Tipping problem in LAX TBIT Lounge [is back]

[Danger]

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.

Which works amazingly well with expired vouchers!

 

[coco50]

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

My son and daughter in law live in West Hollywood. She used to waitress at an upscale restaurant doing big hours for not much money. Many A list celebs would wine and dine there. I remember one Sunday asking her how she had gone the previous night. It appears that Tom Hanks et al had dined there and she had waited on them. On fixing the bill (I refuse to say "tab"), Tom left a tip of $800 US. I would find it stressful if he hadn't done this but absolutely no stress in saying "Thank you, Mr Hanks!

 

[Teuchter]

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

Elitism and bribery in one simple act. How efficient!

Superb response!

Those who continue to tip in the Qantas lounge simply perpetuate the problem. If you don't wish to accept our Aussie culture, go fly with an American airline (if you dare!)

 

[opusman]

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

Those who continue to tip in the Qantas lounge simply perpetuate the problem. If you don't wish to accept our Aussie culture, go fly with an American airline (if you dare!)

Unfortunately the QF lounges in the USA tend to employ Americans.

 

[docjames]

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

Elitism and bribery in one simple act. How efficient!

Unclear how you come to that conclusion.

 

[drron]

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

Superb response!

Those who continue to tip in the Qantas lounge simply perpetuate the problem. If you don't wish to accept our Aussie culture, go fly with an American airline (if you dare!)

Except it was in response to my actions in the Admiral's clubs.If you don't want to accept American culture don't visit the USA.
And my main airline loyalty program is Aadvantage.And having been loyal to them they treat me very well.

 

[Milefest]

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

Why tip for a fuller glass when you can order two?

 

[JohnK]

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

Except it was in response to my actions in the Admiral's clubs.If you don't want to accept American culture don't visit the USA.

You could say that about lots of places round the world.

I accept American culture. That doesn't mean I have to behave and think as they do. I don't believe in "When in Rome....".

 

[RichardMEL]

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

Here's my take.

I understand (more or less) the situation for workers in the USA but I also recognise that the custom, as I understand it, makes very little sense...

for example, it's expected to tip a waitperson for table service, or a bar tender if you're a barfly, yet you do not tip the fast food server at maccas, in n out etc - yet they may be on even less wage. Huh? In recent times hotels have been putting out little "reminder" notes or even envelopes in rooms to tip your maid/housrkeeping staff - which I understand, but this didn't happen 10+ years ago - at least not in the hotels of all shapes, sizes and stars, I've stayed in. To me, there are many inconsistencies that blur the whole notion of tipping in service industries to make up for the cough minimum wage that the custom of tipping has skewed the reality for staff. And in many cases, given a tip is expected to appear (because it is custom, and I am in the USA and I follow it as best as I understand it, and even then there are regional differences) that then means some (not all) staff, eg wait staff, will provide average service since there's no incentive to do better (except pride in one's work, which I see a lot of by the way) if it's handed to you, almost literally, on a plate. (and then you hear of such situations where management take tips from staff and stuff which drives me mental).

My general rule of thumb is that I will tip if someone does a service for me that is either something like table service (wait staff) or they help with bags (shuttle driver etc) plus I know to tip your cabbie and the like. These are services I *pay* for directly in the majority of the cases. I won't tip a shuttle driver if I've got HLO which I carry on and off the shuttle and the driver is driving a group around designated stops and I'm just a self loading passenger.

Now in reference to the lounges. I've not tipped in any international gateway lounge in the USA. Maybe I'm a jerk. Here's the thing though. If I go to the QF F lounge at LAX and have a meal at the table I order a few courses and some drinks. What do you tip? There's no bill to make an appropriate 15-20% type rough calculation on... and while I have paid for entry via either status or my class of travel, which may be bought with cash or miles, which still stem from cash, how does one value each entry?

Now I've not used a shower at LAX (or any gateway lounge) but if I did sure, I can see an expectation of a couple of bucks but honestly it wouldn't cross my mind in a lounge. Maybe it is a bit of the "bit of Australia in LA" mentality, or maybe it's just that I'm not paying directly for this service, but the lounge provider is.

Finally, I find the alleged practice of the "dropping of the $2" as a hit to be underhanded. I'd rather they had a jar outside the shower rooms area, or even by the door with a little note by it for the janitorial staff. The whole "leaving a hint" thing leaves a bad thought in my mind and doesn't all predispose me to want to leave a tip.

I am reminded of one time, probably 15 years ago when I visited a swanky(they wished anyway) Italian restaurant in Long Beach with a female friend of mine who was a local. Anyway we had a decent, if unremarkable meal at this place and time came for the bill well the snooty Matre'D approached our table, and handed me the folio with the bill (because you know, the gentleman pays right?) and said to me as he handed it to me "Sir does realise that in the United States we practice a custom of tipping....?" I was so taken aback by his presumption(this guy has an accent he must be clueless) and my friend was mortified at the attitude. I think I simply said "Yes, Sir does realise" but I was none too impressed. I *almost* left a single penny tip (which is pretty much the biggest insult you can leave, moreso than zero tip which they can put down to cluelessness) but my better nature prevaled and I left like a bare minimum 15% or something. When we left my friend almost apologised for that treatment as though it was somehow her fault that this guy was like that. This was before yelp and trip advisor type review sites else I would have been sorely tempted to make a notation.

I am sure I have made errors when perhaps I should have tipped and not done due to either not thinking or just not being aware, but it's never been due to malice or not wanting to follow appropriate custom but like I wrote earlier when I don't have to tip the guys at In-n-Out but I do at Bob's Big Boy (table service) that confuses the cough out of me and find it a bit wrong.

The other thing to remember is that while tipping is a *custom* in the USA it is not a LAW. You do not HAVE to tip for anything. Sure, not the best idea if you're someplace like a hotel eating on a regular basis and they know you don't tip and one could find some "extras" in your food, but really apart from a rude scowl and the rest there's not much they can do if you decide not to tip for whatever reason (I do not advocate this, and I have never NOT tipped on purpose) but frankly it's not the end of anyone's world if one doesn't tip (and yes I know if everyone acted that way and didn't tip then those minimum wage folks would be destitute - I get that - but I hope my general point is made).

my 2 cents(without tip)

 

[drron]

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

Are you sure there are no consequences.
On my first trip to the USA I was there with several colleagues at a conference.We were all first timers,went to a Chinese restaurant in SFO,didn't tip because we were ignorant but ended up being chased down the road by one of the cooks with a meat cleaver.We then tipped.
And JohnK when you are in the USA they are Rome so when in Rome-tip.

But if the service is bad especially if the food is near inedible as well then leave a 1 cent tip.Be prepared to explain yourself which I do in a loud voice so other diners are aware.

I do tip if I am in a USA lounge but never if in a QF,JL lounge.I will tip in a hotel exec lounge.Also tip for complimentary brekkie eg at HGI but only $1-2 per pax.People do tip at In and Out or Maccas though I don't.Have seen it done and there can be a tip jar.

But it is their country.I don't feel it is up to me to tell them what to do.
That's it as getting OT and tipping threads are about as likely to come to a consensus as reclining threads.

 

[coco50]

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

Except it was in response to my actions in the Admiral's clubs.If you don't want to accept American culture don't visit the USA.
And my main airline loyalty program is Aadvantage.And having been loyal to them they treat me very well.

I don't want to accept American culture. I am firmly Australian (I don't want to accept British culture, either) I will continue to visit the US to see my son, daughter and their spouses as well as my little grandson. I will tip in restaurants, but not in airline lounges

 

[JohnK]

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

And JohnK when you are in the USA they are Rome so when in Rome-tip.

Sorry Doc but I don't quite agree. I don't have to do anything the locals do.

Taxi fare is $22? I will pay $22.

I don't need anyone to carry my bags. I carry them myself.

I don't need to tip anyone to get me a free drink from the fridge in lounge.

I don't go to restaurants. I play golf. May need to tip caddy if used. Where else?

A gratuity added to bill is one thing. A forced tip is another.

 

[RichardMEL]

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

Are you sure there are no consequences.
On my first trip to the USA I was there with several colleagues at a conference.We were all first timers,went to a Chinese restaurant in SFO,didn't tip because we were ignorant but ended up being chased down the road by one of the cooks with a meat cleaver.We then tipped.

Uh OK... well... that's.. scary.... so exceptions to everything I guess.

And JohnK when you are in the USA they are Rome so when in Rome-tip.

Agree with this general principle which is where I try to tip where I believe it is appropriate (see below)\

But if the service is bad especially if the food is near inedible as well then leave a 1 cent tip.Be prepared to explain yourself which I do in a loud voice so other diners are aware.

I do tip if I am in a USA lounge but never if in a QF,JL lounge.I will tip in a hotel exec lounge.Also tip for complimentary brekkie eg at HGI but only $1-2 per pax.People do tip at In and Out or Maccas though I don't.Have seen it done and there can be a tip jar.

But it is their country.I don't feel it is up to me to tell them what to do.
That's it as getting OT and tipping threads are about as likely to come to a consensus as reclining threads.

See I find this interesting. I've never seen a tip jar at a fast food place and most Americans I've spoken with on the topic over years and years have all suggested that no you don't. I'd never considered tipping for a comp breakfast like at a HGI/HIX/Hampton(etc) nor an exec lounge *unless* I was being personally served as opposed to a buffet type situation.

And herein lies my confusion as a visitor, and I suspect for many people, that everyone sees the "rules" slightly differently. If I don't tip at a exec lounge when maybe I should am I a bad visitor or person?

As above, I think a tip of a penny which clearly shows disapproval and is a clear statement of intent says far more than not tipping due to ignorance.

I've also seen examples of people in the US *refusing* tips offered. Most recently a few weeks ago SFO hotel shuttle driver.

so then it's very confusing even to those with the right intention to do the appropriate thing.

Kind of the reverse here - I've seen Americans tip in restaurants here, and given it's a general custom of ours to tip on outstanding service, but not as a rule for all, that it's not unusual to see that and I am sure wait staff and bar staff etc - specially in tourist areas LOVE the sound of an American accent because chances are they could get a tip.

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

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

I play golf. May need to tip caddy if used.

JK, heads up. At the courses in the U.S. that you'd play, they use GPS in carts, no caddies. You'll only find caddies at v high end private clubs. But tip the cart staff, usually a five or ten $ bill attached to the steering wheel is how ya do it.

im around until end of March, give me a shout when you want to tee it up.

Cheers
BF

 

[RichardMEL]

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

Sorry Doc but I don't quite agree. I don't have to do anything the locals do.

Sort of a variation on my comment that while tipping is an accepted custom in the US of A, it is not mandatory - except perhaps when some angry guy is chasing you with a meat cleaver !

Taxi fare is $22? I will pay $22.

I don't need anyone to carry my bags. I carry them myself.

I don't need to tip anyone to get me a free drink from the fridge in lounge.

I don't go to restaurants. I play golf. May need to tip caddy if used. Where else?

A gratuity added to bill is one thing. A forced tip is another.

I certainly agree in the situation of if I carry my own bags and so on then I won't tip anyone. why would I? I'm carrying my own stuff

The taxi is a hard one. One would imagine that the fare pays the driver, but then you think the driver has to give so much to the company and so on, it could be tough.

When in oz I usually round up (eg: if fare is $17, I'l give a $20 and say keep the change, same in USA).

I agree about not tipping for a "free" drink in a lounge - though it is a very grey area for me.

It's great if you don't eat at restaurants; most people do though and it's an accepted part of it.

I also agree that I don't like a forced tip (eg: getting a bill and a 25% or whatever gratuity has been added. I want to make up my own mind thank you).

I do want to respect where I am and remember the situation of the people in wherever I am and not just stomp in and decide well I don't do this at home so why should I here? (not suggesting JohnK or anyone else does). I mean that's just another version of a tourist coming into Paris or Moscow or Ho Chi Minh and demanding everyone speak English to them.

 

[Kangol]

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

Back on topic, we should implement a strategy that replies with the appropriate level of underhandedness [justice] that is being given.
eg. when they open the door and remove the tip, simply turn away or look in your bag or something so that you don't notice it. More importantly, don't give off the perception that you notice it. Because the whole point of them doing it is to engage a response from/with you. Depends on how good an actor you are/aren't.
If the official company line is to condemn this procedure, then that is the stance that should be taken. The next step would be to take a photo/video of the staff member doing it.

 

[drsmithy]

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

Sort of a variation on my comment that while tipping is an accepted custom in the US of A, it is not mandatory - except perhaps when some angry guy is chasing you with a meat cleaver !

Tipping is only not mandatory in the US in the strictest sense of the word (ie: it's not a legal requirement). You are expected to tip unless the service is diabolically bad, and expected to tip more if it is above average. If service was anything upwards of the bare minimum and you did not leave a tip, probably best not to go back to that place if it's anything involving food or drink, you might find yourself with some special ingredients, a cold meal, or a very weak drink.

 

[Teuchter]

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

Back on topic, ..........

At last, someone has remembered what this topic is supposed to be about! Thank you Kangol.

It was always going to be difficult to prevent this from degenerating into a free-for-all about the pros and cons of tipping. It is a subject where most people have a strong view and feel a compulsion to express that view at the slightest opportunity whether germane to the original topic or not.

 

[JessicaTam]

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

Why tip for a fuller glass when you can order two?

Because in many US lounges you are given a couple of vouchers when you enter, and that is it. So a full glass for one voucher is better than two half full ones for two vouchers.

 

[whatmeworry]

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

I was going to post the tipping scene from Reservoir Dogs but decided against it after hearing the language. Anyway google tipping scene Reservoir Dogs, for a laugh (If your an Adult).