[Mark815]

I've worked line for the past 2 years and have done the best job i can do, I'm working through my ratings as are a couple of the other line guys at my company. There are times that tips are expected, but even as a pilot, i wouldn't just tip the line for simply fueling or doing basic services such as oil or taking away some trash bags off a jet unless that person went above and beyond for service, thats our job. I've turned down tips after fueling a few gallons of avgas before and have said "just doing my job but i really appreciate the offer" but most people won't hear it and won't stop unless we accept their tip, and I'm very appreciative of it knowing i did a good job. Now there are some cases in which i was expecting a tip because we went out of our way to provide good service to the pilots and passengers, and have had it go both ways. I've shuttled pilots back and forth from certain events (40min+ ride), so a free ride, free parking for the aircraft at the airport, drop off at hotel doorstep and have had simple, "thanks" followed by a slamming door, which i just find inappropriate in general. Then i've had the same ride driving back to the airport with a gentleman who later told me he was a former united captain, very nice guy and he also tipped me $20 bucks and said people who expect these things for nothing are just rude, and told me when i get into a F\O position in a few years not to be a cheap pilot to the lineman, which i thought was pretty nice. So i guess it can go both ways.