Tipping the flight crew

[platinumclub]

Since it is customary in the US to tip almost everywhere we go, I was comtemplating why we as pilots don't get tips. I mean, people tip cab drivers, who make about twice what we make, so why not us? On your next trip while greeting the passengers, we should all join together in announcing over the PA that tips or any form of gratuity are welcome, since we don't get paid crap!

 

[English]

Netjetwife, is that you?

 

[Mtnjam]

Tip Jar

I've actually been fortunate enough to recieve a few tips as a CFI. Not many people do though with the cost of rental A.C. and instructor rates, but that would be a good idea. People tip Barbers, Pizza boys, Gas pumpers, baggage handlers. What does a baggage handler have in his hands??? Bags....... What does a Pilot have in his?? life's

 

[jetexas]

Yeah, but we're all filthy rich, remember? Pilots make a lot of money. We show up after our very long overnight on the French Riviera with a lovely young flight attendant under each arm. We then go and fly our one flight that day on our 'usual route'. No need to tip us!

 

[flyjumpseat]

Would you split the tips with your friendly neighborhood dispatcher?

 

[svcta]

Hey, Platinum,
Kerry lost.

And nobody owes you a tip, you commie. Tipping in this country is getting out of control.

 

[jetstream]

I think asking for and/or accepting tips would be a bit deemening to our profession. Just dosen't sit well with the image of a professional airline pilot.

 

[another cfii]

Reasons airline pilots wear hats are:

1) To keep our head warm during winter, and
2) Use it as a tip jar.

That's why I don't wear my hat to work anymore. I wear a fleece cap to work, and I don't get any tips after a smooth landing.

 

[MED]

This thread is a joke.

 

[prattzl]

Charter guys flying lears get tips, us guys flying 50 or more around don't. It is like the difference between limo and greyhound.

 

[deez_nutz2000]

Think about the people in those lears vs. the people in an embraer. Its nice to get tips every now and then on the corporate side of things, but at least you arent considered just "the help".Every now and then someone will throw you a bone or two, but it is much more rare than you think.

 

[capt. megadeth]

I think asking for and/or accepting tips would be a bit deemening to our profession. Just dosen't sit well with the image of a professional airline pilot.

First off, if anyone wants us to be "PROFESSIONAL" they better pay up. Where is the motivation to be professional when your "profession" is going down the tubes. I say we all wear signs that say how much we actually make per passenger per flight visible to all pax.

 

[DAS at 10/250]

First off, if anyone wants us to be "PROFESSIONAL" they better pay up. Where is the motivation to be professional when your "profession" is going down the tubes. I say we all wear signs that say how much we actually make per passenger per flight visible to all pax.

Very professional "dude!"

You ARE being paid exactly what you are worth. Something about the conditions of long-run competitive equilibrium from econ 101.

I think asking for and/or accepting tips would be a bit deemening to our profession. Just dosen't sit well with the image of a professional airline pilot.

Spoken like a gentleman and a scholar.

 

[movingviolation]

When I was a circus carnie (T-6 pilot) I'd make a killing in tips. I'd average $40 for a 40min flight durring the summer months up in RI. I've had people tip me $100 just for making them (or their friend) throw up.

Of course we had a sign in the front cockpit that said "Tips are appreciated" I actually had a few extra's made up, maybe you could throw it up front of your jungle jet. Of course you still have to point it out to the customer... "see the gear down lights, they are right under the TIP SIGN.. tell me when they go green" But normaly they would get the picture. Except for the A-hole that always has to say "you've got the greatest job in the world, I'd do this for free" I got SO SICK of hearing that 4x a day.

 

[prattzl]

Think about the people in those lears vs. the people in an embraer. Its nice to get tips every now and then on the corporate side of things, but at least you arent considered just "the help".Every now and then someone will throw you a bone or two, but it is much more rare than you think.

Yeah I flew Lears under 135 for a bit. It isn't that often at all that you get slipped some cash. They either tip really good or not at all. From what I observed "old money" hardly ever tips. They really do consider you the "hired help". Much like a butler would be viewed. On the other hand, some guys who hit big and were going to Vegas for a weekend away from the wife, tipped very well.