Tipping
#2
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: B767
Some cheap bastards don't tip at all, but that's just bad karma. Not to mention it just makes you a cheap bastard!
#4
Are we there yet??!!
Joined: Apr 2006
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#5
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: B767
I used to fly corporate and was reimbursed for all of my tips. Then I came to the regionals and obviously don't get reimbursed. But rather than feel sorry for myself (wah! they make more than me!!), I tip a guy or girl that's probably busting their butt to make ends meet, usually with a 2nd or 3rd job. Ever talk to those drivers? For most of them, the driving isn't their full time gig.
More importantly, I like to distance myself from the pathetic cheap ass airline pilot stereotype. Throwing a dollar or two somebody's way isn't going to break me, and allows me to retain some self respect.
#6
Not sure what the standard is, but if we're being dropped off as a crew, we each tip a buck to the van driver. If it's just me, I tip a couple of bucks. The maid, I will tip if I'm there for more than a day (e.g. TDY reserve trip).
Some cheap bastards don't tip at all, but that's just bad karma. Not to mention it just makes you a cheap bastard!
Some cheap bastards don't tip at all, but that's just bad karma. Not to mention it just makes you a cheap bastard!

USMCFLYR
#7
I do agree that most people think we make more than we actually make. I still think a tip of some sort is in order for certain services. A van driver making $50k a year? Not sure about that one. At least not at your average hotel.
#8
Eats shoots and leaves...
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Didactic Synthetic Aviation Experience Provider
#9
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Joined: Apr 2005
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I seriously doubt a van driver makes more than any 74 driver off first year pay. Will a buck or two really kill you? At my freight dog outfit we got the tip money in the old contract, not the new one, but the pay and work rules improved greatly. Some jobs are more or less designed for tips to supplement the low pay scale. Flying an airplane is not one of them. Don't be a cheap bastard and give people a break if they deserve it.
#10
Eats shoots and leaves...
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 849
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From: Didactic Synthetic Aviation Experience Provider
A few points of order:
1) I was being facetious.
2) I tip the van drivers.
3) No one said anything about first year pay or not.
4) Even at that, a quick look at the pay scales here on APC reveals several 747 operators whose year 1-3 pay scales might indeed come in below a van drivers net - particularly when I'm guessing the van drivers probably don't report those tips on their taxes.
5) A van driver in Ottumwa, Iowa - maybe not so much. A van driver in a major metropolitan area near a major airport, maybe so.
6) Yes, I know the cost of living is higher in the major metro area - but that's also true for any crews that live in similar areas, so throw that out as a wash.
7) Note the smiley's.
8) Lighten up Francis.
1) I was being facetious.
2) I tip the van drivers.
3) No one said anything about first year pay or not.
4) Even at that, a quick look at the pay scales here on APC reveals several 747 operators whose year 1-3 pay scales might indeed come in below a van drivers net - particularly when I'm guessing the van drivers probably don't report those tips on their taxes.
5) A van driver in Ottumwa, Iowa - maybe not so much. A van driver in a major metropolitan area near a major airport, maybe so.
6) Yes, I know the cost of living is higher in the major metro area - but that's also true for any crews that live in similar areas, so throw that out as a wash.
7) Note the smiley's.
8) Lighten up Francis.
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