How do you get your small USD bills?

[TomVexille]

Nah, anyone who wants a tip will bend over backwards to get you change.

 

[serfty]

My most common method is at an Admirals Club Bar (rarely am I not connecting).

i.e. Hand over to the Bartender a $20 and ask for change. They are only too happy to give it (They correctly anticipate you not to take it all).

 

[Bundy Bear]

My most common method is at an Admirals Club Bar (rarely am I not connecting).

i.e. Hand over to the Bartender a $20 and ask for change. They are only too happy to give it (They correctly anticipate you not to take it all).

That's the process I usually do, convenience store or airport concession is another place, especially if flying economy, as you might want a drink and a snack on your flight as you aren't likely to get one.

 

[SYD]

That's the process I usually do, convenience store or airport concession is another place, especially if flying economy, as you might want a drink and a snack on your flight as you aren't likely to get one.

As a QF WP, AA MCE is your friend again! Comp food and drinks.

 

[serfty]

As a QF WP, AA MCE is your friend again! Comp food and drinks.

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

 

[justinbrett]

In Vegas they have bill breakers built in to every casino ATM. Very handy (free for this purpose).

 

[SYD]

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

View attachment 510412

OT: but “Nooo!”

Hopefully that’s a glitch. I do recall seeing different behaviour in the app v website. Don’t recall which one allowed free seat selection while the other wanted a “tip”… But if they’re both asking for money, that’s a real bummer. Guess I’ll just need to look for a decent “F” fare next time.

Is that a direct AA booking or something via QF?

 

[Quickstatus]

I would not rely on someone who receives a tip to break a large bill to smaller ones so you can tip them

Agree, if you tip and expect change, they could say sorry they don't have smaller bills hoping you will just give them the large bill.
However, if you make the payment for the invoice in cash, they will give you change and you can request small notes.
Money changers outside the US may or may not provide small notes.

I dont like tipping by card as I am not sure who gets the tip. But in the US legally the tips belong to the employee. However the employee would be required to "tip out" the other staff who contributed to the overall service such as chefs. Additionally in many states businesses are prohibited from carving out the merchant fee.

.....

Basically I would just hit a convenience store any buy something small with a large note like this.
Apparently this might appear soon

Spoiler: only for special people

 

[serfty]

Is that a direct AA booking or something via QF?

Both ... 001- and 081-

To reiterate, on desktop and app.

Yes, it is off topic, other than that MCE is not a way to to avoid needing change.

 

[Daver6]

Not since this month; AA have removed much of that ability for Qantas Platinum (or Gold).

Here's a screenshot of a booking I have - I originally selected the seat indicated at no charge earlier this year. Now it wants to charge (App or desktop) if I try to move.

View attachment 510412

Another flip flop on this?! Far out. MCE was free in Jan for QF WPs

 

[SeatBackForward]

In Vegas they have bill breakers built in to every casino ATM. Very handy (free for this purpose).

Oh happens to be where I'm heading to, but I was not really planning on spending much time on the casino floors, but this is a legitimate reason for it.

 

[AuSammy]

If I need small USD bills I just go to the money exchanger at our nearby shopping centre or in BNE city centre before we fly out. Never had a problem getting some. I avoid the banks with poor rates and silly rules of what or what you cant have and delays to get it.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Even where there are porters, you dont have to use them.

It's ok to politely say "thanks, but we're ok to handle our bags."

I have used that (on principle), and they were ok with that. stiff cheese if they weren't!