Whether it's dropping an extra buck or two when paying for your morning coffee or tacking on 20 percent at the end of a meal at a restaurant, tipping is generally expected in the U.S. at restaurants, bars, salons, hotels, and for services like valet parking, delivery, and rideshares. But, for the past few years, Americans have been suffering from a lot of "tipping fatigue." In fact, a 2023 Pew Research study found that 72% of adults believe tipping is expected in too many situations—and 41% are unsure when and how much to tip at all.
While it's always nice to show appreciation for a job well done, there are a few situations in which you don't need to leave extra, according to etiquette experts. Read on to find out the different places and providers you never need to tip.
RELATED: 5 People You're Forgetting to Tip, Etiquette Experts Say
1 | Flight attendants
Svitlana Hulko / ShutterstockWorking as a flight attendant is a high-stress job requiring plenty of patience and understanding. After all, the same crew members who serve mid-flight beverages and meals also have to keep passengers safe—while also calming angry or unruly passengers. This may trigger your instinct to tip, but it's not necessarily the right thing to do on a plane.
"Generally, it's better to think of them as first responders instead of service providers," says Kristi Spencer, business etiquette expert and founder of The Polite Company. "Being a cooperative passenger and a simple and genuine 'thank you' at the end of the flight are the best ways to show your gratitude."
Some airlines have also adopted policies prohibiting flight attendants from accepting cash tips. But, if you're adamant about showing some appreciation, you might want to wait until the plane has landed.
"Some passengers pass the tip to flight attendants as they are leaving so as not to bring attention to the exchange," says Steffanie, a major airline flight attendant with nine years of experience. "If I'm asked if it's okay to tip me, I let them know it's not necessary, but it's their choice."
2 | Service technicians
6 | Home servicesShutterstockNo matter how handy you are, springing a leak or running into electrical issues is usually a sign you'll need to call a pro for help. While technicians are servicing your home or equipment, there's no need to pay extra for their hard work—especially considering how much most typically charge.
According to etiquette expertLisa Mirza Grotts, service professionals who are salaried or receive hourly wages from their company—like electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and appliance repair workers—generally do not expect tips.
Most likely, their efforts are compensated in their billing practices, Grotts says. Or, it's against company policy to accept them.
If you'd like to show your gratitude, a cold drink, snack, or kind word can be a nice gesture.
RELATED: 6 Surprising New Rules for Tipping, Etiquette Experts Say
3 | Fast food or store counter transactions
Here's How Much Fast Food Prices Have Really Gone Up, New Data ShowsShutterstockEtiquette experts agree: no tip is expected at fast-food restaurants' counters or drive-thrus. The employees manning these stations are salaried workers and the service of getting your meal to you quickly is built into menu prices.
In the same way, if you're picking up a drink or packaged food from a convenience store or deli, or buying a book or clothing from a store, that tipping screen that pops up at the beginning of your transaction is a suggestion—not a must.
In these situations, you should only tip if you're feeling generous or if the counter attendant went above and beyond to help you out.
4 | Self-checkout machines
Self-checkout has become the dominant checkout format for some retailers.iStockThe nerve! Yes, self-checkout kiosks throughout the country are adopting an odd habit: Asking you to tip. But machines don't need tips, and remember, you did all the work to scan and bag your own items. In this scenario, there is absolutely no reason to tip.
If the screen is demanding extra money anyway—like it did for one shopper who was just trying to buy bubble tea—then bring it up to a store associate for help.
RELATED: Shoppers Slam Self-Checkout Tipping Requests: "Stop This Madness"
5 | Professional or health services
skynesher/iStockFiling your taxes and staying on top of your health are important jobs that often require outside help. However, that doesn't mean you need to be adding on to your bill for their services.
"Tipping professionals like doctors, accountants, and lawyers, isn't advised because it crosses professional boundaries," says Spencer. "Instead, say thank you with a thoughtful card, a positive review, or a referral."
6 | Gratuity-included restaurants
ShutterstockRestaurants have long stood as the go-to example of a business in the U.S. where a 20% tip is customary for good service. However, not all dining establishments run the same way—including some that have gratuity automatically included.
"When you go to a restaurant that is prix fixe and everything is included or you pay ahead of time, you don't need to tip," says Grotts. In many cases, this can be the policy at higher-end restaurants or with fine dining. You'll spot a line that says "gratuity included" somewhere on the website, menu, or bill.
7 | Curbside deliveries
iStock / fotostormServices like curbside pickup for groceries or food orders can make you feel like you're getting special treatment, but in many cases, you don't need to tip.
"When you use curbside pickup for groceries, make sure to check the store's tipping policy," advises Spencer. "Some places don't allow tipping for pickup services, even though they may allow tipping for deliveries."
RELATED: 7 "Polite" Tipping Habits That Are Actually Offensive
8 | While traveling in some countries
iStock / AzmanJakaArguably, the greatest part about traveling abroad is being able to experience a culture that's different from your own. But while tipping may be customary in the U.S., it might not be the norm where you land.
Keep this in mind while booking tours or making restaurant reservations in other countries. "You will need to do your homework and read up on the customs before travel," suggests Grotts, adding that the expectation of a tip can also show up in some surprising places that aren't customary at home.
