The controversy erupted when traveler Clay Moss shared video footage of an unstaffed Newark Liberty International Airport terminal requesting a gratuity on a $6.49 bottle of water. Following public backlash, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey directed concessionaire OTG to immediately eliminate the prompt. Port Authority officials stated that gratuity requests do not belong at automated kiosks and are inspecting other airport stations to verify compliance. The incident mirrors a broader trend, with recent Popmenu research showing that nearly 80 percent of consumers view current tipping expectations as ridiculous.
Key points
Airport management confirmed that gratuity prompts have no valid operational place at aut…: Airport management confirmed that gratuity prompts have no valid operational place at automated, unstaffed self-checkout stations.
A Popmenu study revealed that 59 percent of consumers continue to feel pressured into tip…: A Popmenu study revealed that 59 percent of consumers continue to feel pressured into tipping when faced with automated digital screens.
Overall public frustration with gratuity culture remains exceptionally high, with approxi…: Overall public frustration with gratuity culture remains exceptionally high, with approximately 80 percent of surveyed consumers viewing modern tipping practices as ridiculous.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
The internet is up in arms over the tipping prompt, with one social media user saying, ‘Wish they had negative tip option for irritating me’
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People are outraged once again by out-of-control tipping culture after an airport self-service checkout asked for an 18 percent tip.
Nearly 80 percent of consumers said tipping practices have become ridiculous in a March study from restaurant tech company Popmenu. Now, Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has become the lightning rod.
“Anyone else being asked to tip…nobody?” Clay Moss, a doctor who shares health videos on social media, asked in the caption of a recent Instagram video.
Moss filmed himself buying a bottle of water for $6.49 at a kiosk with no worker in sight. He then showed the screen at self-checkout, suggesting an 18 percent tip.
“Who is this automatic 18 percent tip that I have to click out of…
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