10 Commandments of Travel Tipping Etiquette

Going on a trip this summer? Don’t leave your manners at home. Be sure to bring plenty of cash so you can reward the people who do a great job for you and make your vacation more enjoyable. Here are my 10 Commandments of Travel Tipping Etiquette.

1. Always tip unless tips are included in the service.

It’s customary in the United States to tip. It’s the way our system works, and many people depend on tips to pay their mortgage and put their children through school. So when you travel domestically (or unless you received poor service — more on that later), carry plenty of cash.

2. Find out if a service charge is already added.

Depending on where you travel, there may be a gratuity already included in the total bill. For example, if you order room service, an 18% service charge is most likely included. If you go on a cruise or go to an all-inclusive resort, the service charges are also included. Tipping above and beyond the service charge is optional, but always appreciated. And when in doubt, always ask.

3. Carry lots of single dollar bills.

Just before you leave on a trip, go to the bank and pull out $20-$30 in one-dollar bills. Most service providers prefer cash rather than credit.

4. Tip anyone who touches your bags.

Just about everyone you come into contact with, from the skycap at the airport to the bellhop at the hotel, should receive a few dollars. The amount will always depend on how many bags you have and if they are heavy or not. The rule of thumb is $1 a bag. If your bag is especially heavy or clumsy, then give an extra $2 or $3.

5. A 18-20 percent tip is the new norm.

Ten percent is too little, 15 percent is average, 18 percent is generous, and 20 percent is outstanding. If a person goes above and beyond or is extra helpful, tip more than 20 percent.

6. Discuss your dissatisfaction with a manager.

In the event you receive less than stellar service, talk to the manager and make sure the problem is not something out of your service provider’s control. For example, if you go to a restaurant and you’re unhappy with the long wait or the way your food turns out, don’t be so quick to take your frustrations out on your server. Instead, talk to the person in charge. The problem may result from something that happened in the kitchen. In other words, get the facts and then make a judgement call.

7. You’ll receive better service if you tip – especially if you tip well.

Money talks and kindness goes a long way. I’ve worked in the hospitality industry long enough to know that service providers will remember you and continue to give you the royal treatment if you’re extra kind or if you’re a good tipper. Besides, tipping is good karma.

8. Tip extra if someone goes above and beyond.

If you tip the bellman for delivering your bags to your room, and then he offers to get you some ice, give him another $1 or $2. This shows your appreciation for the additional effort.

9. Be quick to praise an outstanding employee.

Several years ago, I purchased a robe during one of my stays at the Four Seasons Resort and Club, Dallas at Las Colinas. On my way to the airport, I accidentally left my robe in a shopping bag in the trunk of my cab. When I went through security, I discovered the robe was missing. I quickly called the bell stand at the resort and the bellman miraculously tracked down the cab driver. A few days later, a package from the hotel arrived on my doorstep. Inside was my robe. I was so delighted with the extraordinary level of service I received, I wrote a thank-you note to the bellman and copied his manager and the general manager. Sometimes a good online review on social media or a handwritten note can mean more to someone than a monetary tip.

10. When in doubt, follow this list.

Still not sure whom to tip, when or how much? Follow this handy-dandy reference guide:

Tipping in Airports

• Taxi, Uber and Lyft drivers: 15-20 percent of the bill.
• Car service: 20 percent of the bill. In some cases, the tip is included. If you’re not sure, ask.
• Shuttle drivers: $1 per bag.
• Skycaps: $1 to $2 per bag.

Tipping in Hotels

• Doorman: $1 to $2 per bag for moving your bags from the car to the bell cart. Tip $1 to $2 dollars for hailing a taxi for you.
• Bellman: $1 to $2 per bag and $1 to $2 for every delivery to your room.
• Concierge: $10 or more for special services such as securing you a hard-to-get reservation to a popular restaurant.
• Housekeeper: Tip $2 to $3 per night, add an additional $1 to $2 for special requests or longer stays. If you have the same housekeeper throughout your stay, place the money in an envelope labeled “Housekeeping” at the end of your trip and leave it in a location where it can be easily seen, such as on a pillow or on the bathroom counter. If there are multiple housekeepers, tip each day.
• Room service: 15 to 18 percent of the bill before taxes. Tipping is optional if a service charge is included in the bill.
• Valet: $2 to $3 each time an attendant retrieves your car.
• Spa service: 18 to 20 percent of the bill.

Tipping in Restaurants

• Coatroom attendant: $1 to $2 per item.
• Maitre d’: $10 to $100 depending on the restaurant, occasion and level of service you expect. Present the tip before you sit down at your table.
• Wine sommelier: Gratuity is optional but recommended for extremely attentive or helpful sommeliers. A tip of 5 to 10 percent of the wine charge is appropriate.
• Restroom attendant: 50 cents to $1 for handing you a towel or if you use any products displayed on the sink.