Lounge attendant with cash on tray

[Mattg]

Is this a common thing in North America?

While I was in a domestic Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge last week, one of the lounge attendants came around holding a tray and offered to clear away my empty plates/glasses etc. That in itself isn’t unusual. What I found unusual is that there were several 5 and 10 dollar notes on the tray she was holding, and she made sure I could see them as she literally held the tray right in front of me as she placed my empty dishes onto the tray.

I had seen her clearing the items from 2 other people before she got to me, and neither of them had given the lounge attendant a tip. So, I can only assume she planted the money there herself.

She didn’t ask for a tip or anything, but I can’t help but feel like it was a subtle “invitation” to give one.

It reminded me a bit of the Qantas LAX lounge tipping scam from a decade ago:

S

Thread 'Tipping problem in LAX TBIT Lounge [is back]'

Dec 28, 2015

Apparently the tipping problem in LAX TBIT is back
Something dfcatch may want to bring up with management.
My brother was in their this morning. As he went for a shower the attendant picked up $2 that was left behind in the room. He then watched the attendant leave and take it to another room and put it in there ready to be picked up when the next person came in.
My brother even noted it was a scam saying "it would be the first thing they pick up when they clean the room, not left till the next person came in"

Sad as this was addressed i thought but its obviously coming back.

• Sdtravel
• airline lounges
• Replies: 258
• Forum: Qantas | Frequent Flyer

 

[kpc]

It would spur me NOT to tip!

 

[clifford]

Just reminds me of when I was a lad, in the UA lounge in T7 at LAX (many times)

The beers were supposed to be complimentary (with the requisite voucher), but if you didn't give the barman a tip, you'd be waiting a little while for your second, and wouldn't receive a nice smile (!).

Got to know the guy quite well. He had to make a living too.

 

[serfty]

In the Flagship lounge gentleman's lavatory ar DFW there is generally an attendant present, mopping the floor, cleaning the stalls etc., at the same time (not so) subtly making sure you knew they were there.

While I had an inkling why, I was not completely sure until I saw a patron hand them money - yes, a tip!

 

[SOPOOR]

Can you actually buy anything at the lounge? Or any lounge Genuinely never thought about this

 

[serfty]

Can you actually buy anything at the lounge? Or any lounge Genuinely never thought about this

In USA lounges, generally yes.

The complimentary drinks are referred to as "well drinks", as in basic.

For premium drinks you have to pay.

 

[DC3]

Can you actually buy anything at the lounge? Or any lounge Genuinely never thought about this

Sometimes food (more substantial meals) as well as high(er)-end drinks I’ve found. In the Admirals Club, anyway.

Although, in AA Flagship Lounges, these are complimentary from my experience.