Tips for U.S. Travel

Sunday, April 16, 2006

There are no tipping commandments, no final authority that has handed down rules of right and wrong. But after interviewing experts and ethicists, and searching our soul, we can present some widely accepted guidelines for tipping in the United States. (For international destinations, see below.) Reminder: No need to tip the government, so figure your tips before taxes.

-- Cindy Loose

Restaurants/Bars

· Waiter: 15 to 20 percent.

· Counter service: 15 to 20 percent.

· Takeout: 10 percent.

· Buffet: Nothing, unless a waiter delivers the food; then 10 percent. $1 to $2 for the drink refiller.

· Sommelier: Some experts say 10 percent, some say 20, and some say that for an expensive bottle -- say over $100 -- forget the percentage and give a flat fee, beginning at about $20.

· Bartender: Either $1 per drink or 15 to 20 percent of the bill. For best service, tip for each drink rather than at the end.

· Coat checker: If there is already a fee, you don't have to tip; otherwise, $1 an item.

· Restroom attendant: 50 cents to $1.

Parking

· Garage attendant: $1.

· Valet parking attendant: $2 (beyond the valet parking fee).

Hotels

· Housekeeper: $2 to $5 per night. (Note: The average pay for hotel maids nationwide is $9.50 an hour.) Leaving a tip at the end of your stay is fine, but pay nightly if you want the person who did the room to get the cash. If an envelope hasn't been left for that purpose, leave a note.

· Hotel room delivery: If you've asked for a toothbrush or iron or extra towels, give $1 to $3 to the person who delivers it.

· Room service: 15 percent, but check to see if a service charge has already been added. No need to tip on top of that.

· Doorman: Just having the door opened for you entails no obligation on your part. But for service beyond that -- hailing a cab, helping with your luggage -- tip $1 or $2.

· Bellman: If he simply rolls your suitcase to your room and points out light switches and the minibar, $2. If he schleps a lot of luggage, add a few more dollars.

· Concierge: Giving you directions around town is part of the job. If the concierge looks up a phone number for a restaurant you've chosen and makes a quick call, tip $2 or so. Tip $5 to $10 if he or she tracks down last-minute tickets or performs other time-consuming chores.

Transportation

· Taxi drivers: 15 percent, extra if they handle your luggage (unless you've already been assessed an additional fee for that).

· Limousine service: 15 to 20 percent.

· Shuttle service: 10 to 15 percent for paid shuttle service. Drivers of free shuttle services generally don't expect a tip unless they handle luggage, in which case tip $2 or so.

Airports

· Skycap : For curbside check-in, many airlines have begun charging $2 to $3 a bag. That money goes to the vendor and is not a tip for the skycap, who is still expecting $1 or $2 per bag (more in high-cost cities like Washington or New York).

· Wheelchair attendant: Nothing if they merely wheel you from plane to gate, or vice versa. $3 to $5 if they take you from airline counter to gate.

Tours

· Tour guides: 10 to 15 percent of the tour price; or $1 to $2 for a half-day tour, $3 to $5 for a full-day tour, $5 to $10 for a weeklong tour. More for private guides.

· Tour bus driver: $1 to $2 per day.

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