When Dr. Clay Moss tried to purchase a bottle of water at a CIBO Express self‑service kiosk in Terminal C of Newark Liberty International Airport, the screen prompted him to add an 18% tip. The unexpected charge – $1.17 on a $6.49 purchase – sparked a viral video that quickly spread across TikTok and Instagram, prompting a national conversation about tip culture and automated payment systems.
What the video revealed
In the clip, Moss questions the purpose of the tip prompt, asking, “Who am I tipping here?” He removes the suggested gratuity and completes the transaction without it. Viewers responded with a mix of amusement and criticism, noting that the tip request seemed out of place in a fully automated setting where no staff are visible.
Port Authority’s explanation
According to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the 18% charge is not a gratuity but an “Employee Benefits Surcharge.” The surcharge was approved in December 2024 and is intended to help fund annual wage increases for thousands of airport workers and offset labor‑related costs tied to minimum‑wage requirements and the Healthy Terminals Act.
A Port Authority spokesperson told TODAY.com that they are working with the kiosk operator, OTG, to remove the tipping option from the machine shown in the video. “Tipping prompts have no place at self‑checkout kiosks,” the spokesperson said. “We have contacted OTG about the kiosk and expect the tipping option to be removed immediately. We will also confirm that no other self‑checkout kiosks are prompting customers for tips.”
Public reaction and broader context
Commenters on the video expressed frustration with what they described as “tip culture fatigue.” One viewer noted that many countries rely on wages rather than gratuities, asking why the United States continues to push tipping expectations. Others pointed out that airport workers do perform essential tasks – stocking shelves, cleaning, and assisting customers – and wondered whether the surcharge actually benefits those employees.
Industry analysts have observed a growing trend of businesses adding optional tip prompts to self‑service stations, from coffee shops to fast‑food counters. A recent survey cited by Inc. indicated that 40% of consumers are tipping less this year due to tighter budgets and rising prices, suggesting that mandatory or pre‑selected tip options may backfire.
Implications for travelers
For now, passengers at Newark Liberty can expect the tip prompt to disappear from the affected kiosk, and likely from other self‑checkout stations as the Port Authority conducts a broader review. Travelers should remain vigilant when using automated payment systems and read fine‑print details to avoid unexpected charges.
The incident underscores a larger conversation about how technology, labor costs, and consumer expectations intersect in public spaces. While the surcharge aims to support airport employees, the presentation of the charge as a tip has raised questions about transparency and the appropriate way to fund wage increases in an era of increasing automation.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
