How Much Should You Tip Airport Skycaps?

Tipping is a subject of much confusion for domestic and international travelers alike.  Not knowing who, when, and how much to tip can put you in an uncomfortable or embarrassing situation - especially if the proper guideline or protocal is not followed.  One of the first tipping situations a traveler encounters on their trip are airport Skycaps.  Skycaps provide multiple services at the airport and each have different tipping guidelines.

Very commonly, Skycaps will be found outside in the “departing flights” area of the airport.  The assist passengers with removing the baggage out of their cars and also with curbside check-in of those bags.  The rule of thumb here is to tip $1-$2 per bag.  If there is any especially heavy luggage or if expedited handling is necessary, you should tip at least $5.00.    Another area of the airport that you will see Skycaps is at the baggage claim.  Aside from grabbing all of your bags off of the conveyor belt or carosel, they will transport them over to the ground transportation or passenger pick up area.  Again, $1-$2 per bag is customary unless you had unusually heavy or cumbersome items.  If they waited with you for an extended period of time until your transportation arrived, an additional $5 or more would be appropriate.

Finally, Skycaps also assist with wheelchair services.  If you or a family member require wheelchair assistance to your gate, a minimum of $5 is expected and that is actually a bit on the low side.  $10-$20 is more the norm.  Take into account the amount of time the skycap spent from pickup to drop off as your guide.

Remember, the majority of a skycap’s income comes from tips.  Like waiters or waitresses, they make a very minimal hourly wage.  Tipping, while completely voluntary on your part, is how they make their living.  If you’ve received exceptional service, tip accordingly!

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