoot, gave us various info about the area, some WDW tidbits, amusing stories. He was full of one-liners. Made the 30 minute trip speed by. He never touched a bag of ours but he got a $5 tip anyway!!! And yes, I also have seen the drivers pulling out huge bags for people, who in turn grab their bags and scoot away...all the while trying to not make eye contact with anyone. Especially if someone else is tipping the driver. It's almost funny to watch.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We tipped our drivers from the airport and back. We had carry-ons, but even without them we would probably tip. There were LOTS of threads about this topic back in May when ME first started running.

I made envelopes with all of our tips for Mousekeeping and ME. DS9 took the tip over to our driver and thanked him, and the men were SO grateful both times. I don't think many folks are tipping. I can't remember if we did $5 or $10. The drivers didn't know the amount until they opened the envelope, but they seemed so thankful that someone thought of them! DS decorated all of our tip envelopes with markers and stickers to make them festive, so each person got a "personal" touch with their tip.