Tipping pilots...

[bryanjones]

Do you leave a tip?

interesting thought that a tough landing in cross wind might get no tip.

 

[Maca44]

An interesting read. It's not until you travel a bit, you realise that Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world. This is mainly due to relatively high wages, so with this being the case I only tip in restaurants when there is exceptional service, not because it is mandatory to do so. Also, because waiters do earn a relatively good wage, they are not inclined to provide good service as they know what they will get at the end of the week. If they do provide good service, then I do tip.

However, in the USA where they don't earn good money, and rely on tips to survive then I do tip the obligatory 10 to 15%.

Insofar as pilots go, best tip would be 'if you crash this plane I will never talk to you again' seems appropriate. I think the comment in the article may have been made 'tongue in cheek' as I think they would be paid dependant on experience, years of service etc.

 

[harvyk]

An interesting read. It's not until you travel a bit, you realise that Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world.

We might be an expensive country, but if we say something is going to cost $10, then that's all you (should) pay. Unlike in the US for example when they say something is $8, then you factor in some tax (say $0.8), add in a tip (say $1.6), and now your $8 item is actually $10.40.

As for tipping pilots, that in a way does not surprise me, some of the junior pilots on some LCC's are paid $25K pa, that is not exactly a livable wage.

 

[amaroo]

At the end of the flight the (chopper) pilots that fly the Grand Canyon tours line up like toy soldiers waiting with their hands out....

 

[nonpop]

We took a tour of the Grand Canyon via chopper ... when we returned the point got us all out of the chopper, then thanked everyone for flying with the company, then asked everyone for a tip. Was very blatant about it as well. It took everyone by surprise. I 'declined' as did others. We got some muffled comments in response.

 

[Doug_Westcott]

Got that too for the Grand Canyon. Was expecting the same for the three helicopter flights I did in Hawaii, but no mention of a tip at all.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Do you leave a tip?

interesting thought that a tough landing in cross wind might get no tip.

I'd like to know where the author sourced his tipping allegation regarding low paid flight attendants and pilots? I did a quick google search and only found references to tipping charter pilots or helicopter pilots (which I guess makes sense if they fly you somewhere special).

 

[JohnK]

The good old tipping debate.

No. I will tip when I feel like it. Not when someone expects me to tip.

I don't care what they think of me either. As long as they don't hex me.

 

[harvyk]

The good old tipping debate.

No. I will tip when I feel like it. Not when someone expects me to tip.

I don't care what they think of me either. As long as they don't hex me.

Only danger there is if you ever plan to go back to the place again. Expect to be given the worst table, get the worst service, and don't be surprised if you're food comes with "optional extra's".

 

[JohnK]

Only danger there is if you ever plan to go back to the place again. Expect to be given the worst table, get the worst service, and don't be surprised if you're food comes with "optional extra's".

USA? I hope that sort of thing doesn't happen in Australia.

Thailand is a different story. The Americans have spoiled them. They expect a tip for opening an overpriced bottle of beer. Most times I leave a token small tip.

 

[harvyk]

USA? I hope that sort of thing doesn't happen in Australia.

Thailand is a different story. The Americans have spoiled them. They expect a tip for opening an overpriced bottle of beer. Most times I leave a token small tip.

Talking places where tipping is not exactly optional (technically it's not mandatory either however......) so yes, USA.

 

[Hvr]

We might be an expensive country, but if we say something is going to cost $10, then that's all you (should) pay. Unlike in the US for example when they say something is $8, then you factor in some tax (say $0.8), add in a tip (say $1.6), and now your $8 item is actually $10.40.

As for tipping pilots, that in a way does not surprise me, some of the junior pilots on some LCC's are paid $25K pa, that is not exactly a livable wage.

The plus tax kills me in the US. And it's not just one tax, some places have state, city and other taxes included that make an initially cheap item just as, if not more expensive than Australia.

 

[RooFlyer]

Ha. I've noticed on some US airlines that one of the pilot or FO stands by the door and farewells passengers as they dis-embark. Frankly I think this is a bit demeaning for them, but maybe its a prelude to them standing there "cap in hand"

 

[harvyk]

The plus tax kills me in the US. And it's not just one tax, some places have state, city and other taxes included that make an initially cheap item just as, if not more expensive than Australia.

I wouldn't care if it was always plus tax / tax inclusive. The big problem is sometimes it's plus tax, other times it's tax inclusive, and it's not just across state borders either, I've seen two shops sitting side by side selling the exact same things, one store was tax inclusive, the other was plus tax. Made working out which was the best deal very difficult.

 

[JohnK]

Ha. I've noticed on some US airlines that one of the pilot or FO stands by the door and farewells passengers as they dis-embark. Frankly I think this is a bit demeaning for them, but maybe its a prelude to them standing there "cap in hand"

That has been happening in Australia for a while.

 

[jb747]

Ha. I've noticed on some US airlines that one of the pilot or FO stands by the door and farewells passengers as they dis-embark. Frankly I think this is a bit demeaning for them, but maybe its a prelude to them standing there "cap in hand"

I do that any time I get the chance. And my cap is very firmly on my head.

Why is it demeaning to say goodbye to your passengers?

 

[RooFlyer]

I do that any time I get the chance. And my cap is very firmly on my head.

Why is it demeaning to say goodbye to your passengers?

I meant no reflection on the pilots who do it; just that I thought immediately after a flight pilots might have more technical things to clear up and sign off on, and that the 'saying goodbye' might have bee a 'head office' directive for PR purposes.

I think I observed another time that I was pleasantly surprised when a pilot came round the F cabin to meet and greet and you mentioned that it wasn't so uncommon and that you did it as time permitted. Obviously I'm not on board your flights often enough

 

[jb747]

I meant no reflection on the pilots who do it; just that I thought immediately after a flight pilots might have more technical things to clear up and sign off on, and that the 'saying goodbye' might have bee a 'head office' directive for PR purposes.

I think I observed another time that I was pleasantly surprised when a pilot came round the F cabin to meet and greet and you mentioned that it wasn't so uncommon and that you did it as time permitted. Obviously I'm not on board your flights often enough

If you have a 'heavy' crew, there's not necessarily all that much for the Captain to do after shutdown. The SO will take care of the paperwork, and the FO will sort out the coughpit. Two man crew with a 40 minute turnaround is another animal entirely.

 

[amaroo]

I've had a couple of BA Captains tour the F cabin - nice touch.

I quite like AA Captains standing at the door saying goodbye. Great customer interaction, the kids get really excited every time they get a chance to see/meet a pilot.

 

[Boris spatsky]

If you have a 'heavy' crew, there's not necessarily all that much for the Captain to do after shutdown. The SO will take care of the paperwork, and the FO will sort out the coughpit. Two man crew with a 40 minute turnaround is another animal entirely.

Yep, on short haul i seldom have the time to say goodbye to passengers on turnarounds. Even at the end of the day, the passengers are generally off before we have finished the paperwork and tidying up.