Originally Posted by PosRateGearUp (Post 2385771)

Captains,

Don't forget to tip your first year FOs.

Thanks! :rolleyes:

Originally Posted by PikeAV8R (Post 2384776)

AS A WORD OF CAUTION, TIPPING IS NO LONGER A TAX WRITEOFF. THERE WAS A COURT CASE 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO TO THAT REGARD. IT IS SEEN AS PART OF YOUR PER DIEM NOW. JUST AS A HEADS UP.

Do whatever you want and blah blah blah about "if you get caught". I'm just letting you know that my tax advisor changed that on me a few years back. She used to include it and now she said she can't.

Originally Posted by PikeAV8R (Post 2384997)

Continental FA Denied Everyday Deductions
This is killer decision for flight crew deductions- Uniform items such as nylons, shoes, scarfs, hats, etc. were denied. Yes, they were only used at work yet since these items are easily convertible to everyday use the Court said No. Van driver tips were also denied since the Court considered them incidentals and included as part of the per diem deduction. Haircuts, make-up and manicures were denied since they are personal in nature. Internet expenses were also denied, but other court opinions allow them (see below). This opinion also has a great illustration of per diem calculation and deduction.

That is from the Watson CPA website. I have seen it in several other places as well though. Like I said, do what you will but the couple bucks I might save by trying to deduct $200-$300 from taxes is not worth the risk.

Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 2385840)

Many do, in $beer. If the van is at the curb waiting for you when you get outside or shortly after and the guy takes your bag, that's worth at least a dollar. He doesn't have to load your bags in the back and doesn't have to watch your flight to be there when you arrive.

Originally Posted by Qotsaautopilot (Post 2385944)

A van/car not waiting is almost never the drivers fault

Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 2385966)

If I have to wait 30 minutes for a van after calling from the plane 10 minutes before, that is unacceptable. Some hotels track the flights and send a van out to meet the flight. That behavior is rewarded. Doing the absolute minimum is not.

Originally Posted by Tranquility (Post 2385969)

If you had to wait 30 minutes, why did you not take a taxi as our contract permits?? I've never not been reimbursed on my next mid-month paycheck....

Originally Posted by CBreezy (Post 2385966)

If I have to wait 30 minutes for a van after calling from the plane 10 minutes before, that is unacceptable. Some hotels track the flights and send a van out to meet the flight. That behavior is rewarded. Doing the absolute minimum is not.

Originally Posted by Dukeuno (Post 2386297)

I really can't believe this thread is still going and has 7 pages. :)