Originally Posted by
frozentundra
The only reason I tip the driver is because of the social pressure to do it. The expectation of tipping in this or any other context boggles my mind.
Exactly. Tipping is supposed to be for WHEN YOU ARE PLEASED with the service, not because you are "expected" to tip no matter what the situation.
One scenario that infuriates me is when we have to wait on the van 20+ minutes for example (yes, taxi after 30 mins but haven't had to do that yet at the current airline) and the entire crew is in a big huff about it yet some of the ones that are angriest STILL TIP! WTH?!
I make sure to let the van driver know in a polite but firm way how long we've been waiting and then there's no tip from me. Hopefully that gets the point across that they are supposed to be curbside waiting for us.
That said, when they are there waiting for us and the service is good I've been tipping $2. Plus if I remember to I'm leaving a $1 for housekeeping as well.