I'm curious to know if anyone has gotten tips, gifts, or the like by their passengers?

Maybe once a month, 20 bucks or so each. Got a $100 tip right around new years.

Pilot_135, that is the exact question i was going to post this evening when I got home, I was flying a student around tonite, and I started thinking about what a former Harras corp pilot told me, and wondered about fractional owners. I also wonder if some or all of the frac companies have policies on that issue and they tell owners not to tip.

I usually get tipped more when I do contract flying. Usually $100. Most was $500. At NJA, I've been tipped $100 twice in the 2 years I've been there. Supposedly, back when things were getting ugly between the union and the company, the company sent out a memo to the owners. It said not to tip the pilots because we make enough money, and were insulted by it. There are some owners that still tip, however.

sending out the memo is insulting! Let the owners do what they want, I say. I had this same thing happen when I was a kid working at a restaurant - the manager put a sign on the front door that tipping was not required. the whole staff almost walked out. I don't think pilots would walk out for that though..

When I flew a hawker for charter, I was tipped $100 for taking some newly weds to their honeymoon destination. But after that event, I started to talking to other pilots about this and came to the conclusion that I am a professional, not hired help. Professionals shouldn't take tips, we should demand fair compensation.

I really agree. No professional pilot should be taking tips. You don't tip a doctor after surgery or a dentist after getting a filling so why would someone tip a pilot?

And now, from the real world, that of proffesional pilots and mortgage holders, I have to say that tipping is a personal choice, and I have never tried to solicit one from my passengers. I've also never refused one in 4 1/2 years of flying charters. People do it or not, it's up to them. I'm always greatful, and I never expect it (well, I try not to). I completely dissagree that it make me less of a "professional". I don't feel I'm getting tipped to fly the plane, rather, it's to handle luggage, clean up their mess, smooth out the bumps where I can, and do anything and everything I can to make their experience more enjoyable. I try to remember things that repeat customers like and cater to them. We carry forms for customers to fill out before we land in the Bahamas, and use my experience to speed the immigration process. I plan ahead to do everything possible to enhance to day for the people that pay a lot of money for our services. If they want to show me their appreciation, so be it. Some people get upset if you put yourself "above" their kindness.
Any pilot can fly the plane. Not every person can show great service.

In the airline world for the most part the pilot's job is to coordinate with the flight crew, the leader for making all decisions regarding the safety of the aircraft, and flying the airplane. Knowing a couple guys who fly corporate, the role is a lot different and a lot of improvising often goes along with completing the flight safely, efficiently, and successfully. If a pilot treats me with respect, makes me feel like a valued customer and goes the extra length to make sure I'm taken care of, I wouldn't hesitate offering him/her a tip...

If you are from the IRS, No, I NEVER get a tip.

However, I have a good friend that gets them...often.

Part 121 pilots don't and should NEVER take tips. Flying the plane is a profession. However, in the charter/fractional world, we offer so much more. We are all about "Personal service". Whatever the customer needs, we do our best. Many of the pax demands/needs are way beyond "flying the plane". When you go above and beyond, the passenger notices and often shows his/her appreciation. If all you do is drive the bus, you won't get a tip.

In the world of personal service, tips are appropriate.