Originally Posted by
FlyingKat
What it truly ignorant is to assume you know another person's situation and to arrogantly judge them. It is great you were able to tip. But you don't know why someone isn't. Could be they just got back from an illness with no sick time. Could be they have other financial burdens you have no clue about. Could be an FA that is working two other jobs just to pay bills. Per diem is a part of the compensation in a contract. How anybody spends that is up to them.
How many posts in this thread involved people who claimed the above? Most seem to be that "it just isn't needed." The others weren't "I specifically can't afford it" so much as "look how little I make... now that FOs make more than they ever have before."
My favorite is the guys who talk loudly about going to an expensive restaurant near the hotel for lobster etc while on the van and then say they can't afford to tip the driver.
Once again, good for you. Glad you were able to do that. Others aren't in the same situation. Actually it does because I tip the drivers two or three bucks. But to use your logic, maybe I should lecture you about being a cheapskate since you make all that money now and only tip $1. Funny thing you mention budgets. When I budget the first things on my list are keeping a roof over my head, running the house, and taking care of the needs of myself and my family. Extras like tipping van drivers come second.
I never said how much I tip. I actually tip $2+ now but don't expect someone making regional FO wages to automatically do that since $1 is fairly normal. I'm also still making less than RJ captains who are among those not tipping at all. It brings to mind a quote from someone about being ignorant and arrogant, but I can't place it
Again, I'll ask you where people said to put essential items behind tipping? Where did people say they didn't tip because they'd starve? This is a red herring. A high percentage of the non tippers are RJ captains who very much can afford to tip. I've seen more CAs not tip than FAs. The FAs almost tip religiously, even those who carry all their food with them for the entire trip.
Never heard or have seen anyone talking about airline crews not tipping and I've been around a while. Van drivers do their job just like anyone else and the idea that an extra buck or two is going to get you a ride to the hotel faster is nonsense.
Ask a driver sometime. I've heard specific airlines mentioned for reputations of being worse than others. Overall the "non-tipping" seems to be regional only as well.