What about in the era of covid and van drivers aren’t even touching bags anymore.

 

No tip.

Also no tip if they aren't there to pick you up at the scheduled time. Seems far more common now.

 

I agree with this. I don't really like tipping for basic things where there isn't a lot of real differentiation in service but it's the social norm in the country we live and work in. People do that job with understanding they will be tipped. I'm embarrassed when I find myself standing there without a dollar because I forgot to make sure I had cash before I left. I'm embarrassed when one of my coworkers just walks off without a tip.

I agree with this too. For one, it's probably the single biggest differentiation between good service and bad service for a van driver. They can look up our flights online for Christ's sake. Also, in a previous life as a corporate pilot, I spent a lot of time waiting because, as the van drivers told me, they've got to prioritize the airline pilots because they're "on a schedule". Well, I'm on that airline pilot schedule now and I don't want to wait. If it's a long overnight, I probably don't notice too much. But if it's a 10 hour overnight and I'm there waiting at the curb for a ride to the hotel... I'm mad. Mad means no tip. Lifting my bag from the ground to the van... I don't really care about that one bit. But being on time, that matters.

 

i know im probably splitting hairs but the van driver being late is usually the FDA's fault not the driver. ask me how i know....i had one guy wait for 2 hours because the desk agent had "pregnancy brain" he tried to yell at me and i told him to shutup or he can walk. van drivers dont get enough to g a f. just throw a rock and get paid the exact same at the next job.on my last day i had someone tell me "he has to go right now" 2 minutes past top of the hour i pulled all 12 people out of the van and said because of this individual its HIS fault you are all going to be late and walked out on the spot. people suck and getting tipped or not is the last thing on my mind.

 

If it's "just money", then it doesn't really matter if you tip or not. Furthermore, I'm sure management won't mind paying you nothing. Hey, it's "just money". You love this job enough to volunteer, right? If not, you should feel SHAME. Working for free is more virtuous than being greedy and wanting pay.

 

I am amazed. 376 posts and still going strong. I always tip, unless bad service.

 

I have a very simple process as to tip or not to tip. I look at the van driver and ask myself, “will this man take a bullet for me?” If I don’t see that sense of honor and dedication, I won’t tip.

 

My lord guys/gals it’s a dollar. Let’s not over complicate scenarios. I think we all know when the driver isn’t worthy of the “Thank you” dollar.

It’s funny, I’m willing to bet the same people arguing this out spend $12 on a happy meal at the overpriced McDonald’s next to gate whatever.

 

I love tipping van drivers. I think they really appreciate the shiny new nickel I give them.

 

This thread is like herpes - it's the gift that keeps giving