How Much Should I Tip a Curbside Porter at the Airport?

I've never used a curbside porter before at the airport, but I've been thinking maybe I should. It'll save some wear and tear on the old bod and I won't have to wait in line inside. I know you don't tip airline employees handling your baggage, but do the porters work for the airlines? Or do you tip them directly?

As you say, agents at the check-in counter inside the terminal are airline employees, prohibited from accepting tips. Company policies typically forbid them from accepting gratuities to avoid any appearance of favoritism or impropriety.

Curbside skycaps are independent contractors, not airline employees. That's why they can accept -- and expect -- tips.

If you don't want to tip to have your bags handled at the airport, all you have to do is walk inside and hand them off to the counter agents. It's that simple.

However, in Las Vegas, especially on Sunday and Monday mornings and after a holiday, big convention, or event, the lines at the check-in counters can be insanely long. Though you might have to wait for a traveler or two in front of you, the lines at curbside check-in aren't halfway to Nova Scotia. It's often worth the tip to take care of your bags outside, then walk in unencumbered and free to bypass the hordes.

Outdoor baggage handlers often greet you right at the drop-off vehicle with a baggage cart. Since their income is heavily dependent on tips, they have to hustle. If you give your luggage over to one, he'll ask you for your ticket or boarding pass and ID, print your baggage tickets, slap the bar-coded label onto your luggage, and hand you your claim ticket.

The typical tip, at least from what we've seen in our research, is $2 a bag. If they're oversized, or very heavy (for your front-yard rock collection), or awkward (golf clubs, surfboards, boxed bicycles, or a contrabass), let your conscience be your guide. If it's raining, intensely windy, or over 90 degrees and you get good service, you can tip more.

Long-time readers are probably aware that we're on the George side of this equation; we always tip more than expected. Even for one bag, we tip $5. For special circumstances, we're not averse to handing over two fives. That's why we always have plenty of fives, and singles, on our person when we travel. Being prepared for your tipping essentials is never a bad idea.

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Comments

thebeachbum May-04-2025

Quit Carrying

Agree with the last paragraph. I just about quit carrying one dollar bills when I go to Vegas.  If you have ever relied on tips as income, $5’s look nice in paper green or chip red.

stephen rosol May-04-2025

bag check at rental center

other option that has limited hours is bag check at car rental center-- very nice to avoid lugging bags on the shuttle---but only operates limited hours per day.  I agree $5 minimum for curb side---they also are typically not so tight on the weight limits

O2bnVegas May-04-2025

Always $5

I tip $5 for my one bag, always have.

Candy

Toni Armstrong Jr. May-04-2025

Tipping at airport

I agree with $5/bag for the porters at the airport. We won’t miss the extra couple of bucks, but it means more to them. Along those lines, travelers using the accessibility service of having someone push you in a wheelchair should probably tip $10, especially if you’re being moved a distance. Be generous.

John May-04-2025

Thanks For The New Word...and A Grin

I almost always take my contrabass to Las Vegas.  When I stay in the Kingpin Suite at the Palms, in between frames I like to noodle out a few solos.

Thanks for a day starting smile!

DeltaEagle May-04-2025

To John

The bowling alley at South Point is better. They will also shine your bass while you bowl a few lines.

[email protected] May-04-2025

Tipping

Always give them 5 per bag. Well worth it to avoid the hassle

John Foisy May-04-2025

Skycap service

 The last time I flew to Las Vegas, I had to walk with a cane.  So I decided to check my bags with a skycap. The service is absolutely wonderful and I have been kicking myself for not using it all the other times I flew. It is definitely worth tipping at least $5 a bag. By the way, wheelchair service with United is excellent.

John May-04-2025

Say...Delta Eagle...

Thanks!  I appreciate the tip.  Between games will SP polish my balls?  Just wondering.  ;)

4 weeks from tomorrow!  Can't wait!

Dan McGlasson May-04-2025

tip to save money

Forty years ago, I had to fly STL to AMA.  I had one bag, heavy, and two boxes, well packed but also heavy.  I knew all three would be past the weight limit inside the terminal.  I tipped the skycap $20 (which is $60 now) and asked if he could get my luggage on the plane.  He smiled and did so, and I did not have to pay any overweight charges.  That was a bargain to me!

Llew May-04-2025

Wheelchair service

There have been times when I have needed wheelchair service at LAS.  I always call ahead so I would be picked up at the shuttle stop. From there, I would be taken directly to the desk to get my boarding pass and check my larger suitcase.  
Through security which, unfortunately, was not so easy.  My wheelchair escorts always helped me through this somewhat difficult procedure. 
Next stop would be to get something for breakfast (I fly to the Right Coast, so I always have to catch an early flight). 
Then on to the departure gate, which requires a ride on the shuttle and a long push to the departure gate. 
For this service, I never tip less than $20.  A bit more if the person schlepping me around has been exceptionally pleasant/helpful.  
At one time in my life, I worked jobs in which tips made up most of my income. Now that I am in a good place financially, I like to pay it forward.

Jersey Jeff May-07-2025

George

$5 a bag, these porters work hard.

Question of the Day - 04 May 2025

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