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Tipping the guy at the FBO

So I’m new to GA and flew my private RV into TacAir today for a biz trip. I paid $5/gallon for gas. Ripoff but that’s to be expected.. Are these guys parking and launching planes expecting or accustomed to getting tips? Should I be tipping them for minimal service?
 
If the staff goes above and beyond, yes, a tip is appropriate. If they do nothing special, then no tip is appropriate.
 
Yes

I always tip a lineboy or line team. Maybe I'm lucky but I can't remember the last time I didnt get good service, particularly since I like to attend (or do) the fueling which means they have to get right to it instead of fueling when they are doing others while pilots are gone.

Besides, I was a lineboy once, and a tip is always welcome. Lastly, at the big airports, I think it helps counter the "little guy" criticism when buying 20 gallons or so. I know first hand that the corporate pilots rarely tip.
 
I generally tip the line folks. It's not an easy job nor is the pay that great. It's always appreciated and I find I get good service most of the time.
 
I attended a Living Well seminar some years ago.
The Tipping issue was addressed. If you tip and give it another thought after you leave, you didn't give enough.
 
Here's a tip for all of you

When Covid-19 came around, I saw that the service industry absorbed the majority of the hit. These are hard working people who aren't making tons of money. I decided then that I wasn't tipping enough, and I would do better going forward. Those that I deal with regularly have noticed, and boy do i get good service now.
 
I rarely buy fuel when there is anyone around - I choose out of the way airports with self-serve fuel islands. The only “attendants” I see at places like these are likely to be cows, and I figure the farmers wouldn’t like it much if I tipped them.... ;)

Seriously, I am happy to tip for good service, but when I pull up to a fancy FBO (on occasion), the line boys are all running to the biz jet nearby, and I am on my own with the RV....
 
Seriously, I am happy to tip for good service, but when I pull up to a fancy FBO (on occasion), the line boys are all running to the biz jet nearby, and I am on my own with the RV....

Haha so true. I have seen some of those bills those jets get so I guess I understand the business decision...

I am glad this was brought up as I didn't really even think tipping was a thing at FBOs. Looks like I need to reevaluate my own practices. Like that time they let my buddy off of an overnight $100 hangar fee, probably should tip in that situation for sure.
 
At the Jet Center at SAF, I was amazed at the service my humble little Lancair received. After landing, they had a "Follow Me" truck escort me to parking. After I shut down and got out, the guy handed me a bottle of water, which was much appreciated after a long flight. He helped me tie down the plane, then asked if I needed fuel. I did, so he called the truck. While it was being fueled, he asked if I would be needing a motel. I did, so he called the front desk and the girl "MJ" arranged it. He helped me with the canopy cover, then gave me a ride back to the FBO. I'm cheap, but I gave the guy $20 for fantastic service.
 
At the Jet Center at SAF, I was amazed at the service my humble little Lancair received. After landing, they had a "Follow Me" truck escort me to parking. After I shut down and got out, the guy handed me a bottle of water, which was much appreciated after a long flight. He helped me tie down the plane, then asked if I needed fuel. I did, so he called the truck. While it was being fueled, he asked if I would be needing a motel. I did, so he called the front desk and the girl "MJ" arranged it. He helped me with the canopy cover, then gave me a ride back to the FBO. I'm cheap, but I gave the guy $20 for fantastic service.

That definitely sounds like a level of service worthy of a tip. My scenario does not come close in comparison.
 
If lineboy performs basic expected service, then no need to tip. If does anything to help you beyond basic service then tip is appropriate with amount proportional to time savings to you if you would have had to do it yourself.
 
I usually give between $5 and $20 depending on the service, and did they give me a ride to the FBO 1/4 mile away. One pet peve I do have is when they are a little too overzelous and want to start tieing me down without asking. They tend to yank down very hard, especially on my tail tie-down, which in onlt designed for a straight-down load. They often bend the mounting plate.
 
All the time

I tip routinely, usually $5 but sometimes more. It doesn't add up to much by airplane standards, and frankly I enjoy seeing the stunned looks on people's faces. :)

It's also a great investment. One kid I gave $5 to later called me up and said "I saw there might be hail, so I pulled your plane into a hangar." No charge.

So I’m new to GA and flew my private RV into TacAir today for a biz trip. I paid $5/gallon for gas. Ripoff but that’s to be expected.. Are these guys parking and launching planes expecting or accustomed to getting tips? Should I be tipping them for minimal service?
 
If you really want to do something nice that is appreciated and more meaningful than handing a line guy a tip, consider ordering them and their coworkers a pizza or lunch/dinner from a local restaurant. That goes a long way and I guarantee they will remember you.
 
I guess I'm a cheap *******. It never occurred to me to tip them. I guess I will in the future. Can't allow myself to be shown-up by the generous folks on this list.
 
Should you still tip if your RV-12 only required 10 to 12 gallons to fill up, and you still need to do the bugs off the glass canopy yourself?

I hesitate to let them fill my plane up, the gas burps very easily and damages the plexiglass turtle deck with crazing.

Just not fond of letting others touch my baby.
 
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