Tipping Is Everywhere Now — Are You Supposed to Tip Your Flight Attendant?

Flight attendant tipping generally is not expected on U.S. airlines, although Frontier is a notable exception. Travelers can often show appreciation with a sincere thank-you or an official airline compliment. (Pexels).

You buy a coffee, grab takeout, or pay for a taxi, and suddenly a screen is asking whether you want to add 20%, 25%, or even more. Now that same tipping anxiety can follow travelers onto an airplane, raising an increasingly common question: Are passengers supposed to tip flight attendants? The short answer is generally no, because flight attendant tipping is not a customary expectation on most U.S. airlines.

There is, however, a notable exception, along with some important etiquette and airline-policy details travelers should understand. Knowing those distinctions can save you money and help you thank a great crew member without creating an awkward situation.