But there's a little bit of a loophole in the broader no-tip policy: Flight attendants can usually accept small gifts. Sue Fogwell, a former flight attendant for United Airlines, said that a handful of passengers offered her gifts throughout her 22 years with the company.

Excellent question! This is a common point of curiosity for passengers who want to show appreciation.

The short answer is: Yes, United flight attendants can accept gifts, but there are important guidelines and strong cultural norms they follow.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the policy and etiquette:

Official United Airlines Policy

United does not have a strict, publicly posted “gift policy” for cabin crew. However, flight attendants are governed by general company rules regarding ethics and anti-bribery. The key principle is that they cannot accept gifts that could be seen as seeking preferential treatment or that have significant monetary value.

What is Generally Acceptable (and Appreciated!)

Small, thoughtful tokens are almost always welcome and are a lovely gesture. The most popular and safest options are:

1. Sealed Treats: Individually wrapped chocolates, candies, or premium snack bars. This is the #1 most common and appreciated gift. It’s easy to share with the crew in the galley.
2. Gift Cards: Small-denomination cards to ubiquitous places like Starbucks, Target, or Amazon ($5-$10 is very generous). These are easy for crew on the go.
3. Handwritten Notes: A sincere thank-you note is often cited by crew as the most meaningful “gift.” It takes no space in their luggage and can really make their day.
4. Small, Useful Items: Things like fancy lip balm, hand lotion (in TSA-compliant sizes), or nice pens can be a hit, especially on long trips.

The “Golden Rule” of Gifting to Crew: Keep it Small, Simple, and Se