Tag

Tipping

All articles tagged with #tipping

Cruise Lines Hike Gratuities, Sparking Passenger Backlash Over Hidden Fees
business26 days ago

Cruise Lines Hike Gratuities, Sparking Passenger Backlash Over Hidden Fees

Cruise lines are raising automatic gratuities and service charges for 2026, with Holland America implementing daily 'Crew Appreciation' fees of $18 per day for non-suites and $20 for suites, plus an 18% service charge on drinks, spa, and certain purchases. MSC Cruises and Carnival followed with higher per-night or per-day charges (MSCs rising to $17 standard, $23 for Yacht Club; Carnival to $17 standard, $19 suites), prompting passenger complaints on social media about deceptive pricing and mounting travel costs.

Tip Drivers by Distance and Difficulty, Not Meal Price
advice1 month ago

Tip Drivers by Distance and Difficulty, Not Meal Price

In a Dear Prudence column, Prudie says delivery tips should reflect distance and difficulty rather than the meal’s price: tip at least $1 per mile and add more if the building is hard to reach or there are stairs, wrong/unit issues, or other challenges. The cost of the meal itself should not boost pay for the driver; generosity beyond the minimum is appreciated and can help ensure faster, hotter delivery.

Takeout Tipping: Not Required, But Appreciated by Some
lifestyle1 month ago

Takeout Tipping: Not Required, But Appreciated by Some

Americans aren’t typically required to tip for takeout, but tips are appreciated, especially for curbside pickup or large orders. Experts say a 10% tip is reasonable for takeout services, while the 15–20% standard for dine-in isn’t mandatory. Factors like extra packaging work, order checks, and dietary accommodations justify tipping. If you pick up in person, a tip to the preparer is a kind gesture. Online tipping prompts can pressure customers, and some diners skip ordering due to tip expectations, per a Tillster report.

Survey shows tipping fatigue fuels pushback against gratuities
business2 months ago

Survey shows tipping fatigue fuels pushback against gratuities

A Popmenu survey finds 78% say tipping practices have gotten out of hand, with 44% tipping less this year as digital prompts and guilt-tipping pressure grow. Consumers are tipping less across restaurants, coffee shops, food trucks, and delivery, and many would rather pay higher prices to eliminate gratuities (56%). While some still tip 20%+ for servers and drivers, those rates have fallen, and a notable share notes they sometimes skip tips for certain services. The trend reflects pandemic-era shifts, inflation, and increasingly ubiquitous tipping prompts.

technology-and-society1 year ago

Questioning Our Morality

The article discusses various aspects of modern consumer services like Uber and airlines, highlighting issues such as surge pricing, the impact of premium payments on queue jumping, the decline of traditional taxi services, and the cultural resistance to tipping. It critiques how these systems are manipulated through pricing algorithms and regulation, and explores broader themes of consumer disengagement and societal manipulation in the digital age.

States with the Highest and Lowest Tipping in the US
economy1 year ago

States with the Highest and Lowest Tipping in the US

Delaware, West Virginia, and New Hampshire have the highest average tips at full-service restaurants, while California and Washington have lower tips. Overall, average tips increased slightly from late 2024 to early 2025, with ongoing discussions in Congress about exempting tips from federal taxes, a move that aligns with previous campaign promises but may have limited impact on workers already paying little or no income tax.

"Americans Push Back Against Rising Tipping Expectations"
economy2 years ago

"Americans Push Back Against Rising Tipping Expectations"

A Bankrate survey reveals a decline in tipping among Americans for hair stylists, servers, and drivers since 2021, attributed to inflation and changing consumer attitudes post-pandemic. Despite some wage increases and economic adjustments, many consumers are tipping less due to financial constraints and a reduced appreciation for service workers. This shift is part of broader changes in consumer spending habits, with some areas seeing reduced spending and others experiencing growth.