Roemer says cash and gift cards make for great gifts (although some airlines do not allow flight attendants to accept cash, and tipping is not considered a standard travel etiquette protocol).

Generally, no, you should not give flight attendants cash tips. Most major airlines (Delta, United, American) have strict policies prohibiting crew from accepting cash, as they are considered safety professionals rather than service staff. Accepting money can be seen as a bribe for free alcohol or seat upgrades, which is a terminable offense for the crew. The only major exception is Frontier Airlines, which actually prompts for a tip on their payment tablets. For other airlines, if you want to show appreciation in 2026, the best "tips" are sealed treats (like a box of chocolates) or, even better, a positive commendation through the airline’s app or website. Naming a crew member in a survey is highly valued and can lead to internal rewards and promotions for the attendant, which is far more beneficial to their career than a twenty-dollar bill they might have to decline anyway.