Gifts for cabin crew

[JessicaTam]

FA gave a big hug to a passenger on a recent BA flight I was on. Turns out it was his neighbour.

 

[Beano]

FA gave a big hug to a passenger on a recent BA flight I was on. Turns out it was his neighbour.

No problem then!

 

[elanshin]

Have a SYD > MEL flight on dec 31st morning, so I'm thinking of getting a little something. I tske it chocolate is still the best go to gift?

 

[luckypierre]

Have a SYD > MEL flight on dec 31st morning, so I'm thinking of getting a little something. I tske it chocolate is still the best go to gift?

On a recent VA flight, two young girls with Mum in tow, gave about 4 or 5 little gift bags, containing a small packet of chocolates to the CM, to be given to each of the cabin crew. The up front FA and CM seemed genuinely chuffed to receive them. I gather the family were regulars on that flight.

 

[jb747]

FA gave a big hug to a passenger on a recent BA flight I was on. Turns out it was his neighbour.

Not just a lucky passenger....

On a recent VA flight, two young girls with Mum in tow, gave about 4 or 5 little gift bags, containing a small packet of chocolates to the CM, to be given to each of the cabin crew. The up front FA and CM seemed genuinely chuffed to receive them. I gather the family were regulars on that flight.

From kids it's nice. From adults it's a bribe.

 

[AIRwin]

From kids it's nice. From adults it's a bribe.

But it would have been from adults even if it ended up being given by kids?

 

[Beano]

Have a SYD > MEL flight on dec 31st morning, so I'm thinking of getting a little something. I tske it chocolate is still the best go to gift?

Lindor box on special at Coles or Woolworth, about $10, would be my choice. Better value than the packets. Its my go to thank you gift.

 

[jukebox333]

Lindor box on special at Coles or Woolworth, about $10, would be my choice. Better value than the packets. Its my go to thank you gift.

They are surrounded by Lindt balls @elanshin - try a bag of Baci or Mini Toblerones. $5 at Coles

 

[Beano]

They are surrounded by Lindt balls @elanshin - try a bag of Baci or Mini Toblerones. $5 at Coles

Only on some flights. I noticed they are back on trans-tasman after a period of kit kats. Good advice!

 

[elanshin]

Cheers, I'll take a look at what goes on sale after Christmas if anything.

 

[Flyfrequently]

Cheers, I'll take a look at what goes on sale after Christmas if anything.

Have found Maltesers have been well received on domestic flights @elanshin

 

[Happy Dude]

From kids it's nice. From adults it's a bribe.

I agree. But this was a SYD-MEL flight so either way a poorly thought out one. Most of the "gift" giving occurs on intl flights where the potential reciprocation/rewards are way better, so this one is perhaps closer to an act of genuine kindness.

 

[Flyfrequently]

I agree. But this was a SYD-MEL flight so either way a poorly thought out one. Most of the "gift" giving occurs on intl flights where the potential reciprocation/rewards are way better, so this one is perhaps closer to an act of genuine kindness.

I gift on domestic flights as a genuine act of kindness, particularly on late afternoon flights it has been very much appreciated.
By that stage, they have often had to deal with delays etc and it is just nice to acknowledge them with a smile and a thank you - gift or no gift.

 

[DejaBrew]

Had 4 flights this month as part of a Korea holiday.

SYD>ICN on QF J
Flight was running 3.5hrs late. Approached CSM after lunch service had been completed and things had started to settle down to hand over a big box of Ferrero Rochers. Advised they were for the whole crew suggesting that if it wasn't already a stressful flight for everyone with the delays to that point, then they'd probably be feeling it by the end of the flight and that the choccies would hopefully make it a little more enjoyable for them. CSM appeared genuinely touched by the gesture, stowed them in one of the lockers and advised that he'd hold onto them to share with everyone as they made their way to the hotel later that night as it would mean the pilots could also partake. Asked me whether I'd prefer a cap or a keyring in return? I politely declined and made it clear that I did not need or expect anything in return as it was purely my gesture of appreciation to them, but he insisted and ended up delivering both a cap and keyring to my seat, suggesting he'd leave it up to me and my travel partner to fight it out I don't believe there was any special service given - nor was any expected - however the CSM did spend some time chatting with us about our trip and providing some insights and suggestions based on his many trips to South Korea.

GMP>CJU on KE in J
Short flight (just over 1hr) and cabin crew were fantastic, but absolutely slammed due to multiple instances of turbulence. Our lovely FA was helping us with carry-on luggage as we disembarked and I managed to hand her a share bag of Freddo Frogs with the explanation that it was a just a small gesture of appreciation the flight crew. Beaming smiles and thank yous from all nearby flight crew.

CJU>GMP on KE in J
1hr return flight to Seoul. Again, fantastic cabin crew who were less troubled by in-air incidents. Took the opportunity as we were descending into to pop into the galley and pass on a share pack of Freddo Frogs to the FAs with a quick message of appreciation for the whole crew. FAs were very happy to receive the gift. Shortly before touchdown, one of the FAs appeared from the galley with a little gift pack they'd prepared for us including 2 bottles of water, refresher towels, KE pens, earbuds and earplugs. Totally unexpected, but a lovely gesture from the crew.



ICN>SYD on QF in J
Flight was slightly delayed departing. With the supper service having been completed and main cabin lighting switched off, many of the FAs were congregating in the galley. Took the opportunity to hand them a bix box of Ferrero Rochers and just explained that it was a small thank you to the crew and that they could hopefully enjoy now that things had settled down and/or enjoy a nice sugar to get them through the night. FAs very appreciative and I returned to my seat feeling good about having hopefully brightened their day. Next thing I know, FA is back at my seat with a refreshed G+T for me along with a bowl of salted almonds and 4 of the aforementioned Ferreros to share with my travel partner. About 10 minutes later, FA returns to my seat with a couple of Qantas caps, a bottle of shiraz and a hand-written card from the crew. I thanked them profusely and told them it really wasn't necessary, but they insisted and said the chocolaes were a lovely gesture that was really appreciated by the crew.

 

[Flyfrequently]

As your comments echo @DejaBrew it is not about expecting anything in return, but a genuine gesture of appreciation to the crew. And it can make you smile on the inside
Glad you enjoyed your travels.

 

[DejaBrew]

As your comments echo @DejaBrew it is not about expecting anything in return, but a genuine gesture of appreciation to the crew. And it can make you smile on the inside

100% agree @Flyfrequently !!

Glad you enjoyed your travels.

Thank you! Was a great trip

 

[jastel]

In my past working life, when a patient took the time to pen a note and /or gave chocolates, it was always much appreciated.
I understand that we are all "doing our job" and get paid for it, but it is such a nice gesture - same also as giving some Christmas beers to your "garbo".
It's what my mother taught me to do.

The 6 pack for the Garbo debate has been going on here on a FB forum...the official company line is They are not to pick up gifts as they could be a hazard in the truck...

Just about anything can be interpreted the wrong way...you may be trying to poison the flight crew...there could be explosives in the stuffed kangaroo you gave them. Most people give and receive with good intentions but the fun police and lawyers will argue otherwise.

If we all did the right thing we wouldnt need to waste hours in airport security.

I can see both sides here...

 

[Skyring]

As your comments echo @DejaBrew it is not about expecting anything in return, but a genuine gesture of appreciation to the crew. And it can make you smile on the inside

That "smiling on the inside" is important, and to my mind well worth the few dollars it costs to buy a few chocolates. Not that it's even an internal transaction. Even in economy, I'm sitting down watching TV the whole trip while these people are on their feet doing stuff. They are not just making my trip as comfortable as the fare class allows but they have my life in their hands along with everybody else on the plane. This is recognition to fellow human beings that their efforts are appreciated.

I know jb747 has said a couple of times that a gift before the flight is a bribe and after it is a tip. That sounds like a rule of thumb along the lines of "five rings or more, they are mad". It's not going to hold true in every case but I'll bet an experienced crew member would see the gift and think, "will they be wanting something extra?"

Just a smile, if there's one going. And if there's not, I've likely found someone who could use a golden ball of chocolate and yum. All good.