help needed - Tipping limo-driver?

[Skallywag]

We are having a limo for four of us to the port and wonder if anyone can advise if we should tip the driver and how much is recognised for this please.
Here in uk it is usually all included to am very niaive about such things.
Have been trying to sort out cruise tips to put the minimum away in little bags to add to later and just thought I would sort this one out while I am doing so.
Many thanks.

 

[Bo'sMom]

How much is the round trip costing you? When we go, we usually tip $10-15 one way.

 

[Skallywag]

We have booked and paid $310 round trip.

 

[Keith Ward]

Hi,

We too are from the UK.We had a limo last year and tipped the driver on each trip,I think I gave him $15 to $20 each way.We have booked a limo for three trips this year. We are doing the 7 night Eastern on 15th October.

Keith.

 

[Skallywag]

Hope you have a great trip we are on the 22nd western.
Thanks for the information just trying to get money sorted out. Hate leaving things to the last minute.

 

[Keith Ward]

I'm sure you will enjoy it.We done the 4 night on Wonder last year and loved it so much we booked the 7 night on Magic this year.Everything on the cruise was spot on.Couldn't fault anything.

Keith.Newcastle.

 

[musicgirl]

I would definitely pay the tip each way.

On our very first trip, I paid for the round trip and the entire tip amount on the first part of the trip. Of course we had a different driver on the way back.

rookie mistake!

 

[mommasita]

I would definitely pay the tip each way.

On our very first trip, I paid for the round trip and the entire tip amount on the first part of the trip. Of course we had a different driver on the way back.

rookie mistake!

Same thing here....

Now it is PER segment...

 

[scrapperjill]

I think the standard amount is 20%...but double check and make sure the tip isn't already included. I've found that alot of them are. Plus it's best to divide the amount you pay for RT to find out what the cost each way is...then tip each way based on that amount. Alot of the time you don't have the same driver (we didn't)....and I don't beleive they'll split the tips on their own...So in a way...if you ONLY tip on the way down you double tipping that guy...and skipping out on the other driver...easy mistake though...who would guess you wouldn't have the same one each way.

I think it's just real good info to know ahead of time. Something that is easly overlooked in the rush of getting started with the trip of a lifetime

 

[Scorpio1112]

Here is my problem, I've used limos and/or towncars and was told the tip was included, however, when we get out I always feel obligated to tip... anyone else in this boat? And I usually do tip and am not sure if I am alone and an IDIOT!

 

[5infam]

Scorpio1112,

Don't feel bad - it is an awkward thing, especially when they help you with the luggage. It is almost an automatic reflex to reach into your pocket and pull out something to give the driver. What I always do when I book a car and tip is included is ask the driver "the tip was included in the price I paid right? - I just want to make sure you are taken care of already". So far, this works well for me so they know I was thinking about it - and just in case it really wasn't and I thought it was, it could save me some embarrasment.

 

[kg66]

My DH drives for 2 limo companies here in Canada, and as posted before, some contracts include tips some don't. Check with the company you booked from. If it doesn't include it, 15-20 % of the contract price is the usual rate. However if for any reason, you are not satisfied with the service given by your driver, you adjust it accordingly. If the tip is included in your contract, I'd do like the OP and acknowledge the tip was included, but if you were even more please with his service, I'd tip over the tip that was included. In Canada, tips are not pooled. They are given on an individual basis, due to workmanship. They truly appreciate tips, and in my husband's case, they will go the extra mile to give you the best service in order to get a tip worthy of the services they provide to you. Enjoy! Hope this helps, Kathy

 

[kg66]

If your tip isn't included and you are happy with your service your tip should be in the $45-60 range, hope this helps you sort out the $ issue. Kathy

 

[scrapperjill]

If your tip isn't included and you are happy with your service your tip should be in the $45-60 range, hope this helps you sort out the $ issue. Kathy

I think that range really depends on how much your limo service is....I mean...if your service is $100 or less...I wouldn't think you'd be tipping in the $45-60 range. Myself...I think the 15-20% range works best...and of course depending on the service you recieved.


OH...and that's a great way (just asking..."now the tip was included in the price paid, right...just wanting to make sure your taken care of". .. to double check if the tip was included...and NOT feel obligated to tip more. I know what you mean....by feeling bad and obligated to tip more...when the drivers helping so much...and you had a great time.

 

[DebbieB]

Scorpio1112,

Don't feel bad - it is an awkward thing, especially when they help you with the luggage. It is almost an automatic reflex to reach into your pocket and pull out something to give the driver. What I always do when I book a car and tip is included is ask the driver "the tip was included in the price I paid right? - I just want to make sure you are taken care of already". So far, this works well for me so they know I was thinking about it - and just in case it really wasn't and I thought it was, it could save me some embarrasment.

I've used a local limo company for a town car to the airport here in Pittsburgh. They automatically add 20% and charge it to your credit card. It was $50 each way, so the tip was $10 additional. The part where I feel funny is on the return, when they wait in baggage claim with you. The last time I used them for a trip airport to home, the guy kind of stood around on my porch, I think he expected extra, especially since the wait was long for the luggage. Then I felt guilty later for not giving him more, especially since he was a friend of one of my neighbors! So the next time I only used them to the airport and caught a cab on the way home. It was only $40 fare.

 

[Scorpio1112]

Tip $45 - $60... wow... that's a lotta $$$... sorry but I'd never tip that much... i might be going 20 minutes that's like $3.00 a minute tip... no way!!!

I do feel bad though when the luggage wait is forever or if the return trip plane has been delayed... not knowing whether or not I'm messing up the next person's ride... I normally tip $10 - $15 on top of (stupidly probably) the built in tip...

however, I will try the "your tip has been taken care of already - right" line!

I have experience the "lingering" around thing when I try to convince myself the tip is already built in!! and of course I "cave" and reach into the pocket....

I'd rather it wasn't built in honestly... but they probably do it for a reason --- ME!!!!

 

[kg66]

The reason I said $45-60 was because in one of Skallywag's First posts he said the total cost was $331 for the 4 people renting the limo. 15-20 % of $331 is $45-60, or $15/person. I didn't do it based on a 15 minute ride.

 

[kg66]

Me again, Skallywag,
Don't forget that the $45-60 is the total tip both ways. So you can either divide that between the 2 drivers, or you could recontact the company you booked with and add the tip to your contract to avoid the awkwardness. Even if your tip wasn't included when you originally booked your limo, you can add it on no problem. I don't want anyone to think I was trying to rip you off with my quote of $45-60, it's total both ways.

 

[pyrxtc]

If your tip isn't included and you are happy with your service your tip should be in the $45-60 range, hope this helps you sort out the $ issue. Kathy

Are you serious??? Is this for both ways or each way?? That tip is outrageous! You could rent your own car for that price!

Okay just read the 2nd page but that still outrageous! A $15 tip is awesome. It's not like a resteraunt where they have to wait on you and bring you stuff. They are sitting there driving you around and getting much better wages than your servers are!