Tipping at airport?

[chris7]

I have not flown in 5 years and have no clue how much or who you tip at an airport. If you check in at the curb (skycap? skycab?) would you tip the person who helps you, and if you do, how much? Anyone else it's customary to tip?

 

[chris7]

Also, I read on our airport site that now when you check in you are directed to a seperate baggage screening site, regardless of where you check in. Any experience with that and do you still tip a skycap if you then carry your own luggage to a seperate screening location?

 

[Servants of Evan]

The only ones you typically tip are the skycap (providing you use them). I'll tip on average $2/bag or more if I suspect the bags are overweight. It's amazing how a $20 bill makes your baggage practically float off the scale. The only other people I've tipped have been the gate assistants who have helped my mom with a wheelchair, etc. If you're checking two bags, then slip the skycap a five dollar bill ... it's better than having them accidentally miscode your bags to read somethiong other than MCO!

If you carry your own bags, then you probably aren't using a skycap so no tip would be involved. If their hands touch your bags, cash should accompany them.

 

[Lewisc]

If this is a "trick question" you should also tip the waiter and bartender if you eat or drink in an airport restaurant or bar.

 

[salmoneous]

If they provide good, friendly service, I'll tip shuttle bus drivers a buck or two. I see a number of people tipping them, especially if they bring your bags on/off the bus.

I used to always tip sky caps, because they performed a service. But now, they are just gate clerks who work outside. If it's cold, or if I skip a big line by using them, or the they actually seem to be providing a service, I'll tip. But I no longer consider them to be manditory.

 

[Tigger_Magic]

Also, I read on our airport site that now when you check in you are directed to a seperate baggage screening site, regardless of where you check in. Any experience with that and do you still tip a skycap if you then carry your own luggage to a seperate screening location?

Depends on the airport & airline. At some, you are asked to take your luggage to a screening area; at others the airline has handled that. The skycap will advise you when you check-in.

Customary tip is $2 - $3 per bag unless they are heavy (heavy being a relative term). If you need help lifting it, tip more.

 

[chris7]

If I'm reading it right (from here and another thread I found) skycaps are really a tip dependent position, as opposed to the people working inside at the counter. So even if we have to take our bags over to a screening station we should probably tip just for the convenience of a shorter (hopefully) line than we would go through inside?

 

[safetymom]

Some airlines pay the skycaps but typically they are working for tips. I tip them all. They are saving me from luging the luggage through the airport.

 

[dvc guy]

[I used to always tip sky caps, because they performed a service. But now, they are just gate clerks who work outside. If it's cold, or if I skip a big line by using them, or the they actually seem to be providing a service, I'll tip. But I no longer consider them to be manditory.[/QUOTE]


Skycaps usually don't work for the airlines and IMHO not tipping the skycap is an excellent way for your bags to see many places,( hallways, loading docks) just not the one your going to.
I usually tip 10 dollars for 4 bags and they are very happpy and the bags arrive .

 

[DebbieB]

Any airport I've used with a separate screening area, the skycap takes care of that for you. At PIT, I pull up to the curb, check my luggage and then go park the car. Beats having to drag it in from the parking lot when I'm by myself.