Tipping Skycaps?

[Tina]

I've never used a skycap before since we rarely check out bags. With DME, we plan to use the luggage service, so we'll likely check out bags outside with the skycap. What is standard for tipping?

 

[dudspizza]

$1-2 per bag.

Duds

 

[MinnieGirl33]

 

[Cindy's Mom]

I've never used a skycap before since we rarely check out bags. With DME, we plan to use the luggage service, so we'll likely check out bags outside with the skycap. What is standard for tipping?

I don't know about other airlines, but with United using a skycap carries a mandatory $2 per bag charge that goes to United and then you have to tip 2 bucks a bag on top of that.

I still did is as I was traveling with the DKs 4&5 (DH stayed home) and there was no way in the world I was going to wait in line inside with them.

 

[safetymom]

I don't think United charges at all airports yet with the mandatory charge. But I would tip at least $1-2 a bag.

 

[Tina]

Hmmmm.... .... I guess I'd better check with my airport. We're flying United. Thanks for the info.

 

[Cindy's Mom]

Hmmmm.... .... I guess I'd better check with my airport. We're flying United. Thanks for the info.

Let me know what you find out - I'm intested in knowing this. It was my assumption that with United's bankruptcy filing they were using any way necessary to generate revenue. United's Worldwide HQ is in a suburb of Chicago (Elk Grove) and everyday on the news we get their latest PR.

 

[Chicago526]

$1 for an average bag, $2 for a heavy bag. Then I give $1 more over that. For example, I have 1 normal bag at $1 and 1 heavy at $2, so I'd tip $4 (or if he's super nice and I don't have 4 singles, I might even give him a $5 and let him keep the change). My theory is to always be nice to the guy who makes sure your bags make it to the right flight!

I tell you what though, it's worth the extra money on days when the lines at the airline check-in counter are out the door. $5 versus standing in line for 45 minutes? No thank you, I'll pay the $5!

 

[Tina]

I haven't been able to find any info about skycap fees on United's website or that of my airport (Washington-Dulles). There are 3 of traveling, so I'll just come armed with a $5, a $10, and several singles to make sure I can pay/tip accordingly.

 

[lpbm4]

Just got back from PGh and I never knew anything about tipping skycaps. Luckily my friend was with me and she flies often. She tipped $6 for our 4 bags.

 

[powellrj]

I flew last month out of St Louis and Northwest was also charging $2 per bag plus tip. We each had one large bag and tipped the guys $5 each. It was well worth the money to avoid standing in line!

 

[HappyLawyer]

1-2 per bag, which we typically do 1 there are 6 of us, three bags each, but i also will say, i was late once, within an hour of take off time, the skycaps, made it happen, they checked my bags and all i had to do was go through security, they were awesome.

 

[DrmWvr1299]

Yep, on our last trip I had made our pick up time from WL an hour later than I had intended to. Got to MCO one hour before take off and the line was practically out the door, no kidding, at least 50 people in front of us. I had never used a skycap before and one came up to us at curbside as the towncar let us out and asked if he could help and explained his service, I jumped at it. Paid him $30 for 7 bags (there were 4 of us) and it was worth every penny. He got us checked in, upgraded our seats and all we had to do was run through security. I had never used a skycap before, thought I never would as I was capable of managing my own luggage myself, but he was a Godsend that morning

 

[safetymom]

Just be aware that many of the airlines now require you to check your luggage no later than 45 mins before your flight.

 

[Alice Sr.]

Let me know what you find out - I'm intested in knowing this. It was my assumption that with United's bankruptcy filing they were using any way necessary to generate revenue. United's Worldwide HQ is in a suburb of Chicago (Elk Grove) and everyday on the news we get their latest PR.

I remember reading about this in Crain's when they were talking about rolling it out at MDW (before ORD), I swear they said the money was to be pooled and divided up amonst the Skycaps and no additional tipping would be expected . We always use the Skycaps but must have flown AA last November and June because I'm pretty sure I would have remembered paying double for the Skycaps.

I'm flying SW (MDW) for the 1st time in 13 years, do they have Skycaps?

TIA,
Alice

 

[CarolA]

I remember reading about this in Crain's when they were talking about rolling it out at MDW (before ORD), I swear they said the money was to be pooled and divided up amonst the Skycaps and no additional tipping would be expected . We always use the Skycaps but must have flown AA last November and June because I'm pretty sure I would have remembered paying double for the Skycaps.

I'm flying SW (MDW) for the 1st time in 13 years, do they have Skycaps?

TIA,
Alice

SW does have skycaps, no mandatory charge.

Everything I have read and heard indicates the mandatory charges is going to the AIRLINE.... not the skycaps. Supposedly they get "part" of it, but the skycaps are upset as they have seen a major decrease since now most folks pay the $2 "mandatory" and nothing else. So if they were getting the whole amount you wouldn't think they would be having decreases. Plus to make matters worse this is considered a tipped postion and they are paid accordingly.