That is the question many deal with on their travels around the world.
And now, they can add an additional place where they'll be faced with whether or not they should tip for service.
Last week, Frontier Airlines' flight attendants began asking for tips. Passengers who pay with a credit card will be given the option to leave a tip if they so desire.
Is it necessary? Should this even be a thing on airplanes? Will it become the new normal in the future?
Tipping for service at hotels and resorts is one thing, but adding that element to the skies? It'll be interesting to see how it plays out over time. Will any other airlines copy the move?
Personally, I say go for it. Get your money Frontier flight attendant! Some people may not like it, and if that's the case, just don't tip or don't buy anything during the flight. It's that simple.
I don't typically buy things on the plane, but if a flight attendant is going out of their way to get the passenger what he or she desires, I don't see the harm in giving that passenger the option to add a tip onto their credit card charge.
What airlines really ought to do though is give passengers the option to tip the pilot. Not every pilot makes the big bucks like you think, especially on those smaller connecting flights. Think about it, can you fly a plane?
As far as tipping or not tipping in other areas of your travel experiences, you should always tip your bartender, waiter, waitress and driver (if the driving is good, of course). If you're at an all-inclusive, find out the resort's plan beforehand as it may be included in the price.
Of course, if you're in another country where tipping isn't customary then you need not worry. And how do you know if you should or shouldn't tip in the place you're visiting? Ask your travel agent!
Get Caught Up
In case you missed it this past week:
TravelPulse released 2019 travel guides to several destinations, including Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Mexico.
The government shutdown continues to cause travel-related headaches, with TSA agents calling out and some even quitting. Fewer workers impacts the safety of air travel for all.
Nearly 500 people were infected by a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship last week.
A new study revealed where people from your state want to travel the most.
Don't miss these tips on how to find cheap airfare in 2019.
Advice from an Agent
Jemica Archer run Tru-BlueTravels and is based in Florida. She can be reached at [email protected]
When asked what advice she would give travelers on tipping at resorts, Archer said:
"I think overall it depends on the type of resort that the client is going to. I've found that depending on the type of all-inclusive property, the higher-end properties don't expect or reduce the service level based on that tipping. I think that budget to moderate properties tend to be a little bit more aggressive about soliciting tips."
When asked what advice she would give travel agents on handling money discussions, like tipping, with your clients, Archer said:
"My advice to travel agents: I don't typically recommend an amount, but I always tell clients to keep small bills on hand, so they can tip as they feel the service level warrants. I try not to impose my personal tipping standards on my clients because everybody has a different financial situation. For all-inclusive properties where gratuities are included in the overall price, I always let my clients know that the gratuities are included, and that they can tip at their discretion based on service."
"Personally, I think the beauty and attraction of the all-inclusive from the client's perspective is that everything is included in one price. So, I advise them not to feel guilty if they do not tip after every meal or drink. I do typically recommend that if they are pleased with their daily maid service at the end of the trip, they can leave them a nice tip, especially if they go out of their way to provide special requests."
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