Take my opinion for what you paid for it -

Some (most?)will be offended by cash. They think you are saying they're being nice to you for a tip. Even if you didn't mean it that way. Money is impersonal too. If you want to say 'thank you for the extra effort', going to the trouble of buying something just for them is noticed.

Many people often feel uncomfortable accepting something for doing their job. Especially the nice ones. Easier to accept a seemingly less valuable gift like cookies or cofffee.

 

Now I know why I had to endure a 10 min lecture the other day from a gate agent I have never even seen before. She went on and on about how the last FedEx pilot bought Starbucks for her and the entire crew and how the previous female FedEx pilot brought pound cake for her and the entire crew. All of this took place in front of 2 pilots and a flight attendant standing there trying to get their paperwork and check in.

How has this tradition of bringing FedEx pilots cookies when jumpseating evolved into gate agents and flight attendants begging for food? Now they expect it every time and chastise you if you don't. What's next? Are we going to start feeding the TSA agents?

I can see maybe once per year doing something nice for a gate agent that has done their job, but this is out of control. After jumpseating for 25 years, now all of a sudden, I have to take crap for a jumpseat.

Let me ask you this: How many offline pilots bring our pilots or jumpseat kingdom personnel food or drinks?

 

A gate agent did this? Seriously? What did you say?

 

I just kept my mouth shut. I saw no need to demean her for begging. The bad thing is this has happened many times from both gate agents and flight attendants. I've only had 1 commuter pilot give me crap about cookies.

 

OMG! That is pathetic.

 

Had the same thing happen to me. The gate agent actually asked me where her cookies were. She said the last guy brought her cookies. PLEASE stop this!!! It's getting out of hand. If the gate agent gives you sh1t, contact the Union and/or ask to speak to the Captain. We have given these gate agents too much credit. I know you are trying to be nice, but they don't know how to handle it....

 

Otis you are heartless!

 

Yes I am. I also don't like being held hostage by gate agents for a jumpseat that they had nothing to do with earning.... How's the snow in RNO?

 

I don't know. Have not been home in about 2 weeks, but you are welcome anytime. Better take advantage of the offer just in case I really do end up in HKG...

 

fecav8r.....I agree with you 100%. You start out with good intentions and then people get a sense of entitlement.