Quantcast

Delta Air Lines clarifies tipping policy after lounge controversy at LAX

Routes 360 Headlines: Key Stories Of The Week (W/C October 20, 2025)
LATAM CEO: New Aircraft Mean New Routes, Engine Woes Remain A Concern
Boeing wins FAA approval to hike 737 MAX production to 42 planes per month
IATA Highlights Critical Priorities for Aviation Safety and Operations
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 22, 2025)
First new Qantas Airbus jets come with one toilet for every 90 economy passengers – worse than Jetstar, Scoot and Ryanair
Breeze Airways becomes the first new US flag carrier in a decade — just as rival Spirit fights its 2nd bankruptcy
Airport runway close calls spur hopes for wider adoption of cockpit alert technology
Family sues American Airlines over deadly crash near National Airport
United Airlines briefly grounds all flights in US, Canada for second time in 2 months
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike
United Airlines lifts brief ground stop after tech issue prompts FAA halt
Spirit Airlines preparing to furlough one-third of its flight attendants
‘Hypocrisy’ and ‘blackmail’: Ryanair’s feud with Spain
Exclusive: Turkey's surprise Air Europa deal came down to one key thing: control
Major airline launches exciting new route from Scotland to popular US location
Airlines fear carbon tax as flagship climate scheme develops holes
Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
Turkish Airlines has no intention of raising stake in Spain's Air Europa, chairman says
US lawmakers want Trump to reinstate delay compensation plan for air travelers
IATA pushes to raise international pilot retirement age to 67
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest’s New Wheelchair Policy Will Require Passengers to Remove 1 Item Before Boarding — What to Know
Aviation expansion: IndiGo to start direct Mumbai-Copenhagen flights from Oct 8; marks entry into Nordics - The Times of India
Major change for ALL Aer Lingus passengers flying from busy airport to offer 'modern and streamlined' experience
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Southwest requiring removal of batteries from mobility devices before boarding
Qantas’ milestone move for huge, new planes
Delta Air Lines clarifies tipping policy after lounge controversy at LAX
Policy
Webp messenger creation 9647f0e4 3237 456e 88ac 9f1390a1d245
Delta Air Lines | Official Website

A recent incident at the Delta One Lounge in Los Angeles International Airport has sparked controversy and discussions about tipping etiquette in airport lounges. A passenger reported on Reddit that a waiter at the lounge provided him with a laminated card displaying Venmo details alongside the Delta One logo, suggesting a request for a tip. This act was perceived by some as a breach of etiquette, leading to divided opinions on social media platforms.

The Delta One Lounge, a premium facility reserved for first-class passengers and invited 360 members, usually offers luxurious services without expectations for tipping. The use of Delta’s logo on the card raised concerns, prompting discussions on whether such actions should be considered a breach of Delta’s policies.

Delta Air Lines clarified its stance through a conversation with the New York Post, stating that while employees can accept tips, they are prohibited from soliciting them. Any indication of tipping supported by the airline, as suggested by using the company's logo, is against their policy. Delta emphasized that “Any situation where an employee solicits a tip, whether it is with a paper card or verbally, is not allowed.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Social media reactions varied, with some users finding comparisons to tipping seen at hotels and restaurants valid, while others felt such behavior warranted reporting and potential disciplinary action. This incident aligns with past controversies, such as a viral photo of a tip jar placed in the showers of Delta One Lounge, sparking a broader discussion on tipping norms.

In the broader context, tipping in airport lounges is uncommon outside the United States, contrasting with American customs where tips are often expected. In most European, Asian, and other regions, tipping practices differ significantly, with airport lounges rarely expecting tips.

Delta Air Lines continues to uphold its policy of non-solicitation of tips, and this incident at Los Angeles International Airport serves as a reminder of the differences in cultural expectations surrounding tipping in various service environments.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025