TIPPING ALTERNATIVES

Gift cards. Whenever Washington lobbyist Anthony DeMaio flies home for the holidays, he packs a few Starbucks gift cards. “I know that the holiday pay bonus is fairly minimal and only the most senior flight attendants are able to take vacation time around Thanksgiving or Christmas,” he says. Gift cards, unlike cash tips, are never turned down.

A letter of commendation. Praising a flight attendant’s performance in writing can be more meaningful than any cash reward. Airlines can use the letters to determine promotions, bonuses and other perks. So the next time an airline employee does something nice for you, consider writing a letter to the company as thanks.

A present. A thoughtful gift can make all the difference, even a small one. In fact, passengers tell stories of offering candies, chocolate or snacks to hungry-looking attendants and getting great treatment in return.