Do You Tip Before Or After Luggage?

Do You Tip Before or After Luggage? The Ultimate Guide to Tipping Bellhops

Tipping is a common practice in the hospitality industry, and it can be a source of confusion for travelers. When it comes to tipping bellhops, there are two main schools of thought: tipping before or after luggage. In this in-depth article, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach, as well as provide guidance on how to make the decision that’s right for you.

Tipping Before Luggage

The main advantage of tipping before luggage is that it shows your appreciation for the bellhop’s services upfront. This can help to ensure that you receive prompt and courteous service, especially if you are traveling during a busy time. Additionally, tipping before luggage can help you to avoid feeling awkward or rushed when it comes time to tip after you have received your luggage.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to tipping before luggage. First, you may not know how much to tip, as you have not yet received your luggage and experienced the quality of the service. Second, if you tip before luggage and then receive poor service, it can be difficult to get your tip back.

Tipping After Luggage

The main advantage of tipping after luggage is that it allows you to base your tip on the quality of the service you received. This can help to ensure that you are tipping fairly for the level of service you experienced. Additionally, tipping after luggage can help you to avoid over-tipping if the service was not as good as you expected.

However, there are a few potential drawbacks to tipping after luggage. First, you may feel uncomfortable or awkward if you do not tip before luggage, especially if the bellhop is expecting a tip. Second, if you wait until after luggage to tip, the bellhop may have already left, making it difficult to give them a tip.

How Much to Tip Bellhops

The amount of money you tip a bellhop will vary depending on the following factors:

• The number of bags you have
• The weight of your bags
• The distance the bellhop has to transport your bags
• The level of service you receive

As a general guideline, it is customary to tip $1-$2 per bag, with a minimum tip of $5. If the bellhop provides exceptional service, you may want to tip more.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, the decision of whether to tip before or after luggage is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, by considering the pros and cons of each approach, as well as the factors that will affect the amount of your tip, you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much should I tip a bellhop for a single bag?
A: The customary tip for a single bag is $1-$2, with a minimum tip of $5.

Q: Do I need to tip a bellhop if I am only carrying on luggage?
A: No, it is not necessary to tip a bellhop if you are only carrying on luggage. However, if the bellhop helps you with any other services, such as getting a taxi or finding your gate, it is customary to tip them a small amount.

Q: What should I do if I receive poor service from a bellhop?
A: If you receive poor service from a bellhop, it is best to speak to a manager or supervisor. You may also want to consider not tipping the bellhop or leaving a smaller tip than usual.

Q: Can I tip a bellhop with a credit card?
A: Most hotels will allow you to tip a bellhop with a credit card. However, it is important to note that some hotels may charge a processing fee for credit card tips.

Q: Is it okay to tip a bellhop with foreign currency?
A: It is generally not recommended to tip a bellhop with foreign currency. If you do not have any local currency, you can ask the bellhop if they accept foreign currency or if they can exchange it at the hotel.