Tipping line help?

[38bat]

This always bugs me..... When should you tip the line help and how much. It is akward for me when I pull in someplace in my cherokee and they bring out the red carpet etc.. I usually buy some fuel but not always. I feel wierd not tipping them yet some seem almost offended so what does everyone else do? JOE

[bdhill1979]

If they actually helped my then I will give them a few bucks, but I don't really believe in tipping people for doing their bare minimum job requirements.

One guy earned his tip with me once

Daniel at KDIJ (Driggs, Idaho): the AFD said that they were open till 8 pm, but they had just instituted winter hours that were not in the AFD yet. We landed at 6:30and I was close to not having enough fuel to get anywhere else and it was getting dark with tall mountains to climb over.

He was having a beer at the Warbird and saw us giving the "ah ####!" at the winter hours sign. He came out, opened up the hangar, pulled out the fuel truck, topped us off, then refused to charge us the after hours fee. He tried refusing the tip too, but I shoved that $50 into his pocket.

That kind of service gets a tip.

[XcalibeR]

Having worked on the line for a couple summers, I can tell you that I never expected tips. I tried to do as much as I could for every pilot who came in (that's just good customer service), but I didn't really expect anything for it. Tips were nice when they came, but most people didn't do it. So yeah, I don't think it's that big of a deal. If someone goes out of their way to do something for ya, give em a tip, otherwise, I doubt they're expecting anything.

[Chewie von Nubbins]

You are getting lumped in with the crowd that has money and owns their own airplane. These are they people that the line guys lick their chops about when the see a nice shiny GA plane pull in.

There were a few different places where I pulled into on an X/C and the line guy would kinda be scratching their head as I popped the door. That is because they were trying to figure out if I was timebuilding or the plane was mine. The first words out of my mouth to him were always: "Damn, I am broke as a joke and am tired of timebuilding in rented airplanes." .... as I was pulling off my headset. I always got a good laugh and almost always got the skinny on how to make it a stop for under $10 for a good meal....and how to scam the courtesy car without buying gas.

And if I had to pay a stupid landing fee because I didn't know the airport charged one....I would set the line guy up to give me the biggest rant in the world as to why the landing fee was stupid and how broke of a timebuilder I was.

I always got better treatment than most of the rich guys that tipped like Tiger Woods tipped. That is, because I could identify with their brokeness.

[Gumps]

If you're just passing through in a Cherokee I wouldn't expect you to tip. As the level and Quality of service rises so should the need for a tip. Examples:

1. A ride to a near by hotel/ lunch= 2-5$

2. Towing aircraft across a towered field= (if rental=0) if your aircraft= 5$

3. The sky is raining fractional jets, and based charter activity and your left main "needs" 2psi= 5$

4. Bird strike has covered the underside of your airplane with fatty tissue, blood and feathers and you want it washed.= 10$ (Some arse-hole in an Aztec stiffed me on this one!)

5. If you need help with your passenger's baggage or rental car.= 1-2$

6. Bad weather and the fbo hangar full but, line service finds a spot for your bird with a based operator, and a room for you to boot.= 5$

7. Just fuel/oil.= 0$

8. Multiple items needed on last minute departure, (gpu, preheat, fuel, de-ice, rental car return, help with baggage,ect.)= 2-5$

9. Grand Daddy of all requests... Vommit management >20$

Basically, any time you sense that line guy is hustling to get ten things done for five different aircraft and he keeps you on the top of the stack, pop'em a few fazools. If the guy is a slouch, then there is no need to tip. In the line service world tips should be reserved for professional help.
Oh yeah, thanks for using the term "Line help", the term "Line Boy" is demeaning.

[tonyw]

Originally Posted by Gumps

Oh yeah, thanks for using the term "Line help", the term "Line Boy" is demeaning.

Especially since sometimes, they're not line boys anyway...they're line girls!

On my last flight, I got my plane refilled by a girl who looked like she was all of 12. I was kind of like, uh, don't you need a driver's license to drive the fuel truck?

I didn't tip her, though.

[DoWhat?]

Good place to start might be not calling them the "line help". I was a line supervisor for a very busy FBO for a time and I can tell you that 80-90% of the line department were pilots working their way up through the ranks. It was expected that we give the same level of service to all aircraft. If the line guys are hanging around the aircraft it's to make sure your all set before they just leave you stranded on the ramp. Believe me, the last thing they are thinking about is a tip when you climb out of your fancy single engine piston airplane.

[BCTAv8r]

Originally Posted by DoWhat?

Good place to start might be not calling them the "line help". I was a line supervisor for a very busy FBO for a time and I can tell you that 80-90% of the line department were pilots working their way up through the ranks. It was expected that we give the same level of service to all aircraft. If the line guys are hanging around the aircraft it's to make sure your all set before they just leave you stranded on the ramp. Believe me, the last thing they are thinking about is a tip when you climb out of your fancy single engine piston airplane.

Exactly. Quite a lot of the line guys at my FBO are working towards an aviation career (including ATC and A&Ps).

As for tips, I can't really say that I ever expect it from the pilots. Sometimes I'll get tipped for doing a lav or a vac but it is not expected. Now when we get a gulfstream in with 4 cars worth of baggage, then I expect something. I've had passengers tip the pilot right in front of us and not even say thanks for unloading their baggage.

On a side note, it seems like we've had quite a lot of line related posts lately. Maybe it's time for our own section on JC?

[stoki]

When I worked the line for the most part I didnt really expect a tip.

I guess sometimes when I was feeling the pinch and somebody called up and needed some fuel, oil out in their engines, help pushing their Baron into the hanger, as well as some air in the mains, it would cross my mind that this guy has enough money for his own Baron, a T-hanger, bought over 500$ worth of low-lead without flinching, and it wouldnt kill him to give me at least 2$ so I could buy some lunch, or at least put it in my gas tank since I was flight training, doing college full-time and doing that part-time job and broke as ####.

But I never really actually got upset about it, just crossed my mind. I have gotten generous tips before as well. I think for me was driving a crew to their hotel, literally 2 minutes away, they gave me 10$. Which I thought was pretty good for the work that went into it.

[fishrichard]

"Grand Daddy of all requests... Vommit management >20$"

I have to disagree. When I worked line we had a well known fractional ship come in. The older gentleman(75+) had some younger female stowaways(20-25). Lets just say the clean up EARNED us $100 each. I was in a full rain suit, lav gloves, goggles, and a partical mask. True story

[stoki]

Were the girls that disgusted that they threw up all over the place?

[Gumps]

"I always got better treatment than most of the rich guys that tipped like Tiger Woods tipped."

That's funny, I've never seen Tiger tip. In fact the car rental service at my old FBO got a ticket in the mail for an unpaid toll on the expressway. The renter.....Tiger! The rest of the PGA guys were always cool though.

So fishrichard, you only disagree that >20$ is not enough for extreme spew-service, right? Puke patrol is the most ruthless of all line service requests though, don't you think?

A line service thread is definitely in order here, I can feel the stories all ready!

[FutrLftSeat82]

Originally Posted by DoWhat?

Good place to start might be not calling them the "line help". I was a line supervisor for a very busy FBO for a time and I can tell you that 80-90% of the line department were pilots working their way up through the ranks. It was expected that we give the same level of service to all aircraft. If the line guys are hanging around the aircraft it's to make sure your all set before they just leave you stranded on the ramp. Believe me, the last thing they are thinking about is a tip when you climb out of your fancy single engine piston airplane.

True 'dat!!!! I couldn't have said it any better myself!

[fishrichard]

"Puke patrol is the most ruthless of all line service requests though, don't you think?"


No,sperm removal is the most ruthless. IMO

[FutrLftSeat82]

Originally Posted by stoki

When I worked the line for the most part I didnt really expect a tip.

I guess sometimes when I was feeling the pinch and somebody called up and needed some fuel, oil out in their engines, help pushing their Baron into the hanger, as well as some air in the mains, it would cross my mind that this guy has enough money for his own Baron, a T-hanger, bought over 500$ worth of low-lead without flinching, and it wouldnt kill him to give me at least 2$ so I could buy some lunch, or at least put it in my gas tank since I was flight training, doing college full-time and doing that part-time job and broke as ####.

But I never really actually got upset about it, just crossed my mind. I have gotten generous tips before as well. I think for me was driving a crew to their hotel, literally 2 minutes away, they gave me 10$. Which I thought was pretty good for the work that went into it.

You never do expect it, but once in a while...it's a nice little surprise when you least expect it. Not too long ago, we had a Canadian Falcon 2000 come in. They had 2 rental Explorers full of bags. I helped pass bags to the FO who was loading them into the plane. Then one guy asked me to "get rid of" the rentals. No idea what affiliation he had with the plane until he just hopped on before they left...anyway, guy dropped me a $50 just for taking care of the rentals for him. I told him that was way too much, he smiled...and walked to the plane.

[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.

[deek]

I never expected a tip from bug smashers or smaller jets, and we pooled our tips on our shift, and I'd prolly walk away with $10-$20 a day on a really busy shift, enough to get some lunch, which was nice. But leftover passenger catering was awseome, specially breakfast plates in the early AM. But I use to have some big tippers in KBCT, Vince McMahon of WWF would tip a C note for pulling around his car, he even gave us a plate of some A+ steaks. (that stopped when we put his wing into the hanger and busted a light) But i did hate it when we would load bags and the passenger would tip the pilot and the pilot not tip forward.

[BCTAv8r]

Food is always a great tip. We got a huge tray of shrimp just the other night.

[38bat]

Originally Posted by DoWhat?

Good place to start might be not calling them the "line help". I was a line supervisor for a very busy FBO for a time and I can tell you that 80-90% of the line department were pilots working their way up through the ranks. It was expected that we give the same level of service to all aircraft. If the line guys are hanging around the aircraft it's to make sure your all set before they just leave you stranded on the ramp. Believe me, the last thing they are thinking about is a tip when you climb out of your fancy single engine piston airplane.

Sorry for "line help" but "Line department pilots working their way up the ranks" wouldn't fit. I was actually trying to be respectful with "line help" but if someone could please give me the proper term for the people that help on the line I will be glad to use it. The reason for my post was to make sure that I was taking proper care of the people that help me(as much as an unemployed, broke student pilot can). So I find your inference that I am some ####### flying around being mean to line people offensive. My "Fancy" plane is a 1962 cherokee and I am a pilot working towards my commercial. If I read too much into your post sorry. JOE

[BCTAv8r]

Originally Posted by 38bat

Sorry for "line help" but "Line department pilots working their way up the ranks" wouldn't fit. I was actually trying to be respectful with "line help" but if someone could please give me the proper term for the people that help on the line I will be glad to use it. The reason for my post was to make sure that I was taking proper care of the people that help me(as much as an unemployed, broke student pilot can). So I find your inference that I am some ####### flying around being mean to line people offensive. My "Fancy" plane is a 1962 cherokee and I am a pilot working towards my commercial. If I read too much into your post sorry. JOE

Line guy or girl would do. The more formal title is "Line Service Technician".

[Pietrantonio]

I'm a ramp agent servicing Corporate and GA aircraft. I get tips every once in awhile, but it's just an added bonus when it happens. I'm there to help out, so I don't expect anything in return personally. Honestly, the greatest tip is being able to shoot the S*** with some great crew members who have great personalities. Listening to the advice they've got to offer is far more valuable than a $5.00 bill to me.

Anyone come into Wilson Air Center - Charlotte?

[aloft]

Originally Posted by FutrLftSeat82

...anyway, guy dropped me a $50 just for taking care of the rentals for him. I told him that was way too much, he smiled...and walked to the plane.

The thing you gotta remember is that these Gulfstream-riding fatcats have more money than you can imagine. Him dropping a $50 on you is like you dropping a quarter in a tip jar at a hot dog stand.

I'd only expect the tips to get better as time goes on; people with money are making it hand over fist these days, the rich are getting richer, and they should be tipping commensurately.

[n57flyguy]

Originally Posted by XcalibeR

Having worked on the line for a couple summers, I can tell you that I never expected tips. I tried to do as much as I could for every pilot who came in (that's just good customer service), but I didn't really expect anything for it. Tips were nice when they came, but most people didn't do it. So yeah, I don't think it's that big of a deal. If someone goes out of their way to do something for ya, give em a tip, otherwise, I doubt they're expecting anything.

I never really expect tips. Everyonce and a while I'll get one, but knowing I did something to help them the best way I can is a better feeling. I have had a (rich) pilot give me a 20 for just opening some doors, he even offered to call up to get me a job. Sometimes I'll be filling someones tires and get a tip, other days I won't. I don't mind tips, but I usually won't turn them down. I do get tips for what I'm already paid to do, but sometimes don't when I'll take the intiative to go out of my way. No big deal.

[Mr.Maximus]

I generally will do some light tipping for folks that are hustling, and better tips for when they go well beyond the normal duty. Good example happened a couple of days ago. Unfortunately our tail was about 6" to tall to get into the FBO's hanger. Aircraft cold soaked overnight and when we got there the next morning, the upper sides were about 50% covered in frost. We asked the FBO to pull the a/c into their heated hanger until just the tail section was sticking out. Then without being asked, their two line guys come out with a couple of hot towels. As it was a very light frost, the warm hanger and hot towels removed the frost quickly. They would wipe for a little while, then run back in and pop the towel into a microwave and come out and wipe some more. 20 minutes later both wings were completely clean. Each of them were tipped $50, and I applaud their hustle and "get the job done" attitude. As they were both aspiring pilots - they also got a full tour of a CL604 which I think they liked more than the money.

[JDE]

I never expected tips when I was a line guy, but it was sure nice to get something when we busted our tails to give them a QT. Now that I'm on the other side, I don't tip unless we're given exceptional service, and it's usually between $5 and $20 depending on how much help the line crew gives us and how much of a PITA we are to them.