Airline pilots generally can't accept tips, so the best thank-you is a few kind words. Thank the crew at the door as you leave, and send a compliment to the airline with your flight number and date, since airlines pass those along. To do more, you can give to a pilot charity. And remember the controllers who worked your flight too: you can thank them for free on Thank ATC.
Why you can't tip a pilot
Airline policies generally don't allow pilots to accept tips or cash from passengers. Pilots don't expect anything, either. A sincere thank-you, especially one that reaches their airline, means more.
Five ways to thank airline pilots
1. Say it at the door
The pilots often stand at the flight deck door as you leave. A quick "great landing, thank you" takes two seconds and is always appreciated.
2. Send a compliment to the airline
Use the airline's customer feedback or compliments form and include the flight number, date and route. Airlines can pass compliments along to the crew, and praise from passengers is noticed. It's the most lasting way to thank a pilot.
3. Leave a note with the flight attendants
A short handwritten note or a card handed to a flight attendant for the flight deck is a classic. Keep it simple.
4. Thank the controllers who worked the flight too
Every flight is a team effort between the pilots and the air traffic controllers on the ground. On Thank ATC you can leave a free note on the thank-you wall of each facility that handled your flight. The flight chain lookup shows which ones.
5. Give to a pilot charity (optional)
Pilots run their own charities, and you can give in their honor. On Thank ATC you pick the charity, and 100% of your donation goes to it: ALPA Pilots for Pilots (emergency relief for pilots and their families), the Delta Pilots' Charitable Fund (children's charities where Delta pilots live), the SWAPA Pilot Relief Fund (Southwest pilots facing hardship) or the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation (flight scholarships in memory of a Flight 93 pilot). You give directly on the charity's own page.
What to say
- "Smoothest landing I've had all year. Thank you."
- "Thanks for keeping us informed during the delay. It made a long day easier."
- "My kids loved seeing the flight deck. Thank you for taking the time."
Common questions
Can you tip an airline pilot?
Generally no. Airline policies don't allow pilots to accept tips from passengers. A thank-you at the door or a compliment sent to the airline with your flight number and date is the best way to show appreciation.
How do I compliment a pilot to the airline?
Use the airline's customer feedback or compliments form and include the flight number, date and route so it can be passed to the right crew.
Can I donate in a pilot's honor?
Yes. On Thank ATC you choose a pilot charity, such as ALPA Pilots for Pilots, the Delta Pilots' Charitable Fund, the SWAPA Pilot Relief Fund or the LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation, and 100% of your donation goes to it. It's always optional.
Who else helped get my flight home?
Air traffic controllers at the towers, approach controls and en route centers along your route. You can thank them for free on each facility's thank-you wall at Thank ATC.