Alright guys, this might offend some of you "high earning" CA's, or the one UPS guy who has posted on here, but...

I'm a 1st yr FO, and earn a minimal wage. I really can't justify tipping a van driver who makes more than me. Simple as that. I do it sometimes, especially when I feel that the van driver did a good job/I've had him/her before and they always do a good job/ or I just had a good ride or flight, and feel generous. But seriously, if I make less than the van driver, why should I tip them? I just flew an airplane here through ice, storms, fog, and all sorts of ****, in addition to driving my car through that same **** to get to the airport for a deadline much more strict than what they have. (If they get there on time, bonus, if I don't, then I delay a flight, and I'll probably get fired...I've driven through blizzards where I can't see the lines on the road to get to the airport in time...) They're usually a retired old man who is probably just van driving to have a job, because that's what they are used to. My CA's usually tip, and my FA's usually don't, and they sometimes make more than me.

I really do feel bad when I don't tip too...I know it's almost expected. But really, I try hard to maintain an even bank account from month to month, and I can just barely do it on my salary. In fact, I probably lose about $100/month the way I spend. (But hey, I'm helping the US economy, right!?) I could probably do better, but I'm hoping for the raise next year, if I don't get furloughed.

I have a heart, and I feel for the van driver, but srsly, are would you tip somebody who makes more than you? It's like, "hey, I know you make more than me, but here's some of my hard-earned cash too! Go enjoy your spending, while I sit at home on a Friday night because I can't afford anything else! ................. twice for me too, because the way girls are these days, I can't get one, because they all want money, and I don't have any, despite what you had back in your day, with whatever the hell you did, besides being a pilot!"

Flame me. I'm definitely down. I might be doing this whole thing wrong, and don't know it, but I'm always open to suggestion.