Frontier’s 2019 tipping experiment drew criticism from flight‑attendant union

Based on · First reported 3 Oct 2026

Frontier Airlines ran a pilot tipping program for flight attendants in 2019, despite tipping not being a standard expectation on U.S. carriers.
The Association of Flight Attendants‑CWA publicly condemned the program, stating that tips should not replace appropriate base compensation for aviation safety professionals, while the FAA emphasizes that flight attendants’ primary duty is passenger safety and the BLS notes airlines are legally required to staff flight attendants for safety and security.

Why it matters

The union’s criticism highlights concerns that airlines might use tips to offset wages for safety‑critical staff.