Airport Kiosk Sparks Outrage by Suggesting 18% Tip for Self-Checkout

A recent incident at an airport store has ignited online discussion after a self-checkout kiosk prompted a customer to add an 18% tip for purchasing a bottle of water. The encounter, documented and shared on TikTok, highlights the increasingly prevalent practice of suggested gratuities even in fully automated retail environments.

Dr. Clay Moss, identified as a longevity specialist, posted the video showcasing the self-service payment terminal that automatically presented tip options of 10%, 15%, or 18%. The incident occurred at an undisclosed airport where the store operated entirely without visible staff. Moss questioned the purpose of the automatic tip prompt, particularly when no employees are directly involved in the transaction.

"Who is this automatic 18% tip that I have to click out of for? Who am I tipping here? Is this what we’ve come to?" Dr. Moss stated in his TikTok video.

He elaborated that while tips typically go to store staff, the destination of tips in a transaction handled by a third-party payment processor or app can be unclear. "If a third-party payment processor or app is used, the tip is routed through that system to the vendor; policies about distribution vary by company and employer," he explained in the video's caption.

The video quickly garnered reactions from TikTok users, with many expressing frustration with the expansion of tipping culture. One commenter suggested that customers should receive a discount for performing the self-checkout tasks themselves, while others voiced general dissatisfaction with the practice.

Dr. Moss offered advice for consumers encountering similar tipping prompts. He recommended declining the gratuity by selecting the "no tip" option. If clarification is needed regarding where the tip is directed, he suggested inquiring with any available staff. For those seeking to avoid such situations altogether, he advised carrying cash.