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Hoist Yer Damn Bag To The Overhead Yerself, Ya Lame Old Goat!


Of course, those exact words weren’t spouted at me when I asked the flight attendant to stow my carry-on. But that was the meaning when she curtly told me she wasn’t required to do it. After being wheeled through the airport and assisted in boarding, this slightly feeble 92-year-old kinda expected help.

In olden days, when I was a younger, healthier flier, stewardesses always gladly helped me with overhead stowing and everything else. However, these days, and probably after a union meeting declaring their independence from doing anything physical for passengers, the no-help rule applies.

The situation with the U.S. airline is also disturbing because my recent experiences with many foreign airlines are much different. Their flight attendants happily assist with hoisting carry-ons and politely perform other in-flight duties not practiced here anymore.
Q: How Much Should I Tip On My Cruise? PDF Print E-mail


We’re booked for a big luxurious new cruise ship. We expect to pay a fixed amount for our cabin, dining, entertainment and all the other inclusive features. What about tipping those who serve us aboard? LMR, Santa Fe NM

A: Before you sail, talk with your travel agent and/or the cruise line about tipping. To make it most convenient, you may be offered a deal where a specific one-time amount is added to your bill to cover all tips. It could include your cabin steward, bartenders, waiters and all other service people. However, be aware that working on a cruise ship requires long work schedules, often as much as 16 hours a day. Additionally, because most cruise lines are not required to follow American labor laws, the service crew pay is minimum, often as low as land-based fast food restaurants. Unfairly or not, the cruise lines expect service workers to supplement their income with tips.

We recommend that you opt to tip individuals aboard when you experience superior service. This could happen in your cabin, at the pool, entertainment, while dining or at the bar.
 
 
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