Ever wondered if you should be tipping your flight attendants? In this episode, we break down the complex world of in-flight tipping and gifting. We dive into what tipping means in our industry, the fine line between appreciation and expectation, and why a genuine "thank you" can go further than ...
Ever wondered if you should be tipping your flight attendants? In this episode, we break down the complex world of in-flight tipping and gifting. We dive into what tipping means in our industry, the fine line between appreciation and expectation, and why a genuine "thank you" can go further than a $5 bill. We also share some of our favorite (and cringiest) experiences receiving treats, tips, and thoughtful surprises in the sky. We talk all things passenger courtesy, the psychology of gifting, and how the culture of tipping affects the airline world. Plus, Rich shares a wild layover story from a pilot friend in our “What Would Two Guys Do?” segment that had Drew in tears.
Watch the full episode on YouTube
Episode Highlights:
[0:00] - Should passengers be tipping flight attendants? Let's talk about it.
[1:22] - Drew's heartwarming layover story with a new hire who just gets it.
[3:25] - Rich escapes to Boston while navigating the non-rev jungle (and shares some StaffTraveler hacks).
[5:48] - We dig into tipping—why it’s complicated, appreciated, and sometimes awkward.
[10:03] - Comparing tipping vs. gifting: is one better than the other?
[12:00] - The problem with performative gifting—expecting upgrades or perks.
[14:25] - Creative and actually useful gifts that flight attendants love.
[17:19] - PSA: Be a kind passenger—sometimes, that’s more appreciated than any gift.
[19:13] - Take off your headphones and speak up! A rant about common courtesy in the cabin.
[22:54] - Story Time! A pilot’s hilarious confession about a misdirected, uh… delivery.
[26:04] - Keep your stories coming and a special thanks to our Patreon fam.
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