If you order a meal in a restaurant and experience excellent service, you may be compelled to leave a sizeable gratuity in appreciation — perhaps up to as much as 20% of the total bill for your meal.

How much would you tip a waiter or waitress if they simply delivered your meal to your table and then you never saw them again?

This scenario is why FlyerTalk member BadJelly wonders in the Room Service Tip thread “In the in room dining situation, the meal is dropped off and that is the end of the server. Why is the expectation that the percentage is going to be as high?” when reading about the experience of FlyerTalk member FindMeTravel, who was automatically charged a 22% gratuity when ordering room service.

What a breath of fresh air to see a thread such as the Everything You Want to Know About Medical Oxygen on UA Planes thread as graciously posted by FlyerTalk member Pat89339, who lists which seats on which United Airlines aircraft where medical oxygen is provided.

Breathe deep and inhale the information from that thread, especially if you require medical oxygen when you fly as a passenger on United Airlines, as does Pat89339.

Alternatives that are available when securing a seat equipped with medical oxygen have been posted by other FlyerTalk members.

FlyerTalk member milesintexas has a question about bringing a companion on-board a Southwest Airlines flight:

“I know this has probably been asked here before. And I am not trying to cheat the system. But here it goes. I am a companion pass holder. ( My wife designated me her companion). I have also earned a companion pass w/ a 100 credits. (Designated my girlfriend my companion!). If my wife books a ticket, I know I can fly for free. Can my girlfriend fly for free as well?

Just wondering what the policy is.”

How would you respond? More importantly, would the wife mind?

See how FlyerTalk members respond in the Companion question. thread.

…whether they are on-duty or off-duty?

Although the incident recounted and currently being debated in the Off-Duty Flight Attendant Cuts Line.. thread pertains to a flight attendant cutting in line at the gate while boarding an aircraft, what about if the flight attendant cut in line at a security checkpoint instead?

FlyerTalk members opine regarding all sides of this issue.

…if you won them?

Where would you travel? Who would you bring with you? Like we really need to ask, but in which class of service aboard the aircraft would you plan to be a passenger?

Here is your chance to find out, if you decide to participate in the Million Mile Sweepstakes, as the lucky winner will walk away with 1,000,000 Delta Air Lines SkyMiles. Of course, there are terms, conditions and details regarding entry and participation in this promotion.

The contest ends 28 February 2009.

FlyerTalk member mrviognier cautions to Watch Out for 1st Quarter 09.

This is because the worldwide economy is currently in such bad shape that there is a real possibility that some restaurants might not be able to last through these difficult financial times. Some may even be forced to file for bankruptcy.

Other FlyerTalk members speculate that now many not be a good time to purchase restaurant gift cards for future use.

Are the predictions that dour? Will a strong fourth quarter save some, if not many, restaurants?

UK air passenger duty (APD) will be changing (and increasing).  The current European vs inter-continental split will change to a distance based tax.  Longhaul business and first class will get the biggest tax, up to £110 from 1 November 2009 and £170 in 2010.  Ouch.  The taxing changes are discussed here.

In the Best FA One Liner’s thread, there is a list of phrases allegedly uttered by flight attendants, some of which ar absolutely hilarious.

Here is an example of a few but not necessarily the best of the many “one-liners” posted in that thread:

• For those of you who have not ridden in an automobile since 1967 I will now demonstrate how to operate the seat belt.
• In the unlikely event that we need to use the under-seat life jackets or seat cushions, they will be yours to keep.
• We are bringing the beverage/food cart out, please keep your hands, legs, elbows, noses and any other PROTRUDING ORGANS to yourself
• If you’re traveling with a child, or someone who is acting like a child, put the mask over your face first and then put the child’s mask on. If you’re traveling with more than one child, pick your favorite.
• As you may have read in the news yesterday, American Airlines has announced this route will be eliminated. We know you have a choice in air travel and I look forward to seeing you on another airline.
• If you are traveling with a child, or someone who is behaving like a child, put your mask on first and then help the brat.

Back on 13 June 2008, The Gate reported that US Airways Eliminates Earning Bonus Miles for Elite Members.

However, FlyerTalk member DMInsider, who is the Director of Marketing Programs at US Airways, announces that “US Airways is announcing the reinstatement of Preferred bonus miles and the 500 mile segment minimums for all Preferred members. We’ll be awarding retroactive Preferred bonus miles for flight activity from August 6 through November 19, 2008. We’ll also be retroactively posting segment minimums for flight activity from May 1 through November 19, 2008.

The company will also be announcing that all Dividend Miles members will receive a minimum of 500 miles for each segment flown on US Airways Shuttle. US Airways Shuttle 500 minimum miles accruals will also be retroactively credited for qualifying flights taken between May 1, 2008 and Nov. 19.”

Of course, some FlyerTalk members who are US Airways Dividend Miles members are happy, some believe that this is a step in the right direction, some believe that this is too little too late, and some are rather skeptical in general. Their reactions and opinions to this news can be found in the MERGED THREADS – CONFIRMED: US Airways Bonus Miles To Return (Retroactive) thread.

What is a Yapta?

Find out in the Yapta to monitor for reward availability thread, where there are links to announcements via the Internet that Yapta will monitor award availability on the following airlines:

• Continental Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• US Airways

…and use of this service is reportedly free of charge!

Information may also be found in the Sunday Travel section of the New York Times.