Are you supposed to tip an outside baggage check?

The Great Baggage Tip Debate: Curbside vs. Inside Check-In

Navigating airport procedures can be stressful, and the ease of curbside baggage check-in is often a welcome relief. But this convenience comes with a question many travelers grapple with: should you tip for this service? The answer, surprisingly, isn’t a simple yes or no. It hinges on the location of the service.

Let’s clarify the distinction:

Curbside Baggage Check: This service involves a baggage handler taking your luggage directly from your vehicle at the curb outside the airport terminal. These individuals are often employed by third-party companies contracted by the airlines, and their wages may not always reflect the level of service provided. In this case, tipping is strongly recommended.

Think about it: These handlers are dealing with heavy luggage, often in inclement weather, and navigating potentially congested areas. They provide a significant convenience, saving you the hassle of parking, transporting your bags, and waiting in line. A small tip, typically $2-$5 per bag, is a fair way to acknowledge their effort and hard work. Whether they are employed directly by the airline or a subcontractor, the effort remains the same. The tip is a gesture of appreciation for a service rendered, not necessarily a reflection of their employer’s compensation practices.

Inside Baggage Drop-Off: This is the standard baggage check-in process inside the airport terminal. Here, airline employees handle your luggage. Their wages are typically determined by their employers, and therefore, tipping is generally not expected or necessary. These employees are already compensated for their work as part of their employment.

In short: While a smile and a thank you are always appreciated, reserving your tips for the curbside baggage handlers is the polite and appropriate approach. Their extra effort deserves acknowledgment beyond a simple “thank you.” Understanding this distinction ensures you’re showing your appreciation where it matters most and avoids unnecessary confusion or awkwardness.