If anyone knows how to get quality sleep in a hotel room, it’s a flight attendant. After all, some flight attendants stay in hotels up to 200 nights each year, so they know a thing or two about turning any hotel room into a home away from home. From dreamy pillowcases and luxurious eye masks to pest deterrents and aromatherapy sprays, here are a few flight-attendant approved products and tips to guarantee a peaceful slumber on your next getaway.

Curate Your Own Sleep Kit

Ask any flight attendant, and there’s a good chance they will have go-to sleep aids that help them rest after a long day in the air. Vera, a Boston-based flight attendant, suggested on TikTok that travelers create their own sleep kits in a compact toiletry bag. She explained, “You’re in an unfamiliar environment. You never know how bright it’s going to be in the room, how loud the hallways are going to be. So I have a kit that helps with all of that.” 

Vera’s must-haves include a contoured eye mask that blocks out excess light without putting pressure on the eyes and a set of high-quality earplugs designed for sleeping. (The Loop Quiet 2 comes with four different tip sizes for a comfortable, custom fit.) 

Another item in Vera’s sleep kit is lavender oil, which she says is now part of her daily wind-down routine. If you’ve never tried aromatherapy to help you fall asleep, consider the Pillow Mist by Baloo, which was ranked the Best Sleep Spray of 2024 by the Sleep Foundation. It combines calming scents of lavender and bergamot and comes in a 3.4-ounce TSA-compliant bottle. 

Clip Your Curtains

Picture this: You arrive at your hotel well after sunset and get into bed, only to be abruptly woken up at sunrise by light streaming through the curtains that you thought were drawn closed. Fortunately, flight attendants have a hack for this: a humble clip. 

TikTok user Sisterhood Women Travel shared this bit of advice from a clever flight attendant: Clip the curtains closed to avoid being woken up earlier than you want. No clips? Look in the hotel closet for a hanger with clamps, which will work in a pinch. Frequent travelers might also consider investing in their own set of lightweight plastic clips, which can not only block out light, but also be used to organize electronic cables, seal bags, or hang wet clothes in the bathroom. 

Bring Your Own Pillowcase

Tinsley, a flight attendant who shares her travel tips and tricks on TikTok, says that she always packs at least one pillowcase from home. Not only can sleeping on your own pillowcase from home be more comfortable, but it can also save you from coming into contact with bacteria and unwanted allergens that may be lurking in dirty sheets. 

According to allergist Dr. Tania Elliott, sleeping on a hotel pillowcase is one thing she would never do because of the commercial-grade detergents used by hotels. While they may remove dirt and bacteria, these detergents can cause irritation, which may disrupt your sleep. 

A simple hypoallergenic cotton pillowcase suits the needs of most travelers; for an upgraded option, consider Blissy silk pillowcases, which are made from 100% pure mulberry silk dyed with nontoxic chemicals.

Block the Noise

From late-night arrivals to weddings and events, you never know what might wake you up when staying in a hotel. Another recommendation from flight attendant Tinsley is to bring a portable sound machine. She uses the compact Hushh portable white noise machine from Yogasleep, which features three different white noise sounds and measures 3.5 inches in diameter. 

If you prefer more sound options, the Dreamegg White Noise Machine is slightly larger, measuring 4 inches in diameter and weighing half a pound, but it features 21 different noise options, along with a timer and volume adjustment. 

Check for Unwanted Guests

Before settling in to catch some z’s, many flight attendants have one more critical check: the bedding. Your first approach is to always examine the bed and upholstered furniture for unwanted roommates, namely bed bugs, mites, lice, and other pests. But you may also consider bringing your own repellent: After a run-in with hotel bed bugs 15 years ago, flight attendant Chelle now always sprays the hotel room bed with repellent.

“I spend about 180 days a year in hotel rooms,” Chelle explained on TikTok. “It’s the first thing I do when I get to my hotel room.” There are many pest spray options on the market: Chomp! is a naturally formulated peppermint-scented spray that targets bed bugs and dust mites. For a scent-free option, Hygea Natural also targets bed bugs, dust mites, lice, and allergens; both sprays are TSA-approved. 

Airplane food has a reputation for leaving something to be desired. While certain airlines go above and beyond for first- and business-class passengers, there’s a good chance that the average economy passenger may feel underwhelmed by the food they’re served. But the truth is that airplane food is a multibillion-dollar industry, which begs the question: Just how much do airlines spend on in-flight meals? Though some details are shrouded in secrecy, here’s what we’ve uncovered about the true cost of airplane food.

The Average Cost of In-Flight Meals

In 2015, Condé Nast Traveler analyzed data provided by the 10 largest domestic airlines to the U.S. Department of Transportation and found that those airlines spent an average of $3.61 per meal per passenger. This marked a steep decline from the late 1990s, when the cost was closer to $4.79 per meal. 

According to the magazine’s analysis, spending on in-flight catering reached a nadir back in 2007, when airlines were spending just $3.30 for the average in-flight dish. Much of that has to do with service cutbacks: Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the financial effects on the industry, airlines started to eliminate free in-flight meals — Continental Airlines (which later merged with United) was the last U.S. airline to provide complimentary meals in economy class on U.S. domestic flights. 

The DOT data from 2015 also showed that American Airlines spent the most of the 10 major airlines, with an average cost of $6.43 per meal, closely followed by United at $6.08 and Delta at $5.36. At the other end of the spectrum, JetBlue spent $1.39 per meal, while budget airline Spirit shelled out just 26 cents per passenger. (At the time, both airlines offered snacks, not full meals, but JetBlue has since introduced a business-class product called Mint, which comes with hot meals.)

Of course, those numbers were published a decade ago, and prices for everything have shot up in that time. That said, up-to-date data can be difficult to come by. A 2019 article in The Points Guy travel blog cited industry sources who stated that U.S. airlines pay as little as $4 for the average economy meal, between $25 and $30 for business class meals, and upwards of $100 for a multicourse, first-class dining experience. 

Meanwhile, a 2024 article for the travel blog Simple Flying showed a slight increase over those numbers, claiming economy-class meals cost between $5 and $15 per passenger, while business class runs between $30 and $50. First class may cost upwards of $100 per meal, though certain special offerings prepared by globally renowned chefs may run the airline as much as $300 per meal.

Who Provides Airline Food?

With billions of dollars being spent annually on airline food, it’s natural to wonder where all that money is going. There are several companies that specialize in airline catering, such as Gate Gourmet or LSG Sky Chefs. Since our taste buds are dulled at higher altitudes, airline food needs to be prepared differently, often with more spices. These catering companies have the training, knowledge, and resources to try to make sure the food tastes halfway decent in the air.

Some airlines have also partnered with famous chefs and major restaurants as part of a larger effort to attract customers. For instance, Delta Airlines and Shake Shack now provide the chain’s signature hamburgers to Delta’s first-class passengers in select markets. And in 2025, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is rolling out an exclusive collaboration with West Coast chefs such as James Beard Award winner Brady Ishiwata Williams. While there are no publicly known details as to what these collaborations cost the airline, the potential increase may be worth it to attract new passengers.

Which Airlines Have the Most Expensive In-Flight Food?

These days, U.S. airlines offer complimentary meals only on longer international flights, but they offer food for sale on shorter domestic flights. However, prices vary across airlines.

A 2023 analysis conducted by Finance Buzz determined that JetBlue tops the list of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines, charging $13 for an average entree. Delta was next up at $12 per entree, followed by Alaska at $10.50 and United at $9. Some airlines — such as Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United — offer free packaged snacks and soft drinks, while budget carriers such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit charge for just about everything aboard — even bottled water.

When it comes to alcohol, passengers pay an average cost of $10.61 per boozy beverage on Spirit, which is the highest of any of the 10 airlines that were analyzed. United, American, and JetBlue all charged an average price of $9, while Southwest charged the least for alcoholic beverages in 2023 — an average of $6.67 per drink.

Featured image credit: lechatnoir/ E+ via Getty Images

Navigating an airport can be challenging for anyone, but for those with a mobility disability, it often requires additional planning and support. Fortunately, there are many ways to make air travel smoother if you or someone you’re traveling with uses a wheelchair or requires other special assistance. This guide offers practical tips to ensure a more accessible and comfortable airport experience from check-in to arrival.

Know Your Rights: The Air Carrier Access Act

The Air Carrier Access Act protects passengers with disabilities by prohibiting airlines from discriminating against them. These regulations apply to all flights operated by U.S. airlines, as well as flights to or from the U.S. operated by foreign airlines. The ACAA requires airlines to assist passengers with disabilities whenever necessary, including providing a wheelchair or guided assistance during boarding, deplaning, and connections. 

Under the ACAA, airplane seating accommodations must also meet the needs of individuals with disabilities; these needs can be specified during the booking process. Additionally, airline employees must assist in the transportation of assistive devices (such as walkers), including checking them at the gate and stowing them during flight. These regulations ensure that flying is safe and comfortable for all airline passengers.

Before You Fly: Request Special Assistance

Airline employees will gladly assist you with your mobility needs, but you’ll need to notify the airline before you fly. You should be able to make requests during the booking process, where a special checkbox labeled “Add Special Assistance” typically appears. You’ll then be prompted with more specific questions so that the airline can tailor its services to fit your needs. This can include wheelchair use or escort service from check-in, through TSA, and to your airplane seat. If your special request does not appear on your emailed itinerary confirmation, reach out to the airline to confirm.

However, one aspect of accessibility that airlines do not control is airport parking. So, try to reserve accessible parking in advance if you need to leave a car at the airport. The airport’s website should provide ample information on parking options, including airport maps that clearly label parking garages, elevators, and ramps. With your parking spot secured, you’ll arrive at the airport with peace of mind.

Arrive Early at the Airport

The general rule of thumb at U.S. airports is to arrive two hours before your scheduled domestic flight and three hours before departure for an international flight. But those who require assistance might want to arrive at least an hour before those guidelines, just in case. 

This is because there might be a wait for a certain type of assistance, especially if you requested a wheelchair or cart service. If you’ve reserved a wheelchair or cart service in advance, your reservation information should indicate where to go to obtain access. This could be the check-in desk or another designated assistance point; when in doubt, look for an airline employee to direct you to the correct location.

Communicate With TSA

Navigating security checkpoints can be challenging for any traveler. Fortunately, special guidelines have been established to ensure a smooth process for travelers with mobility issues to pass through TSA quickly and efficiently. Effective communication with TSA officers is key to success: You can verbally notify an officer of your medical condition, or you can quietly hand them medical documentation or the TSA notification card, which you can download and print at home ahead of time.

If you are unable to walk or stand independently for screening, you may request to use a chair or to remain seated in your wheelchair or scooter. Wheelchairs and scooters are also screened during this process, and any removable parts will undergo X-ray screening. Other mobility devices, such as canes, crutches, and walkers, are also permitted through the TSA checkpoint. Items that fit through the X-ray device must be screened in this manner, so let an agent know if you need assistance at any point during this process.

For additional questions or concerns regarding security procedures for travelers with medical conditions, contact TSA Cares. Through this program, travelers can request a dedicated TSA Cares assistant to accompany them through a security checkpoint, ensuring a seamless experience.

Ask To Board Early

When you reach your gate, check in with the gate agent to discuss any mobility needs. This includes checking larger mobility devices, including walkers and collapsible wheelchairs, at the gate. If you need assistance getting through the jet bridge and onto the plane from the gate, let the gate agent know, and an employee can assist you with a wheelchair onto the plane.

Those needing a wheelchair or other assistance should consider early boarding. According to the Department of Transportation, “If you self-identify as a passenger with a disability who needs additional time or assistance to board the airplane, the airline must allow you to board the airplane before other passengers.” As the boarding time approaches, a gate agent will announce that preboarding is taking place, allowing passengers who require extra time and assistance to board first.

How To Navigate Layovers and Arrivals

If you’ve requested special assistance or an escort during your booking process, you should receive that assistance during your layover. If you need mobility assistance during a layover but aren’t traveling with a wheelchair or scooter, you may be able to request a courtesy cart to help you to your next gate.

Some U.S. airports, especially large hubs with many gates, operate these carts free of charge, but airports are not required by law to do so, so they may not be readily available everywhere. These golf cart-style vehicles can sometimes be reserved through your airline during online booking or by calling the special assistance phone number. 

However, at other airports, carts pick up passengers on a schedule, with no reservations needed. At Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, for example, electric carts pick up passengers every 10 to 15 minutes from designated cart stops along every gate in most terminals. Visit your airport’s website before your trip to determine what type of cart services are offered.

Upon arrival, remember that disembarking from the plane may take longer if you’ve requested special assistance. Typically, the airline will allow all other passengers to deplane first before assisting passengers with disabilities or those who use a wheelchair. The airline agent will also accompany you to baggage claim, if necessary, and stay with you until you leave the terminal and are en route to your destination. 

We all have our go-to in-flight beverage, whether it’s coffee, ginger ale, or tomato juice. (There’s a scientific reason for that last one). But have you ever paused to consider just how many drinks are consumed on a single flight — and how many disposable cups are used on planes around the world each year? According to statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in 2018 the airline industry was responsible for 6.1 million tons of plastic waste, accounting for about 2% of global plastic waste. Fortunately, several airlines are taking steps to reduce waste onboard — it’s one small way you can help make your next trip a little friendlier for the planet.

Which U.S. Airlines Are Eliminating Plastic Cups?

In 2023, Seattle-based Alaska Airlines became the first U.S. carrier to switch to paper cups for on-board beverage service. In a press release, the airline announced that the move would eliminate “more than 55 million plastic cups annually and replaces them with a more planet-friendly alternative.” The airline says switching from plastic to paper — including serving Boxed Water instead of water in plastic bottles — prevents 2.2 million pounds of plastic waste from ending up in landfills every year, the equivalent weight of 24 Boeing 737s.

In 2024, Delta Air Lines swapped to new recyclable and compostable paper cups for all international flights, followed by domestic flights in the first half of 2025. In total, the airline — one of the world’s largest — said that the switch eliminated nearly 7 million pounds of single-use plastic. Delta also replaced the plastic packaging with paper wrapping on nearly 60 million complimentary earbuds handed out for in-flight entertainment. 

Southwest Airlines also joined the no-plastics party in 2024, replacing the plastic cups it previously used to serve cold beverages with new cups made from a blend of bamboo and paper, along with a drink stirrer made from birch wood. The airline said it “expects these changes to reduce its in-flight single-use plastics by more than 1.5 million pounds annually” and “aims to eliminate single-use plastics from in-flight service by 2030.”

While you can expect other airlines to adopt similar policies in the near future, there’s a reason that some are still sticking with plastic, at least for the time being. According to Delta’s press release, the airline’s new cups required an extensive testing, research, and design process. The cups needed to be durable enough to hold both hot and cold beverages and easily stackable for flight attendants to fit in existing beverage carts. 

According to Delta, “One of the most important considerations in the transition to paper cups is that many versions include a plastic-based liner that can make them harder to recycle. This is made even more challenging with international regulations and mandates regarding single-use plastic varying significantly, resulting in a patchwork of rules Delta has to consider as a global airline.”

Other Aviation Sustainability Efforts

Reducing single-use plastics isn’t the only way airlines are looking ahead toward a greener future. Carriers are replacing many older jets with newer models that can be up to 20% more fuel-efficient, and some also see electric planes as the future for sustainable, short-haul air travel. 

While electric planes are still in development, in the meantime many airlines are investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). According to Sustainability Magazine, this type of fuel “has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuel, and airlines can use it and invest in its development to reduce carbon emissions.”

In the U.S., United Airlines is leading the way when it comes to SAF. In 2009, it was the first U.S. airline to test SAF and the first to introduce it on regularly scheduled flights in 2016. The SAF program is a big part of United’s ambitious goal to reduce carbon emissions by 100% by 2050. United is also the launch customer for the eVTOL, an electric aircraft that takes off and lands vertically, which could be used for commuter flights. 

Across the pond, Lufthansa is another pioneer when it comes to aviation sustainability. Not only does the airline plan to completely eliminate single-use plastic on board by the end of 2025, but it has also launched a first-of-its-kind “green fare.” When a customer chooses one of these fares, part of the fare goes toward reducing CO2 emissions by using SAFs on Lufthansa planes and by contributing to climate protection projects around the globe. 

How To Reduce Your Waste on a Plane 

Of course, even with the reduction in single-use plastics, there’s still a lot of waste on a plane. If you’re curious about how you can do your part to reduce that waste, here are a few simple suggestions: 

• Bring your own reusable water bottle or travel coffee mug and fill it up at the airport before you board your flight (but after you go through security). Once on board, you can ask flight attendants for refills. 
• Bring your own snacks and supplies: Instead of eating packaged snacks served on board, you can pack your own food in reusable containers. Similarly, instead of the disposable earbuds wrapped in plastic, remember to bring your own pair. (Plus, the sound quality will be better!)
• Opt for reusable travel-size toiletry bottles — it’s easy to find TSA-approved bottles, so you know you’ll always be complying with liquid rules. 
• Consider the aircraft: When you search for flights on Google Flights, a helpful feature notes the estimated CO2 emissions of each aircraft, highlighting newer models you can choose that are more fuel-efficient.

Feature image credit: Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines

In the United States, airline passengers are required to abide by the TSA’s rules and regulations, no matter how confusing or time-consuming they may be. But these security procedures are always subject to change, and in fact, the TSA just announced that it is doing away with a long-standing rule that many flyers found cumbersome. Even better: You won’t have to wait long for this change to take effect, as airports across the U.S. have already begun making the switch.

Keep Your Shoes On

In August 2006, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) instituted a new rule requiring all airline passengers to remove their shoes during the security screening process. This rule was enacted in the wake of the infamous “shoe bomber” Richard Reid, who tried and failed to ignite his bomb-filled footwear on a 2001 flight. The change in policy aimed to address concerns over other passengers potentially packing explosives into their footwear. 

But after nearly two decades of flyers going through the hassle of removing their shoes, the TSA is doing away with this rule. On July 8, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, whose department oversees the TSA, announced in a press conference at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., that the TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through U.S. airport security checkpoints.

This is a notable shift from the TSA’s previous guidelines, which mandated that all flyers remove their footwear except in certain circumstances. One such exception was for those signed up for TSA PreCheck, an expedited screening program that allows trusted travelers to pass through security checkpoints without having to remove their shoes, belts, or laptops. If you weren’t signed up for that program, most flyers were left with no choice but to remove their shoes.

When Will the Change Go Into Effect?

While some changes in governmental agency policy can take weeks, if not months or years, to implement, that’s not the case here. The TSA is changing its shoe removal policy effective immediately, according to Noem. On July 7, even before the formal press conference, CNN reported that travelers at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York, were allowed to keep their shoes on while passing through security. Of note, travelers may still be asked to remove their shoes for additional screening if they trigger any alarms or sensors. 

Why You No Longer Have To Remove Shoes

The TSA explains that this change is about improving the passenger experience, without compromising safety. In an official statement, Noem shared, “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.”

The TSA says the change will have no negative impact on passenger safety. In her press conference, Noem said, “The key to our approach is layered security,” adding, “In those 20 years since that policy was put in place, our security technology has changed dramatically. It’s evolved.”

The enhanced security measures include the recent implementation of REAL ID, which allows TSA to verify each passenger’s identity and in turn flag potential risks. Many airports are also outfitted with advanced technology such as computed tomography, a scanning mechanism capable of producing detailed X-rays much like a medical CAT scan, allowing TSA officers to know exactly what’s passing through each checkpoint.

Tipping is second nature for many Americans, but once outside the United States, the rules can change. In some countries, like Japan, tipping is actually considered rude. In others, a gratuity might be appreciated but isn’t expected. Elsewhere, tipping works much the same as it does at home. Whether you’re dining at a cafe in Paris, catching a cab in Mexico City, or getting help with your luggage in Rome, knowing when and how much to tip can go a long way toward respectful travel and mutual kindness. Here’s how much to tip in five of the most popular countries for U.S. tourists.

Mexico

Adding a tip (known as la propina) in Mexico is largely similar to tipping in the U.S., especially in restaurants and hotels where service workers often depend on gratuities to supplement generally lower wages. According to the travel experts at Frommer’s, it’s useful to pre-budget for tips and keep small bills on hand, ideally in pesos, the local currency. 

Restaurants and Bars:

• It’s customary to tip servers around 15% of the bill, but you can increase that amount to 20% for exceptional service.
• Note that a value-added tax or “IVA” (a 16% government tax) will also often appear on your bill, but this is usually already worked into the prices you see on the menu and not a service charge.
• Expect to tip your bartender around 20 pesos (approximately $1 USD) per drink, or 10% to 20% of the tab.
• Smaller street food vendors will often have a tip jar available, and while tipping isn’t mandatory, leaving a few pesos is appreciated.

Hotels and Resorts:

• A customary tip for housekeeping staff is about 40 to 60 pesos ($2 to $3 USD) for each day. 
• If you have hotel staff helping you with luggage, they should receive the same amount per bag, according to Frommer’s. 
• Tipping policies vary at different all-inclusive resorts, so make sure to check your resort’s policy in advance. Often, gratuities will be included in the cost of your package, and staff are not permitted to accept tips. But the lines can be blurry on whether you can or should leave a few extra dollars even with these policies in place. If allowed, aim to tip waitstaff and bartenders 10% to 15%, and housekeeping staff similar to standard hotel rates.

Taxis:

• Tipping for standard taxis isn’t common for locals, but if a driver helps with luggage, you can offer 10 to 20 pesos (up to $1 USD) per bag, or simply round up the fare. 
• For Uber or other app-based rides, you’ll have the option to tip through the app.

Other Considerations:

• If you plan to head out on excursions while on vacation in Mexico, feel free to tip your tour guide 15% to 20% of the cost of the outing.

Canada

Tipping in Canada is similar to tipping in the U.S. — it’s widely expected in restaurants, for personal services, and in other hospitality settings. Recently, digital payment screens have made tipping culture feel much more prominent, sometimes suggesting gratuities in places where tipping was once rare, including fast-food and coffee chains. Of course, tipping isn’t required, but if you’re in a situation where you’d like to add a gratuity, 15% to 20% is a solid baseline in most cases.

Restaurants and Bars:

• The standard for tipping at sit-down restaurants in Canada is 18% to 20% of the pretax total. You may be prompted for up to a 25% tip in larger cities such as Toronto, but it isn’t necessarily expected.
• For drinks grabbed at a bar, $1 CAD (about 75 cents USD) per drink or 10% to 20% of the bar tab is customary.
• If you’re ordering takeout or a treat at a cafe or bakery, Canada’s CTV News suggests a 10% to 15% tip.

Hotels:

• If you have bellhops helping you out with luggage, tipping them $2 to $3 CAD per bag is appreciated.
• Expect to tip housekeeping between $2 to $5 CAD per day — it helps to leave it daily as you likely won’t get the same staff member every day.

Taxis:

• In taxis and in rideshares, the etiquette experts at CTV News suggest rounding up your fare, or tipping 10% to 15% (especially if you have bags you need help with). App-based services such as Uber will also usually give you the option of a higher amount. 

United Kingdom

In general, tipping in the U.K. is less expected (and if you do tip, it’s more modest) than in North America, but it’s still customary in hospitality situations. Another difference is that service charges are sometimes added automatically, particularly in restaurants, so it’s worth scanning your bill before to avoid double-tipping.

Restaurants, Bars, and Pubs:

• A 10% to 15% tip is standard at sit-down restaurants in the U.K. However, many places add a service charge (usually around 12.5%) — you’re not obligated to tip on top of that, but you may want to add extra for exceptional service. 
• The service charge amount is set by individual businesses, and while it can be declined, refusing to pay one is rare and often seen as impolite unless the service was truly subpar. 
• Historically, tipping at U.K. bars and pubs has not been common, but recently, thanks to the proliferation of digital payments, more establishments are either adding 10% service fees to the tab or prompting for a tip. Ultimately, tipping is still voluntary.

Hotels:

• While tipping at hotels isn’t expected, guests may choose to do so at their discretion, especially for housekeeping and bellhops. A standard gratuity is around £2 to £3 GBP (or $3 to $4 USD) per day.
• In hotel restaurants, if no service charge has been added to your bill, it’s customary to tip between 10% and 15%.

Taxis:

• It’s considered polite to round up your taxi fare in the U.K. to the nearest pound, or to tip around 10% to 15% of the total fare. 
• If you have a longer trip or your driver helped with luggage, consider tipping a bit more — up to about £5.

Italy

In Italy, tipping is not necessarily required, but it is, of course, appreciated — especially in places that regularly cater to tourists. While most Italian service workers receive a higher salary than their counterparts in North America, it hasn’t necessarily kept up with the cost of living over the years. Many establishments will also add fixed service fees to the bill, though that money doesn’t always go into servers’ pockets.

Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes:

• When dining in Italy, there will sometimes be a service charge, or servizio, included in your bill. This means the gratuity is already factored in, and there is no need to tip. 
• Another charge that may appear is a coperto, or a cover charge; this applies to bread, water, olives, or other table settings. Cover charges most often range from €1 to €3 euros (about $1.50 to $3.50 USD) but are not considered a tip. 
• If no service charge is listed, leaving around 10% to 15% as a tip is considered a nice gesture. Often, even when the charge is included, it’s common to round up or leave €5 to €10 per person at a sit-down dinner.
• At informal eateries, such as trattorias, rounding up to the nearest euro is considered sufficient.
• Tips aren’t expected at bars or cafes, but you may wish to leave a small amount of change (around €0.50 to €1) at the counter. If you’re receiving table service, you can tip around €2 to €3.

Hotels:

• A service charge of 15% to 20% is often included in hotel stays in Italy, especially in tourist-heavy areas; additional tipping is not expected.
• However, consider leaving an additional €1 to €2 per day in your room for housekeeping.
• Bellhops and porters will appreciate €2 to €3 per bag if helping with luggage.

Taxis:

• A standard tip for taxi drivers in Italy is around 10% to 15% of the fare, but it’s also common to just round up to the nearest euro note. So, if your fare is €12, you might pay them €15 as a simple way to say thanks.

Other Considerations:

• Frommer’s suggests not to skip out on the gratuity for one service in particular when traveling in Italy: tour guides. A good rule of thumb is to tip about €5 per person for a half-day tour and around €10 per person for a full day. If your guide went above and beyond, don’t hesitate to tip a little extra.

France

Tipping in France is appreciated but not expected in the same way as it is in the U.S. Prices at restaurants, salons, and hotels typically include service fees, but leaving a few euros for excellent service is always a thoughtful gesture. Note that tips are best given in cash, as many credit card machines or slips don’t offer a tipping option.

Restaurants and Bars:

• Tipping in France isn’t required, since French restaurants, bars, and cafes must legally include a 15% service charge (service compris) on all bills. That said, it’s still common to leave a bit extra — rounding up or leaving a couple of euros — as a gratuity.
• If you’re grabbing an espresso or a glass of wine from a counter and paying up front, tipping some small change or rounding up is a nice touch, but it’s not required.

Hotels:

• Modest tips for hotel staff, especially in more tourist-heavy areas, are appreciated — €1 or €2 per bag for bellhops, and €2 to €4 per day for housekeeping.
• If a concierge goes out of their way to help you with reservations or recommendations, €5 to €10 is considered a thoughtful thank-you.

Taxis:

• While tipping taxi drivers isn’t required in France, it’s common to round up the fare to the nearest euro. For longer trips or help with bags, you can add an extra €1 or €2.

Other Considerations:

• Here’s a situation we don’t often encounter in the U.S.: If an usher shows you to your seat in a theater or music venue while you’re visiting France, it’s customary to tip them around €2.