Tipping in the US has gotten…complicated. What started as a voluntary act of gratitude has quietly evolved into a social obligation, seen everywhere from fine restaurants to self-checkout kiosks. The result? The country is filled with confused, guilt-ridden consumers who are unsure whether they are being generous or simply being fooled.
A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 72% of U.S. adults believe tipping is now required in many situations, and most people don’t always know when to tip or how much to tip. So it’s not just you. Etiquette experts, service industry insiders and consumer behavior researchers have all weighed in on where that line actually falls, and the consensus is clear: Some tipping expectations have strayed far away from where they should be.
Detailed below are 14 places where it’s totally reasonable to skip tipping, with expert guidance and intimate knowledge of the room. No need to feel guilty.
1. Flight attendant
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Flight attendants hold the unique professional position of managing passenger safety, de-escalating mid-air conflicts and serving beverages at 30,000 feet. While this may seem worthy of a tip, it’s best to think of them as first responders rather than service staff.
A simple, sincere “thank you” and being a cooperative passenger are the best ways to express your gratitude. Additionally, many airlines have policies prohibiting flight attendants from accepting cash tips. While some passengers may be wary of offering money upon deplaning, cabin crew generally value polite manners over crumpled bills.
2. Service technicians
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When a plumber, electrician, or appliance repairman completes a job, it seems appropriate to tip them, especially in an emergency. However, these professionals typically earn a salary or hourly wage, and their compensation is built into their service fees.
They generally don’t expect tips. Additionally, many companies have policies prohibiting their service personnel from accepting them. If you feel the need to show extra gratitude, offering a cold drink or leaving a positive comment online may be more helpful and avoid any embarrassment. Posting glowing reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp actively supports their business in a way that a cash tip cannot.
3. Fast food restaurants and counter service staff
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Tips are becoming more common at fast food counters and drive-thru restaurants, but etiquette experts agree that tipping is not required in these situations. Employees are paid by the hour and the business model is built on speed, not an additional service that requires an additional fee.
Prompt screens are often a feature of payment software rather than a reflection of social expectations. That said, if an employee provides exceptional service, such as patiently handling a complex order, tipping is a personal choice. The point is that it should be a choice, not a reaction to a guilt-inducing screen.
4. Self-service checkout machines
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The emergence of tip prompts at self-checkout machines has confused many shoppers. The machines are non-sentient, and all the work of scanning and bagging is done by the customer. There is no legitimate reason to tip the newsstand.
If a self-checkout screen prompts for a tip in a way that seems confusing or forced, it’s a good idea to alert a store employee. Consumer advocates say these tips often exploit social pressure rather than employees’ true expectations.
5. Doctors, Lawyers and Accountants
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Tipping professionals such as doctors, lawyers, or accountants is not only unnecessary, it may also be inappropriate because it may cross professional boundaries. These are licensed professionals who set their own fees and operate within a regulated industry that has ethical codes regarding pay.
Instead, a heartfelt thank you card, a recommendation to a friend or family member, or a positive online review are all meaningful and appropriate ways to express appreciation for excellent service.
6. Restaurants that include tips
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Some restaurants, especially upscale ones, will include the tip directly into the final bill. If the menu or receipt clearly states that a service charge or tip is included, there is no need to add an additional tip.
Adding another tip is not expected and sometimes confuses the staff. Best practice is to read the menu or bill carefully before paying. If you’re not sure, feel free to ask your waiter.
7. Curbside Pickup
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While very convenient, curbside pickup is not the same as a delivery service that brings items to your door. It’s wise to check the store’s tipping policy, as some locations that allow tipping for delivery do not allow for pickup. Curbside employees are typically regular, salaried store employees rather than gig workers who rely on tips.
To them, a tip is a surprise, not a financial necessity. The same cannot be said for delivery, as these workers typically earn lower base wages and travel independently.
8. Hotel room service for short stays
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For multi-night hotel stays, tipping housekeeping is a common and appreciated practice. However, for a single night stay where minimal housekeeping is required, expectations are much lower.
A general guideline for accommodations with full room service is $1 to $5 per night, but less is available for short stays. If the room is in good condition when you leave, it’s not a social mistake not to tip. For longer stays or where more service is involved, leaving a tip on the pillow is still a kind and appropriate gesture.
9. Countries that don’t tip when traveling abroad
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Tipping practices vary widely around the world. While an 18-20% tip is standard in the United States, it may be considered rude in Japan. In countries such as Iceland, France and South Korea, tipping is basically not required.
It’s important to research local customs before traveling. In many places, service workers receive a living wage and no tips are required. Tipping may even inadvertently send the message that you think the employee needs a handout. A quick online search can avoid embarrassing situations.
10. Coffee shops offering basic drip service
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Tipping etiquette in coffee shops is often debated, but the consensus is that it depends on the order. For a simple cup of drip coffee, which simply requires the barista to pour it from the tap, the justification for tipping is weak. Counter workers are usually paid at least minimum wage, and a simple transaction doesn’t involve the same labor as a complex, custom-made espresso.
Tips are more meaningful for a well-crafted order, a regular customer who expresses appreciation, or when the barista provides excellent service. The key is to differentiate between ten-second trades and trades that require skill and timing.
11. Owner-operated business
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When the person providing the service is also a business owner, such as a salon owner, independent seamstress, or individual massage therapist, tipping is completely optional. These professionals set their own prices and receive full payment directly for services.
Tipping your host is not a traditional expectation. Conversely, praising their work, becoming a loyal customer, or recommending their business to others are all equally valuable ways to show appreciation.
12. Delivery of furniture or appliances
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A standard delivery of furniture or appliances by a store employee usually does not come with the expectation of a tip, especially if it is simply a door-to-door delivery. However, the dynamic changes when delivery workers perform additional labor, such as carrying heavy items up several flights of stairs, navigating tight spaces, or assembling furniture.
For simple deliveries, no tip is required. For those who go the extra mile, a cash tip of $5 to $20 per person is an appropriate and appreciated gesture.
13. Cafeteria
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At a buffet, customers select their own food and bring their own plates, handling most of the service themselves. Staff are usually limited to clearing plates and refilling drinks, which is much less common than at a full-service restaurant.
Tipping is not a standard requirement at buffets, but is optional. If the waiter was particularly attentive, a tip is a kind gesture of thanks, but not tipping does not constitute a breach of etiquette.
14. Paid ride or delivery apps
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Many ride-sharing and delivery apps include service fees or other fees on top of the base fare. It is reasonable for consumers to believe that these fees contribute to workers’ compensation. Therefore, additional in-app prompts may feel like you are being asked to pay twice.
However, especially for rideshare drivers, the base fare can be quite low after the platform takes its cut. Deciding to tip your driver for a long, safe or enjoyable journey is still an act of genuine kindness. For a short, peaceful trip where the obligations are much lower, skipping the in-app prompts is a reasonable choice.
Tips are intentional but not obligatory
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It always makes more sense to tip where it counts rather than tipping here and there out of habit or social anxiety. Understanding which situations truly call for extra generosity can free up financial and spiritual energy, and allow true gratitude to fall where it matters most. A little bit of literacy goes a long way.
Read more:
14 Restaurant Habits That Make Your Waiter Wish You’d Stay Home
15 American Habits That Are Weird to the Rest of the World
