As you make travel plans for a quick spring getaway or business conference, don’t forget to factor tipping into your budget. Below you’ll find a few friendly reminders to use as a starting point. Always use your good judgment and show consideration for those who’ve provided a service.
Spring Etiquette: Tipping and Travel
- Airport curbside check in: The convenience of checking in at the curb is worth a tip! Tip $5 for one bag, and $3 to $5 for each additional bag.
- Taxi driver: A minimum of 10% (on the low side) to 15% is average. 20% and above for a driver that assists you with your heavy luggage and doesn’t scare the daylights out of you taking tight corners and weaving in and out of traffic en route to the hotel.
- Limo/town car driver: Some car companies include gratuity into their bill, however, if you receive good service and want to leave a favorable impression for the return flight home, feel free to leave an additional tip. If gratuity is not included, tip 15% – 20% of fare.
- Restaurant servers: A minimum of 15% to 18% is standard, and 20% upwards for exceptional service.
- Buffet servers: Attendants who walk around and fill your water glass, retrieve an additional roll, utensil or clear your dishes should be accommodated with a tip, $1 to $2 dollars per diner.
- Hotel doorman: No tip required for a smile and assistance with the door. If he hails a cab, a minimum of $2 to $5 for help with umbrella, bags, etc.
- Hotel bellman: Generally, $1 to $2 per bag, but if you only have one or two bags, make it worth the bellman’s trip and give the him $5.
- Hotel room service: Check the bill first to see if gratuity has already been added. If it has not been included, tip 15% to 20% of the bill. It is not necessary to leave an additional tip for tray pick-up.
- Hotel concierge: For quick directions to the nearest coffee shop, no tip is required. For general theatre tickets, or dinner reservations, tip $5 to $10, and $20 upwards for difficult to get tickets, reservations or special services.
Keep reading for how much to tip your bartender, restroom attendant, spa manicurist, esthetician, massage therapist, and pet groomer/boarder…