The bigger question is:

What's the deal with this whole tipping everyone all the time?

Let's take a look at the whole tipping thing for a second. You go out and eat or drink and you tip the waiter/bartender right? Why do you do that? Because they're paid $2/$3 per hour and tips make up the rest of it. I mean, the law is such that it allows employers to pay them that little.

Why do we automatically tip a van driver?

Although van drivers don't enjoy a wealthy compensation package, they generally make $9-10 per hour on average. In Omaha they might make $8 and in SFO they might make $12-14.

Should we tip? Well, isn't a tip a showing of appreciation for a job well done or for going above an beyond what your job description says in this case? I have 1 bag and 1 tote and if you're friendly and load/unload the bags in the van then you get my dollar tip. If you're rude and ****ed off at the world you're not getting squat. Flying domestic 3 day trips i'd say there's at least 1 van driver every other layover that in my opinion doesn't deserve a tip...and I don't shell out the $1. Sorry. It's a tip, look up the definition.

Do people tip pilots on their way out the door because the flight was on-time and the landing was smooth? No.

Do people tip flight attendants for great service (even though we do practically the same thing bartenders do)? 99% of the time...No.


So why do we automatically tip everyone? Are you trying to look good ...or???