Tipping on the EB

[Nleprohn]

2 of us traveling SEA to CHI next week in a roomette. I'd appreciate suggestions for tip amounts for each meal and for the sleeping cart attendant. I consider myself a good type and generally leave 20% when I eat out. Thanks.
(I did search the threads but only found comments about cash for tips generally. Not amount)

 

[Nleprohn]

Never mind. Finally found a great explanation under Tipping.

 

[railiner]

Since coach passengers are not allowed in diners, how do you find out current prices, for tipping purpose?

 

[crescent-zephyr]

Since coach passengers are not allowed in diners, how do you find out current prices, for tipping purpose?

You don’t. I’ve never looked at the bill (unless traveling in coach) I always tip $2-5 for every meal. Usually $2/3 for Breakfast and Lunch and $5 for dinner.

If I know the crew I won’t tip anything for breakfast / lunch and leave a big tip on my credit card when I buy a drink with dinner... although now that’s free too.

 

[Bob Dylan]

You don’t. I’ve never looked at the bill (unless traveling in coach) I always tip $2-5 for every meal. Usually $2/3 for Breakfast and Lunch and $5 for dinner.

If I know the crew I won’t tip anything for breakfast / lunch and leave a big tip on my credit card when I buy a drink with dinner... although now that’s free too.

But it's only 1 FREE Adult Drink, so get it with Lunch ( if it's allowed,, there's a Post saying some LSAs only allow it @ Dinner)then order your favorite Drink(s) with your Traditional Dining Dinner. and tip accordingly.

 

[Aegis]

For a roomette I would also tip 10-20. Depending on service. A room $20 per night... For the most part service on the EB has been excellent..WIll be doing Seattle to Chi in Nov. I carry $200 in 5's for tips.

 

[crescent-zephyr]

I wish Amtrak employees could add Venmo and PayPal info to their cards that they hand out. I hate carrying cash and having to plan for tipping.

 

[flitcraft]

I wish Amtrak employees could add Venmo and PayPal info to their cards that they hand out. I hate carrying cash and having to plan for tipping.

Or Alipay, like street buskers in Beijing. I tried to give a street musician cash and he insisted I pay with Alipay on my phone. (Not only do I not have Alipay but I don't bring phones or computers to China, so he was out of luck.)

 

[Nleprohn]

I'm old school and prefer to tip in cash. But then, I also still write checks on occasion. Don't think my adult kids even have checks.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I'm old school and prefer to tip in cash. But then, I also still write checks on occasion. Don't think my adult kids even have checks.

Ditto!

 

[Night Ranger]

I'm old school and prefer to tip in cash. But then, I also still write checks on occasion. Don't think my adult kids even have checks.

Roger that. Our 2 sons, both in their 40s, are amazed that we still use checks for a lot of our bill payments. Everything that can be paid electronically by them is. Our older GrandGirl is living on her own now and has never written a check.

We still prefer to pay and tip in cash when eating out and tip in cash when appropriate for other services. So far no servers have ever complained.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

I'm amazed at how many people don't mind causally forfeiting an extra 5% on rent, mortgage, or car payments just to avoid using paper. I've found automated physical check payments that come straight from my bank to be a good middle ground option between savings and convenience.