Pilots who don't tip the van driver!!!

[SMOE]

...and now time for a little levity....

- How was .020 copper safety wire invented? Two airline captains trying to split a penny!

- How do you keep an airline captain busy? Drop four pennies on the flight deck floor but tell him/her there are five!

- Did you hear about the terrorist they arrested at Hartsfield dressed like an airline captain? They realized he was an imposter when he attempted to BUY a newspaper!

 

[J32driver]

Pipejockey,

You defend shelling out hideous amounts of cash to buy an airline job, yet now you tell me you can't afford to give the van driver 1 measly little buck? Sorry... normally I stay away from threads like this, but I just couldn't resist. That is all... as you were... carry on...

 

[Mike man]

Pilots who don't tip the Chambermaid!!!

You know 1900kid your blood pressure has to be below 155/95. You really need to relax and to pick better battles to fight. I truly apologize about the spelling--MetroSheriff I was using my laptop it has a smaller keyboard and I'm not really used to it yet. Here is something interesting...


Hotelchambermaid[size=-1]$5 a night minimum. More [/size][size=-1]if long stays (over a week) [/size][size=-1]Consider $7 to $9 a night.[/size]room service waiter[size=-1]15% of bill[/size]bellhop [size=-1]$10 for bringing [/size][size=-1]you to your room with [/size][size=-1]luggage; $5 dollars for [/size][size=-1]opening and showing the [/size][size=-1]room[/size]lobby attendant[size=-1]none for opening door [/size][size=-1]or calling taxi from [/size][size=-1]stand; $1 dollar or more [/size][size=-1]for help with luggage or [/size][size=-1]finding a taxi on the [/size][size=-1]street[/size]desk clerk[size=-1]none unless special service is [/size][size=-1]given during long stay; [/size][size=-1]then, $5[/size]concierge[size=-1]$5-$10 Average. More for [/size][size=-1]special services or favors[/size]
http://www.tipping.org/tips/TipsPageHotel.html

So 1900kiddo do you leave $5 each night for the housekeeper?


Anyway squirt relax and enjoy a long career as an airline pilot.

 

[belchfire]

Yeah, and by the way, I have
never seen the van driver tip
my $18.00 fo for making a good
landing or being early...I got
a $20 once, but that was for
something else...

 

[Capn Lucky]

If I wait for an hout in BUF in January, then no tip. If the van driver kept me waiting while he/she stopped at McDonald's, no tip. If the van driver is waiting for me, and the van is warmed up. Big tip!!

 

[Slim]

CapnLucky has it right.

There are times I don't tip, and they're consistent. I don't tip when the van is significantly late. If we're early, I don't consider significantly late until we are well past scheduled arrival.

If the van driver gives me, or anyone on my crew a hard time, no tip if theyr'e the one responsible. Last spring, my F/A gave the hotel a hard time because she couldn't get a smoking room (the hotel was full!) and she tried to get me involved. I said, in front of the hotel staff, "You're on your own on this one." She was embarassing herself more than anything. The next day, she apologized to everyone and gave the driver (different one) a two dollar tip.

If the van provides transportation to a local resturant/gym/shopping mall/etc., that usually gets the driver a couple of dollars each direction. Even if they're late, it's still cheaper than a cab!

Fly safe!

 

[gordon24]

For all you cheap Mesa guys that don't tip, if you didn't keep lowering the bar, you'd be able to fork over a buck or two.



Sorry guys, had to do it!

 

[b737drivr]

I usually pay for my whole crew. Thats 6 bucks per van. I am anything but cheap.

 

[FlyChicaga]

I tip for good service. Plain and simple. Sometimes I feel guilty when I don't have a buck, so I often will go to the desk and go out of my way to give a tip. But other times, I don't even consider a tip for the crappy service. I must admit I am guilty of skimping a few times to save my singles for other things on the overnight...

 

[banned username 2]

I must admit I am guilty of skimping a few times to save my singles for other things on the overnight...

C'mon man, you're an Airline Pilot! Break some of those $100's to use at the Nudie Bar and give your singles to the van driver!

 

[sf3boy]

beech1900kid,

I sure hope you had the nuts to say exactly what you said to that captain to his face. Word for word. Otherwise, I might be inclined to think that you were one of those gutless pilots who just likes to talk smack behind everyone's back and be their best friend while at work. You think cheap pilots are pathetic and that is fine. I think pilots that just run their mouths are pathetic. Heck, you might have been one of those guys who didn't even play sports in High School or College because you were gutless, but made sure that you were the loudest mouth in the stands telling the players how stupid they looked on a play.

I bet all the captains cringe when they see your name on the release. They are thinking "I wonder what this jerk is going to say I am doing wrong today?" "Maybe he will approve my budget and not belittle me for having to pay 50% of my income to alimony." "Perhaps today, Super FO, can let me in on some more sound financial advice while I monitor his flying ability."

Now, I am sure that I have missed spelled some words, had a sentence fragment, lack of correct punctuation, but there is one thing that I am not mistaken on; Be thankful you don't fly at my airline and tell me how to spend my money.

 

[acaTerry]

My two cents from the soapbox...

I'm kinda with the kid (1900). The van driver is typically not hired to drive the van, but is a janitor or something like that and drives the van in addition to other work. Now, I do agree that there are too many people who expect to be tipped for just being alive. Myself, I think it should primarily be for service related jobs. And it should not be shared. The stink of it is, at many resturaunts the tips are divided. So the broad that never showed up until the food was ready, gave you the wrong food, and never came back until the bill was due gets to take some of the money that the good gals made.

If the van arrives promptly, doesn't stink, isn't blasting the music of the drivers ethnicity, and doesn't scare me on the way to the hotel, he always gets a tip. If he's late, drives like Mario Andretti, or tries to pick up on the FA, he gets stiffed. But not tipping just because you "don't think it's your responsibility", that's just lame. Especially for a Captain.

 

[beech1900kid]

beech1900kid,



I bet all the captains cringe when they see your name on the release. They are thinking "I wonder what this jerk is going to say I am doing wrong today?" "Maybe he will approve my budget and not belittle me for having to pay 50% of my income to alimony." "Perhaps today, Super FO, can let me in on some more sound financial advice while I monitor his flying ability."

Actually they call me three and a half stripes, not Super FO. By the way, I'm sorry about your failed marriage and the 50% alimony thing. That must really blow. Keep the faith, dude.

 

[xanderman]

Can you tell me!?

I just want to know if they take Debit or Credit?

 

[belchfire]

My gosh, were it that management worried
about us as much as some of you worry about
the van driver!

TIP is an acromyn...British origin I think.
I may be mistaken, but I understand that
it means To Insure Promptness.

It is not something that is gauranteed
in any case. It is sad that some service
industries and the IRS see TIP's as a
source or part of income and pay/tax
accordingly.

When the driver stays in the van
and doesn't help with the bags after
leaving you to wait 46 minutes outside
in the rain, he/she hasn't earned it...or
deserve it. Same as if they scare the
$hit out of you with their terroristic
driving! I want to get to the motel in
one piece, uninjured...

Guy don't tip a good driver, the bad
karma will get him some day...same if
he tips for $hitty service!

 

[BritishGuy]

Drivers should NOT be tipped. They are salaried and get paid. I refuse to ever tip as I need the money more. I'm broke. Drivers aren't on a substandard minumum wage or anything so why should they. Yeah, on the odd day if I feel good or the drivers done me a favour (eg, stopping off at an ATM machine at my request) then yeah, a buck or two won't hurt. But seeing that you'll be using this 'service' day in day out, then hell no. Why should u tip them? They're only doing their job. And anyone disagrees, then next time I'm in the cockpit please tip me for taking you somewhere.

 

[Ganja60Heavy]

<<isn't blasting the music of the drivers ethnicity>>

I know it.....I can't stand loud throbbing Polish Polka, a Brazilian Stomp, or a cranked Italian Wedding Dance. Happens all the time.

 

[sf3boy]

beech1900kid,

Yeah, the failed marriage. I got one under my belt, but there is no alimony as I am a regional FO. Her third year teaching salary well exceeds max pay at Mesaba for FO's.

 

[Stinkbug]

I think the real problem lies in the fact that the general public has no idea what standard gratuity is(20-23%)

Well, you're right about that. I've always thought the standard gratuity was 15%.

 

[flynryan15]

Stinkbug

I have a article from the Money section of the USA TODAY claiming that Standard Gratuity is 20-23% maybe higher in some demographic areas.

 

[Stinkbug]

Flynryan15

Thanks, good to know. All this time I guess I've been under-tipping. On the bright side, 20% is easier for me to figure than 15%.

 

[acaTerry]

Geez...20-23%?! It's getting like buying stamps!

 

[EMB145FO]

Beech1900kid,

Do you not undertand what a "TIP" is? I am so sick of having to tip so many different workers simply because they are doing their job. Don't get me wrong; if someone goes above and beyond what they are being paid to do, I will tip them and tip them well. For those who say that they tip the van driver simply because he/she arrives on time, doesn't scare you on the drive, and is not blasting music - that is the van driver's job!!!! They are supposed to arrive on time, drive safely, and not blast music. They are already being paid for this. Thanks a bunch for setting this new standard.

Too many people believe they are entitled to a tip. That attitude, in part, is nurtured by folks like you. I can't go out for 1 day with my family without having a handful of people sticking their hand out "expecting" to be given a little extra for simply doing their job. Again, I must emphasize that those who go above and beyond their expected job deserve a generous tip.

One more thing - this 20-23% now being the norm in tipping! Who comes up with these numbers anyway????????? If we are now required to give a little extra to everyone and their mother then call it a service charge and include it in the bill. I'll show my appreciation by simply not attending that particular establishment. But stop expecting to be tipped just for being alive.

 

[N8Dogg]

Here is a question. If the tip is "expected", why don't they include it in the menu price of the meal? I guess I'll let the rich guys figure that out while I eat at McDonalds.

 

[Rez O. Lewshun]

Looks like some of you need to be schooled on tipping the van driver.

At times the van driver is the chef or janitor that "volunteers" to take the crew.

Not sure if van drivers are required to load your bags. Maybe they need George Washington to convince them not to look at you and say "Do it yo 'self!" In addition, I want my bags handled nicely, not like legacy carrier rampers would.

But if you really need a reason to tip the van driver its cause when you want to go somewhere decent to eat and there is nothing around but hoe's and hookers, the van driver will take you there. Maybe you need to go to a drugstore or Lenscrafters... A van drivers tip is sure cheaper than a taxi cab. If enough guys don't tip and I want to get something to eat my answer is no before I ask. You tip cause you're looking out for your fellow pilots.....

If you don't tip cause you don't get tips, its time to realize that you are a professional! Professionals don't get tips! Do you tip your lawyer or doctor? As a professional you know that your tips are tax deductible so if your smart you'll let the IRS tip the van driver.

If you are a Capt and you don't tip, shame on you, you cheap bastard. I hope you're more uncomfortable than your FO and FAs are when they hand over a buck and you don't.

Don't make enough money to tip? That's right...flight crews can tip up to $500 per year. When you are making $18,000 thats 3% of your pay. That's diapers, rent or a nice meal with your wife if you happen to be at home. Take the lady out, for the love of god.

FAs shouldn't tip. They make less than FOs. Perhaps Capts should for them in Express/regional domestic flying.....

If you won't/can't tip at least look the van driver in the eye and say thank you. You want respect...give it.

 

[Mike man]

I think that you will find that tip's are in fact not IRS deductible, nor is food--if you receive per diem you are reimbursed for food, tips, etc--if you are not paid per diem, given a credit card, daily allowance, etc then you can claim all UNREMBURSED expenses.



I would also encourage you to speak to your Doctor or Lawyer and ask what gifts (read between the line TIPs) they have received from their clients/patients. Often time’s people are so grateful that their Cardiologist caught the blockage and performed pre-heart attack surgery they will give them watches, a week in the cottage, etc. So while it is not a TIP per say, it really is in a way.

What about a Christmas time do any of you tip your mailman? Garbage collectors? Or if you stay in a nice hotel and use the Concierge do you tip him or her?


Perhaps someone here should talk to the van driver and ask if they expect to get a tip, or if they split it with all the van drivers. I know several hotels that the folks that work the front desk, laundry, house keeping, maintenance all drive the van to pickups, drop offs, food runs, etc and all the tips are split evenly among all of those fine folks.

 

[TriJet]

Four years of college and I can't even take my wife and kids out.

Should have gone to ERAU

 

[Jet_Driver]

"Daddy Drinks because you cry."

Dude, you're sick. Get help!

 

[007]

Be1900 kid is probably on of those guys who paid for his type at Gulfstream......



Disgrunteled forever

 

[Tram]

You pilots who don't tip the van drivers are even more pathetic.

What about company CEO's and such that don't tip?