Tipping FA

[harvyk]

I regard tipping as a form of gratitude for good service. Something that is given without expecting to receive anything in return. Paying cash up-front in order to get special benefits is more like a bribe.
Let's say the hotel has one last suite left available and two people are about to check in. One holds top tier status with the chain and the other has no status but is a great "tipper". To whom will the receptionist be more motivated to give the last suite? But why stop there, next time when a police officer stops to give you speeding ticket or alcohol test just slip a note into their pocket to make it go away. If they act surprised just tell them it's a common practice in some countries. Also, next time you want to win that important contract make sure to slip an envelope under the door of the local councilman, that's the way business is done in many countries, so it must be ok then.

Funny you should call it that, the history of tipping is very closely related to bribing, in that the tip was given up front, and for some magical reason the very best tables in the restaurant suddenly became free. In fact for a while, tipping in the USA was illegal since it was considered a bribe.

Well I guess it all depends on ones interpretations huh - currently have an estate agent in Tassie trying to buy us a site - if he gets it under $xx_,xx_ he gets an earn - if not - no earn. Bribe? You might think so - commercial inducement from my end. YES have given a cop in Bali R100,000 to let us go when he stopped us for doing nothing - that is life there - would I try that on here - I think not.

I don't see this as a bribe, I see this as a incentive payment which forms part of a commercial contract. I myself have used such things in the past.
As for the copper in Bali, well in certain places overseas where there is corruption, it is not exactly not suggested that a bribe is or is not the way to get out of such things (vague and obscure language intentional)...

 

[boomy]

Funny you should call it that, the history of tipping is very closely related to bribing, in that the tip was given up front, and for some magical reason the very best tables in the restaurant suddenly became free. In fact for a while, tipping in the USA was illegal since it was considered a bribe.

I agree that tipping is closely related to bribing therefore I hope this system will never become common here. It will eventually lead to more corruption which benefits the people with the most money in their pockets.

Regarding restaurant bookings, I prefer the more fair system we have in Australia. When I call weeks ahead to make reservation I know that I will get a good table and don't need to worry about someone showing up in the last minute, flashing his cash and taking my table. If I'm not mistaken, it was George Bush who tried to get a table at Tetsuya's during the G8 summit in SYD but was snubbed because he didn't have a booking. I'm not sure how true this story is but if so it shows the system doesn't bend for anyone, not even for the most powerful man in the world.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Regarding restaurant bookings, I prefer the more fair system we have in Australia. When I call weeks ahead to make reservation I know that I will get a good table and don't need to worry about someone showing up in the last minute, flashing his cash and taking my table. If I'm not mistaken, it was George Bush who tried to get a table at Tetsuya's during the G8 summit in SYD but was snubbed because he didn't have a booking. I'm not sure how true this story is but if so it shows the system doesn't bend for anyone, not even for the most powerful man in the world.

it's a pity there are some people with airline status who don't feel the same.

Expecting another passenger to be moved because you are P1 (for example so you can sit next to your partner), or taking an upgrade off someone who had booked months in advance doesn't seem to trouble many.

 

[harvyk]

it's a pity there are some people with airline status who don't feel the same.

Expecting another passenger to be moved because you are P1 (for example so you can sit next to your partner), or taking an upgrade off someone who had booked months in advance doesn't seem to trouble many.

There really needs to be a can of worms emoticon available here...

 

[boomy]

it's a pity there are some people with airline status who don't feel the same.

Expecting another passenger to be moved because you are P1 (for example so you can sit next to your partner), or taking an upgrade off someone who had booked months in advance doesn't seem to trouble many.

Regardless of what the customer expects, it is up to the airline to decide if he gets it or not. I hope it's not a common practice for QF to move people from their pre-selected seats, no matter who is asking for that.

 

[JohnK]

Is it relevant if you did something wrong or not? What if you were stopped for a legitimate reason, would you agree to pay the fine or still try to bribe that cop?

You will get pulled over for no reason in Thailand. From there your main focus should be to pay the bribe but keep it as low as possible.

e.g. Fine for not wearing a helmet for locals is ~100 baht. For farang it could be upwards of 400 baht. Note more than a likely a ticket will not be issued.

 

[Aussie_flyer]

Some people on here like to make themselves feel special by handing out chocolates, "apparently" it's appreciated rather than being seen as patronising.

Ha yes I find that one funny. I've got quite a few FA friends and they've all said such gestures make the giver look like a bit of a nut.

I have to agree, if I was a crew member I would wonder if the person was a little crazy