Per diem is to cover expenses while on the road, so your company is literally giving you the money for this. I consider $2/day tip to a van driver an expense. When you’re in uniform, you are a representation of your company as well as your profession. Like it or not, we live in a society that tips heavily and not tipping makes you stand out in a negative way. That’s not something I want to do while in uniform.

Sometimes I run out of cash. But I always try to tip a dollar or two.

This type of thread seems to re-appear every two years.

Income has nothing to do with tipping. Waiters at 5 star restaurants who pull down 6 figures expect to be tipped. If someone making minimum wage has dinner at a diner, they are expected to tip.

Tipping is based on service. I agree with Rick: $1/bag. If you don't want to pay then carry your own bags. If the driver is there waiting for you and you don't have to call/wait, that deserves something.

Plan ahead and stock up on singles the days before your tip. Or at least carry some cash like a normal person.

Just don't try to rationalize.

...people get these types of service jobs because of the allure of being able to make more than minimum wage. I tip service workers because I’ve done those jobs and have been on the other side many times. I assume that some appreciate it and benefit from it more than others.



I’ve always thought that I’d love to be in a position were I could tip more people better, but that’s just my opinion, I know that everyone has a different take on this subject.

1989 - I was that van driver.
The hotel contracted with SWA.
ALL SWA crews tipped $3.50.
$1 per pilot, $0.50 per FA.
I was ALWAYS there (airport or hotel) on time.
Hotel said it was my priority.
i made minimum wage. Tips were appreciated and helped.
Non-airline people mostly tipped at least $1, often more.
no be ever tipped less than $1 if they bothered to tip at all.
Biggest tips came if you took guests somewhere between airport runs.
SWA crews liked a particular Mexican restaurant in town. Usually an $1 per person.
current job reimburses tips so I make sure hotel van drivers/FBO van drivers are tipped.

It’s a societal norm. We’re just obligated to do it; agree or disagree. There’s a lot worse societal norms out there in other parts of the world. I can handle a buck or two from my 6 figure salary. That said, I’m not the most frequent van driver tipper and I have a feeling this is why other guys might be seen as stingy. I literally have NO other reason to have cash on me other than to tip van drivers. I bank through a credit union to which I’ve never been. It’s located 2000 miles away from home. Yes, I could look up a reciprocating branch and go to the atm but let’s face it: 2 hour call out, $chit, shower, shave, haul anus to the airport...the drive to the atm becomes low on the priority list.

I used to work valet. I’m a man of the (tip earning) people. The thing is, if you don’t have cash you don’t have to valet park, don’t have to dine at a place with a server, etc. Unfortunately, for us there’s no other way to get to the hotel.

The standard tip in the US is a dollar per bag. It’s for the work he does loading and unloading your bag.

Once every couple of months get a stack of ones. Problem solved.

I’m aware of how to acquire cash. Just explaining why it doesn’t occur frequently. I tend not to think of the poor van drivers while I’m drinking beers on a day off.

Don't forget that the management of each hotel aims to keep their employees happy. A van driver that doesn't get tipped will complain about those cheap crewmembers who won't tip, and who knowing a specific airlines track record will provide good service or slow service.which can affect the hotels decision as to whether it's worth it to keep the contract.
if you hate the hotel, go ahead and be cheap. If you like the hotel it's in your best interest to do the societal norm.