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Skycaps take American Airlines to court over loss of tips
American Airlines is set to lose quite a bit of money after a Boston judge ruled Skycaps from 85 airports can join a class action lawsuit against the airline.At the heart of the ruling is an American Airlines $2 fee for curbside bag check-in at the airport. In the past, curbside check-in was considered free - but tipping the skycap was customary. Once American implemented the $2 fee, passengers assumed that covered the entire cost.
One Skycap testified that his daily tips dropped from $200 to $70.
Logan airport skycaps already won a ruling, awarding them $325,000 to be split between nine workers.
Sadly for American Airlines, their money making scheme may have backfired quite badly. If other skycaps win in this class action lawsuit, any money the airline made with the fee will probably be wiped out.
I'm torn over the issue - none of the new sources mention whether the skycap tips came on top of their salary, or whether they had to live off tips like some restaurant staff members. Assuming they made a normal salary, their $4000/month in tips seems fairly generous. I'm also sure the IRS will be paying attention to this case as it wouldn't surprise me if cash tips were not always reported accurately.
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Airports, News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Joe Feb 6th 2010 3:01PM
These guys must think they are federal employees or something. The skycaps are a bunch of affirmative action loosers that want something for nothing or very little work. They should get minimun wage and tirs are optional. And yes they do lie on their tax returns --I've worked with these jokers and there is not many worth a flip. Go work for obama you loosers
Scott Feb 6th 2010 8:48PM
Always ironic when people refer to other people as "loosers". If anyone deserves to make minimum wage, it's rude people who can't even spell their insults.
$$ $$ $$ $$ $$ Feb 6th 2010 3:55PM
Aaahhh... the American dream. To win a lawsuit and get free money.
mark Feb 6th 2010 6:28PM
Are you kidding, free money? Who wanted the free money is the airline. They have no business charging to check the bag that you have to pay for them to carry on the airplane in the first place. Not only should american have to pay these guys all the money collected at $2 a pop, they should have fork over millions more for their stupid money scheme, and make up the difference any scy cap lost above the 2$ for each and every customer they served.
Whiskey Feb 6th 2010 7:13PM
Actually, the real dream is to run a corporation and steal people blind with bullshit fees and outrageous bonuses.Then, when the public catches on, bitch and moan about "tort reform" and blame it all on trial lawyers... and of course, there are plenty of corporate tool morons like yourself that keep em in business.
bryon Feb 6th 2010 3:56PM
since when has tipping become a must? You make a salary, and tipping is an option, except when its part of a salary. I hate those jars on counters and I really dont need you to take my bag, I can handle it myself.
Jason Feb 6th 2010 7:13PM
Then do NOT use the skycap, moron.
bryon Feb 6th 2010 8:14PM
Jason your an idiot! My post was about tipping! Here's a tip for you, learn to read.
Unless of course you're a skycap that has his begging hand out.
fly-me-up Feb 6th 2010 4:11PM
i have never used the sky caps...they have been rude to me and my friends, they have refused to handle certain bag and baggages, they have refused to go get a wheelchair, and they have used profanity in there replies to me and my friends...i wish i worked for the IRS cause i would make them account for every penny they get tipped...if they are loooosing money - get another job - they are hiring at 7 -11,
but there aren't any tips and plus you must work...anyone can throw a bag on a cart and throw it again on a belt going to the plane...plus lets account for all the items stolen by sky caps...enough said...
muffinfluffer Feb 6th 2010 7:50PM
yes, enough said.
Mike Feb 6th 2010 4:32PM
Here's a tip for you, PLANT YOUR CORN EARLY!!!!
Susan Feb 6th 2010 5:47PM
Skycaps are paid NO salary, at least not at Charleston International Airport, and the tips are their bread and butter, so to speak. They have been hit very hard with the baggage fees, etc., and a lot of skycaps that we have here at senior citizens that are trying to supplement a very small fixed income. Tipping isn't mandatory, but quite frankly, to not tip a Skycap is tacky. Fly-me-up, your post is awful. You assume that skycaps don't work? I have a disabled niece that requires a wheelchair to/from the plane, and the Skycaps we have here have been nothing but wonderful in making sure that they have the chair available as soon as her flight arrives. I sincerely hope that they do not leave the airport here for a job at 7-11. The majority of thefts at the airports are by 1) individuals that lurk around baggage carousels that have NO business at the airport and 2) ramp agents that have sticky fingers. I have not personally heard of a Skycap abusing his position and taking from anyone. I wouldn't doubt that it's happened somewhere, but the chances of that are few and far between.
debbie Feb 6th 2010 4:41PM
YES,Skycaps ARE paid like waitresses..They make 4.00 and hr so the tips are VERY important...They do the jobs for tips,so when that is taken away in this economy it is terrible.Then try and find another job,again,in this economy,when some skycaps have worked over 20 yrs in that job....They deserve the money,and noooo the IRS doesn t need to know how much is made in tips from skycaps,waitresses or any other person that gets tips...That is why some of work in positions to get tips..It CAN be very lucrative and the government doesn t need to TAKE any more money from any of us
me Feb 6th 2010 5:45PM
why shouldn't they pay taxes on their tips???.... I have to pay taxes on what I make !!!
Seasoned Traveler Feb 7th 2010 12:21AM
I have always used the Skycaps, And I appreciate the conveinance they offer me. I treat them like the hard working human beings they are; thay have often solved little problems for me with my seating and boarding passes. Joe when you treat people like "losers" and use racially charged words like you do, do not be suprised at the responses and attitude you get. And don't think people cannot sense your attitude from more than just your words. In my life I have found that those who call others 'losers' and treat people like dirt are themselves what they describe.
bosco Feb 6th 2010 4:55PM
More Americans need to take legal action against the ravenous policies of the airlines. Will luggage become a thing of the past like actual meals and courteous service? Flight attendants expect passengers to remain in thoer seats, but basic necessities are impossible ot get. And, how can anyone, and especially families be expected to travel without luggage? Luggage fees are putting family travel beyond the reach of most families. The continuned growth business model is a failure and more business will continue to fail as they search for only bigger profits insteasd of providing a product/service worth wanting. Are there any venture capilatists out there with the courage to American up and create a new airline model? Southwest is on the right trail...so far.
Ela Feb 6th 2010 6:13PM
And the wage below minimum of $7.50 is illegal as well. How someone's salary can be $4.00/hr? Airline has workers paid below minimum ?
LMG Feb 6th 2010 5:34PM
Never use the sky caps. The fees are going to really back fire in the long run I think. Some people have to fly, others have a choice. If I am going away, I will send my garments ahead of me with UPS via ground service for $12.00 and choose my 1 carry on. I will only fly with those airline who still believe in customer service. I will bring my own food and who knows....pee bottle if necessary. SICK of the Airlines. You don't have to mess with my bags, I am capable of doing it myself. Oh, and if you force me too because you got backed up inside, I will not tip or pay extra.
Elizabeth Feb 6th 2010 11:54PM
FLYBOYZII--wow you are something, could be anymore of a racist? I definately not a fan of President Obama but geez...
pete Feb 6th 2010 5:54PM
Typical of AA. I had to cancel a trip to the Beijing olympics due to death of my mother in a car accident. American Airlines refused a refund, or even an adjustment on my tickets, telling me I could use them to travel at another time for "only a small fee" for changing the flight. Like I could wait until the next Olympics in China!
The dam tickers for my wife and I were a little over $1,000. The CEO of American got $3.4 MILLION that year, and he was worried about giving me $1,000.
Bunch of grand a-holes!