Traveling By Taxi? Here's How Much To Tip
It's tough to beat the convenience of taxi travel whether you're in your own city or on vacation, but it's important to remember that while you're enjoying watching the scenery pass by, your driver is working hard to get you to your destination in a safe, timely manner. Most people understand that it's proper etiquette to tip their driver at the conclusion of the ride, but it's important to remember that this process involves more than just saying "keep the change." By following a specific tipping protocol, you can ensure that your tip accurately reflects the driver's care and attentiveness. Here are the factors to consider.
The Basics
The appropriate amount to tip your driver is between 15 and 25 percent, according to publications such as Bloomberg Business and USA Today. Granted, this range is considerable, but this is the norm because not every cab ride has the same circumstances. Keep this range in mind when you're calculating the tip and determine the end of the range on which you wish to tip based on a number of specific criteria.
Help With Luggage
It's proper etiquette to factor the degree to which a driver helps you handle any luggage when you're determining how much to tip. If you're traveling to the airport, for example, you might have several pieces of luggage that the driver loads in the trunk for you. Although you probably won't ask for help with everyday items such as a backpack or a briefcase, help with other items, including a wheelchair, crutches or a guitar case means you should tip a few percent higher within this range; although there's no universal rule about specifically how much to tip a taxi driver who handles your luggage, a porter who performs the same duty at an airport or hotel should earn about $1 per bag. Keep this amount in mind as you calculate the tip.
The Extras
Consider tipping toward the upper end of the 15 to 20 percent range when your driver goes above and beyond to make your trip enjoyable. For example, a driver who engages you in pleasant conversation throughout the ride, provides some interesting facts about the area in which you're traveling or clearly makes an effort to avoid traffic is going above and beyond his basic job description. Likewise, look for a driver who's exceedingly courteous -- for example, one who finds a covered area for you to debark while it's raining. Although the exact point within the suggested range depends on the specifics of your experience, a generous tip is always the best way of saying thanks for a job well done.
To learn more, contact a taxi company like White Top Cab Company.