Cash tipping of aircrew - is it an OK thing to do?

[Sprucegoose]

Actually, yes, I do see many similarities between pilots and bus drivers today. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and learnt that all commercial aircraft actually land themselves and fly using the auto-pilot. I understand that pilots were of use in years past, and that when things go wrong, having a skilled workforce on hand is advantageous, but at the end of the day, pilots are not that different from bus drivers.

Your assertion is quite absurd and quite frankly shouldn't be dignified with a reply.


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app

 

[Foreigner]

Actually, yes, I do see many similarities between pilots and bus drivers today. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and learnt that all commercial aircraft actually land themselves and fly using the auto-pilot. I understand that pilots were of use in years past, and that when things go wrong, having a skilled workforce on hand is advantageous, but at the end of the day, pilots are not that different from bus drivers.

You sound like a simpleton college graduate.

 

[harvyk]

Hi there,

I see your point of view, but disagree.

I understand that cabin crew are employed to assist in the event of an emergency, but really, their day-to-day tasks are simply that of wait staff. No (technical) skills required.

Unless you have you eye's closed for most of a flight, you can easily see that what a cabin crew does is way more than been simply waiters. I'd suggest doing some research prior to bagging out an occupation you know little about, there have been many documentaries made which are available for viewing on youtube (of varying degrees of accuracy and quality) which show both a typical day in the life of an FA, and the type of training which those guys and girls need to go through outside of simply been able to pour a glass of wine.

Actually, yes, I do see many similarities between pilots and bus drivers today. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and learnt that all commercial aircraft actually land themselves and fly using the auto-pilot. I understand that pilots were of use in years past, and that when things go wrong, having a skilled workforce on hand is advantageous, but at the end of the day, pilots are not that different from bus drivers.

Yes that is true, most commercial aircraft have autoland, but if you read any of JB747's posts in the ask the pilot thread (and I've also seen similar questions and answers posted to other commercial pilots who run websites or blogs), only about 1 to 3% of all landings actually use autoland, as an autoland has a different set of skills over and above simply manual landing, also no the planes do not fly themselves by any stretch of the imagination. You think if they did an airline would be paying a pilot (let alone 2 or 3 of them) to sit up the front? I don't think so.

I would strongly suggest you do a degree of research before tearing shreds off two occupations you obviously know nothing about, and have not even attempted to research.


As for the original question, no, I'd never consider tipping an FA, even in the US, I don't even think I would leave a gift. But I would absolutely (and have done so in the past) give my personal thanks to the FA \ CSM in question AND send in a letter of praise on the airlines feedback form. A tip or box of chocolates will make the FA's \ CSM's day, but loads of good feedback can make the FA's \ CSM's career...

 

[AVC]

I think that "slinging them a fifty" is extremely tacky. But a gift of chocolates shows some forethought. It's a bit like putting cash in an envelope as a gift. "I couldn't be bothered putting any thought into your present, so here's some cash".

And a word on professionalism. Some people think that it implies that it means you went to university, or it has something to do with your remuneration. Well it's not. Professionalism is more about the total elimination of mistakes, no matter what level you work on.

Wait staff? AYFKM? I was shocked when I read that. Although I suspect after reading the bus driver post that he may be stirring the pot. Still, unecessary and inflammatory

 

[medhead]

Actually, yes, I do see many similarities between pilots and bus drivers today. I was watching Air Crash Investigation and learnt that all commercial aircraft actually land themselves and fly using the auto-pilot. I understand that pilots were of use in years past, and that when things go wrong, having a skilled workforce on hand is advantageous, but at the end of the day, pilots are not that different from bus drivers.

I would say that it is advantageous to walk away when things go wrong rather than being carried away in a bag. So that's the main difference between a skilled and experienced pilot and someone who can turn on an "auto-fly" computer. Perhaps if you watch air crash investigation a bit more you might come to understand how a skilled pilot cannot be compared to a bus driver.

 

[ajp001]

So many other more thoughtful ways to recognize IMHO!

- Compliment to onboard manager.
- Compliment to them directly.
- Compliment to their onboard manager infront of them.
- Follow up feedback to QF customer
Care who are excellent about getting feedback back to staff and feeds into their reward and recognition program. (I also sometimes tell the staff member I am doing this, most recently a CBR lounge attendant)

I really think some people underestimate the effect just a well phrased thank you, compliment and polite, friendly, non 'master/slave' behavior during the flight can have.

Material/monetary gifts are certainly easier but I don't think they are appropriate in this manner.

I have complimented the staff and their managers. I have also sent feedback to customer care through the email service.

I have been dissapointed though to find that after months that feedback through customer care has not been passed on. If you are going to compliment someone they should get to know about it. Test it out for yourself. Look for an opportunity to compliment one of the staff that you see from time to time. personally give them the compliment and the feedback that you are going to pass it on through customer care, and see how long it takes.

 

[Skyring]

I'd feel uncomfortable tipping aircrew, especially if I inadvertently happened to wink. Could be awkward.

A smile is a universal currency, and a letter of appreciation can never be wrong. Some flight attendants have a gift for their job and it cannot always be easy to come up with a cheery smile for one of my lame jokes at the end of a long sector. Distinguishing these lovely souls from the pack is a gift to management.

 

[UP4014]

Using that logic the pilots are there as bus drivers with very few technical skills required.

Actually a wrong assumption as they all need to be trained and current on ALL the technical skills including all of the 1500 page manual that milehighclub mentions.

Bill, are you saying bus drivers need few 'technical' skills.......driven in Sydney lately. :mrgreen: (assuming piloting through traffic as a techinical skill)

Hard to hold up one job as difficult while putting down another at the same time I know. I only raise this as I'm sure there are bus drivers that like flying.

Matt