Ok who do I tip? Coach attendent, Conductor, Waiter/waitresses?
When should I tip them and how much and is it everytime they help me or just once?
Thanks
I just shoved 20 singles into my pocket to tip any other Amtrak employee who shows me a grain of kindness. I don't generally do this, but it seems like a clever way to make friends, don't you think?
Generally the 3 people you might tip are the servers in the diner, your sleeping car attendant (if applicable, about $5-10 per night depending on how helpful/friendly they are), and the lounge car steward ($1 is usually enough per day if you only buy a few things). But it's entirely up to you.
I fully agree with the "clever way to make friends" statement, however I have been lambasted in the past on this forum for stating that!
Tip for each meal. Opinion on when to tip sleeping car attendants varies, but I give about $5 each night after they make the bed. That way they remember me better than if I tipped upon leaving the train at my destination!
Geoff M.
[This message has been edited by geoffm (edited 12-16-2003).]
[This message has been edited by dmwnc1959 (edited 12-16-2003).]
Also for the food, do I leave on the table or hand it too him..does it matter?
So is there like a jar for tips for the cafe or lounge area or do I hand it to them? Oh and I thought the lounge was just the site seeing area..they have people that serve you food there too?
Also you say it's best to tip after each thing instead of when the trip is over?
I have been hearing about those coins and $2 bills.. what's so special about them? Do I have to have them?
[This message has been edited by Midnight Sky (edited 12-16-2003).]
[This message has been edited by dmwnc1959 (edited 12-16-2003).]
Actually, you pose some interesting questions. There are definitely some people out there who are so far gone that they will steal a tip.
This is the way I see it. Tips are definitely appreciated by those who receive them. If you tip generously at dinner, the waitress who greets you in the morning will put a little extra effort into accommodating your needs and desires.
When I leave a tip, I wait until I see the waitress make her rounds, approaching my table. Then I put the money down, make eye contact, smile, say thank you and leave.
When I give an attendant or serviceman a dollar tip, I am very conscious of the fact that I'm being somewhat cheap. For this reason, I make eye contact, I press the dollar into his hand and I say, "Thanks for your help, go buy yourself a coke."
That's how I handle the situation.
I have usually tipped there with each purchase when I had the change so that my average tip per purchase would come out to the amount I chose. I think of it as similar to tipping a bartender.
Your server in the dining car is not the one who collects your money on the tab; it is some sort of in-charge person or chief of something. Money can be left on the table for the server like in a restaurant.
I would guess tipping coach attendants is not very common, therefore not expected. But it seems like a great idea. Nowdays they have 2 or 3 coaches to take care of, so you do not see them often. These people should not be tipped less because they are spread so thin.
I have a little travel pillow that stuffs into a small pouch sold at camping stores. It takes up very little space and when combined with the little Amtrak pillow, I can pretty much pad myself where needed to sleep in coach. My sleeping attire is a hooded sweatshirt and loose clothing for comfort. I consider it nesting as opposed to reclining.
White sox will not stay white on a train floor and you should always move about in slippers or shoes.
Backpacks are good, easier to stow overhead and leave a suitcase down in the luggage area.
I agree that tipping competent coach attendants is a good idea, especially with overnight trips. I like to give them a dollar or two. These guys and gals work very hard (often covering two or more cars) and get little recognition. Their faces really light up when you give them a small token of appreciation.
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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy
Breakfast - $8.75 - Tip $2.00
Lunch - $8.50 - Tip $2.00
Dinner - $22.00 - Tip $6.00
I know it's customary to tip 15% but oh well.
For me, the above examples are usually the norm that I tip when in the Dining car. On the Federal where I had a Sleeper, I gave the attendant $5.00 when I got off in Boston. In the Cafe Car, I usually leave a small tip every time I make a purchase, say, a $1.50 Diet Pepsi, I leave the 50 cents change from $2.00 in the tip cup. Tipping is entirely up to you but keep in mind that if you get good service, you should always leave a good tip.