Air traffic controllers can't accept tips, so the best thank-you is a few kind words they'll actually see. Find the facility that handled your flight and leave a note on its thank-you wall at Thank ATC. It's free, takes about 30 seconds, and needs no sign-up. You can thank them for today's flight or one from years ago.
Why you can't just tip a controller
In the U.S., air traffic controllers are federal employees of the FAA. Federal ethics rules don't let them accept money for doing their job, and gifts given because of their work are tightly limited. A cash tip, a gift card or an expensive present can put a controller in an awkward spot, even when it's meant kindly.
Words are always welcome, though. Most controllers never hear how a flight turned out once it leaves their frequency, so a specific note ("the reroute around the storms got my family home for the holiday") means a lot.
Five ways to thank air traffic controllers
1. Leave a note on the facility's thank-you wall
Every U.S. tower, approach control (TRACON) and en route center has its own public thank-you wall on Thank ATC. Search by airport code, city or facility name, write a few lines, and post. Every post is reviewed before it appears, so the walls stay kind. Not sure which facility handled your flight? Use the flight chain lookup: enter where you flew from and to, and it shows the towers, approach controls and centers that typically handle that route.
2. Mail a card to the facility
A handwritten card pinned to the break room board can brighten a whole shift. Ask the airport's administration office for the control tower's mailing address, and address it to the Air Traffic Manager. Include the date, time and flight number if you know them, so the team can tell who worked your flight.
3. Send a commendation to the FAA
For something above and beyond, such as help during an emergency, write to the FAA through its contact page and name the facility, date, time and flight. Formal compliments can be passed along to the controllers involved.
4. If you're a pilot, say it on frequency (briefly)
A quick "thanks for the help" at a handoff, when the frequency isn't busy, is a small courtesy controllers notice. Keep it short, and save longer thanks for a phone call to the facility after landing or a note on its wall.
5. Give to the controllers' own charity (optional)
The NATCA Charitable Foundation is the 501(c)(3) run by air traffic controllers. It supports disaster relief, scholarships and causes in the communities where controllers live. On Thank ATC, 100% of a controller thank-you donation goes to the NATCA Charitable Foundation, and you give directly on its own page. Donating is never required to post a thank-you.
What to write
Short and specific beats long and general. A few ideas:
- "Thank you for the smooth vectors into Miami tonight through all that weather."
- "Student pilot here. Thank you for your patience on my first solo."
- "Our flight home for the holidays landed right on time. Thank you to everyone working it."
- "My dad was a controller for 25 years. Thank you for carrying on the work."
First names, dates and flight numbers are welcome for everyday flights. If your note is about an emergency, it's kinder to leave out names and details.
A good day to do it
October 20 is the International Day of the Air Traffic Controller. It's a nice reminder, but any day you land safely is a good day to say thanks.
Common questions
Can you tip an air traffic controller?
No. U.S. air traffic controllers are federal employees, and ethics rules don't let them accept money for doing their job. A written thank-you, like a note on their facility's wall at Thank ATC, is the best way to show appreciation.
How do I find out which controllers handled my flight?
A typical airline flight talks to several facilities: the departure tower, an approach control, one or more en route centers, then the arrival approach control and tower. Thank ATC's flight chain lookup shows the facilities that typically handle a route between two airports.
Do controllers actually see the thank-you notes?
Each facility's wall is public, and controllers, pilots and travelers can read it anytime. Many controllers never hear how a flight ended, so a specific note is welcome.
Is posting a thank-you free?
Yes. Posting is free, takes about 30 seconds and needs no sign-up or donation. Optional donations go 100% to the NATCA Charitable Foundation.
Can I thank them for a flight from years ago?
Yes. Thank-yous for old flights are just as welcome: a first solo, a scary night in the weather, or a trip you still remember.