By Karim Hammam
Outrage over tipping culture has erupted again after a self-service checkout at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey prompted customers for an 18 percent tip. The incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media and prompted a response from airport authorities.
Video Sparks Backlash
Clay Moss, a doctor who shares health videos on Instagram, posted a video showing himself purchasing a $6.49 bottle of water at a kiosk with no staff present. The self-checkout screen suggested an 18 percent tip, leading Moss to question who would receive the gratuity. Social media users flooded the comments, calling the practice "madness" and "insane," with one user wishing for a "negative tip option for irritating me."
Port Authority Responds
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said the hospitality company managing concessions at Newark, OTG, will remove the tipping prompt immediately. A spokesperson stated that tipping prompts have no place at self-checkout kiosks and that they had previously worked with OTG to prevent such prompts. The Port Authority also said it will confirm no other self-checkout kiosks are requesting tips. The Independent has reached out to OTG for comment.
Consumer Sentiment on Tipping
A March study by restaurant technology company Popmenu found nearly 80 percent of consumers believe tipping practices have become ridiculous. The same study showed 59 percent of consumers feel compelled to leave a tip when a digital screen asks for one, down from 66 percent in September 2025.
