AA Domestic Admirals Clubs to Offer Complimentary Alcoholic Beverages

[drewbles]

Which I could totally understand if it wasn't complimentary

Regardless, I'm yet to visit the states on my own (last did so as a child) so will inevitably learn by then. But it does seem hard in an increasingly plastic world to tip... I never carry cash in Australia for instance.

And I thought America was the most plastic place in the world

Complimentary supply, not service.

Also, if you're an Aussie and you tip, you get remembered. I know for an example that notzac and I are still known in certain AA AC's due to the fact we are "Aussies who Tip".

Australians are known for not tipping. Either they think it's wrong, don't understand why it's expected, or genuinely have no idea how the whole tipping culture works.

If you're an Aussie who Tips, you're going to be remembered, and chances are, you'll get better service than most.

I'm all for paying lower prices for booze anywhere in the US and leaving a few singles for the staff. They're more likely to be more generous with the pours (what's 30mL? You meant 90 didn't you sir?) if you tip them as notzac suggested, 100% of the drink price on your first purchase, then a single per drink thereafter. Obviously that doesn't hold true for bottled beverages.

It really is a case of when-in-Rome.

I will tip in AU or most other places in the world for excellent service, but in the US, i'll tip to get the service, and enjoy cheaper prices. Chances are, even with tip, you're going to be paying less than what the equivalent food/beverage would be here (and you're not required to tip in Burger King or the like, it's only non-fast food and bars).

 

[dajop]

It really is a case of when-in-Rome.

Wish it would work they other way as well! Once with US colleagues in top end Melbourne restaurant, and the service was somewhere between woeful and abysmal, the sort of service where 10c would be the only tip you would give. Our colleagues insisted on 15%, we managed to talk them down to "rounding the bill" which still about 7-8% and IMHO not at all appropriate.

One thing we Aussies are spoilt by "all inclusive" pricing - what you see it what you get, no tips, no service charges, no taxes $39=$39. So when $30 = $39 it is more difficult to stomach even if it is cheaper. And it's all very well to say everything is cheaper in the US when 1 AUD =0.95 USD. When it was 1 AUD = 0.55 USD it is much more difficult to stomach all the tipping, although you just have to suck it up and recognise it as the way things are.

 

[docjames]

In past trips i've rarely tipped in the AC.

This most recent trip I tipped $1/drink (beer - so no upfront $5 either) and the service difference is noticable. I might add it did seem genuinely appreciated as I was clearly an aussie, using the free drink voucher, and most others using vouchers werent tipping. There was almost an implied "acknowedgement" that I "got" the US culture!

When the guy pouring your drink is earning about 1/5th of the hourly rate the equivalent job would make in Australia, it doesnt hurt to tip as they rely on the income to live. Same reason I will tip in most low income countries, but avoid where possible in EU countries where wages are higher and incorporated in the food/beverage cost.


And yes, wads of $1s are the way to go. I cant begin to imagine how many are in circulation.

 

[dajop]

And yes, wads of $1s are the way to go. I cant begin to imagine how many are in circulation.

And one reason why the US will never move to $1 coins, although they do exist, I've had them returned to me as change from the subway ticket machines in NY!

 

[straitman]

And one reason why the US will never move to $1 coins, although they do exist, I've had them returned to me as change from the subway ticket machines in NY!

A common theme. I got mine on the Boston subway.

 

[docjames]

And one reason why the US will never move to $1 coins, although they do exist, I've had them returned to me as change from the subway ticket machines in NY!

Quarters for me from the ones at Grand Central.....

 

[drron]

When in the AC using vouchers just make it plain you are going to tip.today in BNA I had my $2 out clearly visible with the vouchers and the kind lady behind the bar got larger glasses out and filled them to the brim.Their Sav Blanc isn't too bad.
I only have 1 problem with the US tipping culture-why do they have to export it to places where tipping isn't the custom-they really should respect other cultures.

 

[notzac]

...I had my $2 out clearly visible with the vouchers and the kind lady behind the bar got larger glasses out and filled them to the brim.

Have also had similar - was in DFW on a several hour layover, and managed to end up at the bar with a drink chit and no cash with which to tip - I asked for directions to an ATM and when I explained why ... the bartender was so impressed he kept me very well watered for the entire time I was there - v boozy G&T's!

I get the distinct impression that an Australian who tips is quite a novelty

 

[wxxnxs]

tip... I never carry cash in Australia for instance.

Please tell me, when you catch a bus and try to buy a ticket, you hand over your plastic to the driver.

 

[samh004]

Please tell me, when you catch a bus and try to buy a ticket, you hand over your plastic to the driver.

Who said I took a bus? I drive. Plus I have a Go Card in QLD, haven’t tried it on a bus yet, but I hear you can use it on them.

Also, if you're an Aussie and you tip, you get remembered. I know for an example that notzac and I are still known in certain AA AC's due to the fact we are "Aussies who Tip".

If you're an Aussie who Tips, you're going to be remembered, and chances are, you'll get better service than most.

I'm all for paying lower prices for booze anywhere in the US and leaving a few singles for the staff. They're more likely to be more generous with the pours (what's 30mL? You meant 90 didn't you sir?) if you tip them as notzac suggested, 100% of the drink price on your first purchase, then a single per drink thereafter. Obviously that doesn't hold true for bottled beverages.

You have swayed me to try it, though I’m not going to see bigger beers I’m sure

 

[straitman]

You have swayed me to try it, though I’m not going to see bigger beers I’m sure

But if you sit at the bar they could flow a lot quicker.

 

[Blackadder]

Won't this simply create intoxicated people at US airports?

I have seen the way people behave in First Class on AA domestic flights and they do not seem to hold back on the free alcohol!

Hmm never had a issue flying First/Buisness class on AA with unruly pax, if worse comes to worse then the ground staff can always deny boarding.

 

[Blackadder]

And one reason why the US will never move to $1 coins, although they do exist, I've had them returned to me as change from the subway ticket machines in NY!

Indeed had them returned in my change on the various Meto systems and as change for locker hire at Disneyland. :shock:

 

[Katie]

I'm sitting in the Admiral's club in T4 at LAX. QP members are still given a drink chit on entry, with the same comment that it can be used for a coughtail or bottle of water for the plane.
It's 11am and a tad early for alcohol for me, so haven't checked the quality of the free beverage offerings at the bar.

Just wanted people to know that drink chits are still being given out, there was a rather large pile on the desk downstairs.

 

[Bundy Bear]

I'm sitting in the Admiral's club in T4 at LAX. QP members are still given a drink chit on entry, with the same comment that it can be used for a coughtail or bottle of water for the plane.
It's 11am and a tad early for alcohol for me, so haven't checked the quality of the free beverage offerings at the bar.

Just wanted people to know that drink chits are still being given out, there was a rather large pile on the desk downstairs.

Good news thanks for the update, but LAX is always a problem after getting off a flight from Australia who wants alcohol at that hour.

 

[jamesatfish]

Good news thanks for the update, but LAX is always a problem after getting off a flight from Australia who wants alcohol at that hour.

After getting off QF11 last Tuesday and spending 90 miniutes in the customs and immigration area, then another 30 minutes in the TSA queue at T4, I felt a cold beer at the Flagship Lounge was more than warranted even if it was still before noon.

 

[Grooba]

After getting off QF11 last Tuesday and spending 90 miniutes in the customs and immigration area, then another 30 minutes in the TSA queue at T4, I felt a cold beer at the Flagship Lounge was more than warranted even if it was still before noon.

Sounds like a double Black Label would have been more appropriate.

 

[Febs]

If doing a multi AA segment flight on the same day starting from an F lounge you can actually use the free wifi card given out in the F lounge in the rest of the lounges that day.

..and up until recently, the LAX Flagship lounge logins worked on the entire T-mobile network (US only), meaning free WiFi at any Admirals Club, or in fact any T-mobile hotspot US-wide.

Got a good ~18 months mileage out of that one.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[NYCguy]

Dunno if this has already been noted - I can't be bothered wading through the entire thread - but UA announced on Friday that RCCs will now offer free drinks and wifi.

Not before time for both AA and UA!

 

[bossreggie]

A very good friend of mine who happens to be a native of New York City once told me this very lame joke.

Q) What's the difference between an Aussie and a canoe?

A) A canoe tips!!

I like the free drinks I receive in the various airport lounges I frequent. I tip when I get good service here in Australia..... And I tip as a matter of course in the USA. It can be a bit frustrating .... However it is expected and I comply.

Roll on the free drinks I say!