An airport lounge is intended to be a place of refuge from the terminal, offering a quiet area to wait, some food, and a complimentary drink. However, recent reports indicate that this experience is being marred by staff at United Clubs soliciting tips.
One passenger recounted an incident where they were asked for a tip while dealing with personal grief. "I ordered my drink in the United Club and my mind was elsewhere. The bartender points to the tip bucket and says 'tips go right there.' I look up probably bewildered looking because I’m bereaved and he scoffs at me."
Another report from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) described a bartender near the F gates who demanded tips. Similarly, at Chicago O’Hare's United Club, an attendant was overheard asking another patron for a tip with the phrase "no tip?" as the individual got up to leave.