You can't call -- you have to fill out a LOT of forms! Just make sure you keep copies - those crooks will really try to pull a fast one on you!!

Did I miss something here? I have been traveling since the age of 5 and I am 30 plus years older than that now and have NEVER tipped a pilot, stewardess or the like. I go to Europe sometimes twice a year and the islands also. The airline tickets cost enough as it is and the pilots sure make a hell of a lot of money. I have one in the family so I know. He does very well! He doesn't get tips that I know of. What is this all about? Someone enlighten me!

Well Confused Carrie - if you have read all these posts and haven't realized it's one big joke, I'm not sure anyone could explain ANYTHING to you!

I see, this was a joke that got carried away??? Well, like some other posters said, if there are people with little travel experience out there they might think it is for real and start throwing money around at the pilots, etc. Now sure the pilot would be happy, but not the person when he looks at them quite funny. As for the physical gratuity, do what you want. I say if the pilot is a fine specimen, put the plane on autopilot and enjoy! :)<BR>

Carrie-<BR>HUMOR:<BR> that quality which appeals to a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous<BR> b : the mental faculty of discovering, expressing, or appreciating the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous <BR>c : something that is or is designed to be comical or amusing

No Confused Carrie - it is not a joke that got carried away --- it is a joke PERIOD. And if you or anyone else reading this doesn't recognize it as such, I have to wonder how much intelligence you possess. JMO

Glad someone found this again!! It is hilarious. Daughter is a FA and loved it.

Pilots get nothing- they're pros. As for stewardesses, if they look good and are on time with drinks, give 'em a ten.<BR>Old hag stewardesses get a fiver if they are on time with your drinks. Stewards get nothing. They're probably gay and might get the wrong idea. Plus, they're doing a woman's job and shouldn't be encouraged to shame themselves.<BR>

Babs you are and remain a genious. <BR><BR>For me this is one of the best threads ever. It even ranks higher than:<BR><BR>I was drunk when...<BR><BR>All the what should I wear ones<BR><BR>All the baggage, packing can I get it in the trunk or the car in the luggage ones.<BR><BR>And even my personal favourite and actively supported PUP ones?<BR><BR>Do you have another to top it?<BR>

Check out:<BR>"Our Mothers were right!"

ttt

We talk a lot on this board about how to use up our extra foreign change. I always give a couple of coins to each of the uniformed people who are always milling outside the door of the plane upon landing (only one coin each if they're large denomination coins). The often give me a bewildered smile, as though they can't believe their good fortune to come across someone so generous.

In addition to tipping the pilot and the other crew you mustn't forget to tip the aircrft manufacturer and the company that flies the aircraft, if you consider yourself civilized. Americans could tip up to one per cent of the cost of the aircraft (the cost details should be available with the pilot, who may be persuaded to announce them during the flight)and other lesser mortals up to.ooo1 per cent.

I can't believe that this stupid pilot thing is still around. The Pilots Union must have nothing else to do. <BR><BR>The pilots are grossly overpaid. Why do you think it is that almost all the air carriers are losing money. The largest expense for air carriers is the pay of the employees.<BR><BR>And almost all Fodorites are trying to squeeze out the lowest fare that they can find.

Bringing this one back

Steve

Bless you Steve.

Oh man, I am laughing, LOL...

This post was great, although it's extremely difficult for me to believe that some people actually thought it was serious?!?!?!? Geez Louise, gotta wonder about those folks...

Thank you so much - I am once again laughing until my sides hurt!

My true name is Alfonso, and I am going to check with my lawyer about suing Fodors.

After reading this board I flew last week from Chicago to London on AA. After the meal I decided to go tip the pilots first, before tipping the cabin crew.

So I got up, went to the front, tried opening the cockpit door, it was locked. I knocked on it, no answer, I tried pushing the door open, since I was worried maybe the pilots fell asleep and we're all gonna crash -- that's when 5 passengers and 3 crew members JUMP on me, started pushing me to the ground, shoved me, squeezed me, cursed me and were very brutal to me.

And ALL THIS 'caused I just wanted to be nice!!!

Fodors, you're gonna hear from my lawyers!

No siree, they don't write songs like they used to, they don't make movies like they used to, and they don't write posts like they used too! Hooray for days gone by!