Required tips: The bucks stop in Denver

I was surprised when checking in curbside for a United Airlines flight at LAX to see a sign that said $2 per bag [“Demise of the Optional Gratuity,” May 21]. And I had to insist on receiving change.

I was equally surprised in Denver when I checked in curbside for a Frontier Airlines flight with three bags including skis and boot bag and was told that gratuities were not accepted and that there was no charge.

DON ALSCHULER

Los Angeles

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WITH everything in place for my July vacation, I found two articles in the May 21 Travel section very pertinent.

I had no idea flights are leaving well before scheduled departure times [“Seems That ‘On Time’ Has a New Definition,” On a Budget]. I remember so many late departures I experienced over the years. How horrendous it must be to miss a flight and face the chain-reaction chaos of not only getting a replacement flight but any connecting flights en route to your destination.

I also had no idea of the new airline tipping/fees procedures for checking bags [“Demise of the Optional Gratuity”]. Whatever it costs, I will be tipping the porter who takes charge of my bags. Who wants to play Russian roulette concerning when they will see their bags again?

IRA M. LANDIS

Los Angeles