Time for a bell services tip upgrade?
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Her Dotness · 02-21-2018, 10:15 AM

Most websites suggest at least $1 per bag/item, more if any are unusually heavy or require other special handling.

DISboards says $3 per item.

I’m wondering if we need to increase our tipping since we drive and typically have 10-12 bags and things.

We’ve been giving $1/per with a few dollars more because we’ve so much stuff for only two people. Except, I just realized that’s what we’ve tipped bell services for the past several years.

Is it time for a raise, do you think? If so, how much?

lovewdw2 · 02-21-2018, 12:02 PM

Great question! I don’t know for you, but for me if I have bag/luggage I would tip $3.00.

Now for our trip in May, I haven’t decided whether I am using the yellow tag- if I bring on the bus and I will have an extra bag with me, I may give $5 or $6, to Bell Services.

Do you really have 10-12 bags?

Pris · 02-21-2018, 12:30 PM

Are all of those 10-12 bags heavy suitcases, or are there sacks and such included? I could see maybe $20 total, but don't know. I am a tipper, but not necessarily a good one, except at restaurants.

Her Dotness · 02-21-2018, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pris

Are all of those 10-12 bags heavy suitcases, or are there sacks and such included?

Usually no more than 2-3 that are bulky/heavy. Yes, a fair number upon checkout are Disney Parks bags. You can’t imagine why, I’m sure.

Quote:

I could see maybe $20 total, but don't know.

That’s how much we’ve usually given upon leaving, particularly since we often stay close to the holiday season.

I wonder if at least $2/bag and $3-$4 for heavy ones may be more appropriate anymore.

**HiddenMickey** · 02-21-2018, 01:20 PM

I don't know, $1 a bag still seems fair to me.

However, we don't use their services that often. I'd say 2 out of 3 trips we carry our own stuff in and out.

MsLydia · 02-21-2018, 02:23 PM

We always use DME and the yellow tags, so we don't use traditional bell service, but I do tip the driver $1 a bag for the carry on's we bring on the bus and then bell service $1 a bag for holding them if our room isn't ready or when we check them for the airline on the way home. I think that is reasonable as neither of these are the same level of work as escorting you to your room with all your luggage. In that case I think $2 to $3 a bag is more appropriate.

As the last person in the universe to prefer a good old fashioned taxi, How much do you tip the Bellmen for calling you a taxi ? I usually go with $2

CinderAbby · 02-21-2018, 06:43 PM

We fly so we see the skycaps first and I usually tip them $2 a bag. If I'm in the room for DME to bring them to me, I'll tip the same.

What's weird though is every time I do, I get the biggest smile and "Thank you" from them like they don't expect me to tip them. I'd hate to think it's because these people aren't tipped by others. I appreciate their service so I say it with money along with a Thank you.

Sue M. · 03-04-2018, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CinderAbby

We fly so we see the skycaps first and I usually tip them $2 a bag. If I'm in the room for DME to bring them to me, I'll tip the same.

What's weird though is every time I do, I get the biggest smile and "Thank you" from them like they don't expect me to tip them. I'd hate to think it's because these people aren't tipped by others. I appreciate their service so I say it with money along with a Thank you.

I’ve never been in my room when DME delivers our luggage, and probably many aren’t. I’ve read that because this is generally the case their wages reflect this, and tips are included in the wage.

lovewdw2 · 02-22-2018, 12:14 PM

With the curbside at the airport I normally tip $5 for the 2 bags, and I get a nice Thank you! Wondering now if they don’t get tipped either.

I am like Pris, I tip better at restaurants!

luvnwdwgal · 02-26-2018, 12:31 PM

We always tip $5 for our 1 checked bag and 2 carry-ons. I would probably just give them $20 for all your bags.

**yalibrarian** · 02-27-2018, 11:06 PM

We don't need Bell Services as often as those who fly, but we always start with $2.00 and go up. So when picking up a reserved scooter, $2.00, unless they do something more than just hand us the key and point to it. If I had baggage delivered to my room, I would expect to tip a minimum of $5.00 for two or three bags. We have several large boxes of medical supplies delivered to our room each trip and tip at least $10.00 for that as they are awkward and heavy.

Generally, I think $2.00/bag is still a good number, rounding up to five, ten, etc. for extra good service.

feonag · 03-03-2018, 10:23 AM

We always fly and never have more then 2 full sized suitcases. If we ever need bell service to help with bags(usually only for split stays) then we always give them $5. $2 just seems really stingy. I also tip the skycap that checks our bag at the resort for airline check in at least that.

Sue M. · 03-04-2018, 02:17 AM

Good point Dot. I’ve always calculated $1/bag too. Plus a little extra.

MichaelF · 03-04-2018, 01:10 PM

Tipping is one of those personal decisions that vary for everyone. Its customary to tip in the US but not that way in other countries. I think everyone should tip what they are comfortable with for the service provided .

Her Dotness · 03-04-2018, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelF

I think everyone should tip what they are comfortable with for the service provided .

Yes, I agree.

However, I also don’t want to tip less than may have become the new norm. That’s why I mentioned that I realized we’ve been tipping $1/bag for several years. I was wondering if others feel that’s inadequate anymore as much as room rates and cost of living have increased.