Tipping problem in LAX TBIT Lounge [is back]

[opusman]

Cause the same staff wanting tips certainly wouldn't remove or forget to put it out would they.

I was thinking it could be permanently fixed to the back of the door...

 

[coco50]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

I agree that the staff should be paid a reasonable wage but providing tips does not improve service as various studies have suggested. The best thing to do is to not contribute to an economically damaging tradition that ultimately devastates the service industry's wages.

I have considerable experience of the US with two children living there. In my experience, I have to agree with you that tipping does not improve service. The other thing that tipping does is distort the total price of the good or service to the extent that it becomes a challenge for a customer to determine value or to make comparisons which is what the price system is designed to do. It also pi**es me off that prices in the US do not include sales taxes. There is much wrong with the US commercial system.

 

[dfcatch]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

The issue has been raised with LAX lounge management, but if any members happen to witness/experience it again, if you could advise dates/times/lounge, it would assist management in stamping it out.

On another note - I can tell you that even working bar in a small country town 15 years ago in outback California on $8 an hour, I was pulling in $20/hr in tips, and that was the slow day shift with only a handful of customers.

Most hospitality staff at front-of-house make significantly more in tips than they do on their wage.

 

[soorox]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

I have considerable experience of the US with two children living there. In my experience, I have to agree with you that tipping does not improve service. The other thing that tipping does is distort the total price of the good or service to the extent that it becomes a challenge for a customer to determine value or to make comparisons which is what the price system is designed to do. It also pi**es me off that prices in the US do not include sales taxes. There is much wrong with the US commercial system.

I totally agree, we are so protected here in Australia where the said price includes everything (such as taxes/GST), that we are surprised when we get hit by 'hidden fees' such as ++ or tourist tax and even tipping. It's annoying though but we need to live with it when travelling abroad, the US needs to act up and reform these practices though I doubt it will happen anytime soon - easier said then done sadly. I do feel for those working in the hospitality industry as I have worked in the industry in the past at various places such as hotels to restaurants, though I never expect a tip, only to give customers the best service I can provide and that they are satisfied, any tip should be a bonus and not a privilege.

 

[drsmithy]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Tipping stressful your kidding, relying of the goodwill of customers to tip is stressful.

Matt

You sound like someone who has spent a great deal of time in a tipping culture.

For those of thus who have not, it is quite stressful when you don't know when it's appropriate (and when it's not - why do I tip a masseuse but not a dentist, why do I tip a bartender but not a McDonald's worker, etc), how much, to whom, whether to be discreet or obvious, etc, etc.

Unless you're rich, of course, and don't have to worry about throwing money around. Or not bothered by being an coughhole (ie: by never tipping).

I spent two years living in the USA and still occasionally have moments when I'm back there visiting wondering whether or not I need to tip someone (or forget to and remember later).

 

[JohnK]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Yes. Tipping is stressful to those from non-tipping cultures who do not want to offend. This sort of behaviour - if true - is clearly an attempt to try and leverage that stress.

Tipping should be up to the individual regardless of what the culture expects. It should be ok if you don't want to tip. Not looked down on.

We have this discussion many times. It is not up to me to subsidise someone's wages. You should be able to live within your means. Most people around the world manage quite ok with little or no income.

 

[opusman]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

It is not up to me to subsidise someone's wages.

Every dollar you spend is subsidising someone's wages. The American model just puts on the customer the burden of deciding how much those wages should be.

 

[drsmithy]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Tipping should be up to the individual regardless of what the culture expects. It should be ok if you don't want to tip. Not looked down on.

In some cultures it is appropriate to relieve yourself wherever a convenient - if discreet - vertical surface presents itself. In others, you are expected to use a toilet.

When in one of the latter I prefer to do that, even though I'm personally comfortable with the former.

 

[Jo145]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Had the same thing happen on 28 December. Decided at the last minute to have a shower and watched the attendant take a "tip". My initial thought was, "I don't have any money to tip". Then I just figured they'd never seem me again so it wouldn't matter. Had no idea it was a scam ... Not good QANTAS.

 

[DC3]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

In some cultures it is appropriate to relieve yourself wherever a convenient - if discreet - vertical surface presents itself. In others, you are expected to use a toilet ...

Yes, of course. "When in Rome, ...... ".

However, there will always be some who think that Rome is in Oz.

 

[JohnK]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Every dollar you spend is subsidising someone's wages. The American model just puts on the customer the burden of deciding how much those wages should be.

I don't want to make that decision.

In the example provided by dfcatch they were making USD20/hour in tips during (s)low season on top of USD8/hour wage. That is excellent money for pouring drinks. More than many skilled people earn.

I have met people from USA in Thailand. They worked in a casino in Las Vegas and "survived" on tips. Their budget was 2x or 3x my budget.

I don't believe in spreading wealth around. Some people do. And that's OK. Their choice. Same as I should be given a choice.

 

[Milefest]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Tipping stressful your kidding, relying of the goodwill of customers to tip is stressful.

Matt

Personally I find it stressful and I'm sure it's stressful for the server too. You're more likely to get a tip out of appearance rather than your service.

 

[docjames]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Never had to tip in TBIT.

Do tip in ACs around LOTFAP (even with drink voucher).

 

[Teuchter]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

While we all have our own views on tipping, the QF lounges in LAX are unlikely to become known for changing the tipping culture in the USA.

Those who choose to tip are free to do so. Those who don't, won't. I wouldn't worry too much about the tipping culture.

I agree with you that we are unlikely to change the culture and that it's a personal decision whether or not to tip.

However I think the OP's original point was that it isn't a good look for Qantas and I entirely agree with that too. What next, tipping the flight crew?

Lounge management needs to act, even if it means putting up discreet notices saying "Tipping is neither required nor expected in this establishment."

 

[JohnK]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

However I think the OP's original point was that it isn't a good look for Qantas and I entirely agree with that too. What next, tipping the flight crew?

Happens already when passengers hand out box of chocolates to crew? Or is that a bribe?

 

[drron]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Never had to tip in TBIT.

Do tip in ACs around LOTFAP (even with drink voucher).

Same here but I have learnt to approach the bar with voucher and dollar bill both visible.Result a full glass rather than half full.

 

[DC3]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Same here but I have learnt to approach the bar with voucher and dollar bill both visible.Result a full glass rather than half full.

Yes, wise advice, especially if you have an Oz accent. Works every time.

It's amazing what an up-front tip will do to the drink.

This will be news to the die-hard non-tippers as they will never get to find this out. Lol.

 

[drsmithy]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Same here but I have learnt to approach the bar with voucher and dollar bill both visible.Result a full glass rather than half full.

+1

My method also.

 

[Moody]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Same here but I have learnt to approach the bar with voucher and dollar bill both visible.Result a full glass rather than half full.

Elitism and bribery in one simple act. How efficient!

 

[docjames]

Re: TBIT 'Qantas' Business Lounge - extremely confused, as are staff

Same here but I have learnt to approach the bar with voucher and dollar bill both visible.Result a full glass rather than half full.

Yes sorry didn't specify but i typically have both visible when ordering!

(I believe I may have learnt this trick on AFF some years ago)