[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by jyl

Various "how do you handle this" questions relating to business traveling. I'd be interested to know what's the norm here. [I put in my practice in brackets.] Feel free to add your own questions too. Thanks.

1. When room service brings your meal, and the bill already has a "service fee" (typically 17%), do you add an additional tip?

[Service fee only - I never order RS]

2. How about when eating at a hotel restaurant where the bill already has a "automatic tip" included (typically 15%), do you add an additional tip?

[yes, to get it up to 20% total. But this is talking business travel - I don't eat at restaurants unless meeting with peers for work. My CONUS habits are to hit Starbucks for coffee and eat a Cliff bar (that I always have at the ready) for breakfast. Generally skip lunch or might do sandwich/deli if handy, grocery store fare (bread,cold cuts, ready to go meals, wine) for dinner which I eat in my hotel room. Outside the US all bets are off.]

3. What do you tip for getting you a cab, or retrieving your car from valet parking, or taking your luggage, or storing your luggage/coat at the coat check, or similar small tasks?

[I can't remember the last time I used a cab. Baggage/Car park - a couple bucks]

4. If the hotel posts a notice that the bedding will be changed only if you request it, do you?

[Only if I stay longer than 5 nights]

5. Do you go out of your way to save money, if it is all being reimbursed?

[I always underspend my per diem except for hotel - I prefer staying < 15 minutes drive to site and that generally means I pay more for the hotel (Hilton Family).]

6. Will you change flights to avoid a center seat?

[I have never had to do that and would not. I do save money by flying to places like BWI vs IAD/DCA. Sure it's an additional 30 minute drive but I have saved up to $500 doing so.]

7. How much luggage do you take for a typical biz trip of up to a week?

[A backpack with laptop & "stuff" and one roller that fits in the overhead. I can go 2+ weeks easy in that configuration - everywhere I have traveled there is some sort of laundry available.]

8. Do you ever add pleasure days to a biz trip, like stay over the weekend, etc?

[Once in the last 15 years.]

9. Do you unpack your clothes in the hotel or leave them in your suitcase?
I will hang my dress shirts and pants. Everything else stays in my suitcase.