Newark Airport Scraps Self-Checkout Tipping Prompts Following Public Outcry

POLICY WIRE — Newark, USA — A wave of public frustration has forced a change in policy at Newark Liberty International Airport after travelers encountered automated tipping prompts at self-service kiosks.

The controversy ignited when social media personality and doctor Clay Moss posted an Instagram video documenting his purchase of a $6.49 bottle of water. The kiosk, which operated without any staff present, prompted him to select an 18 percent gratuity, leading him to question the necessity of tipping in a fully automated environment.

The video resonated with a broader public sentiment regarding the expansion of tipping requests. A March study conducted by restaurant technology firm Popmenu revealed that nearly 80 percent of consumers believe current tipping practices have become excessive.

Commenters on the viral post expressed significant irritation, with one user suggesting that a negative tip option should be available for the inconvenience. Others labeled the inclusion of auto-gratuity at self-checkout machines as madness and completely out of control.

In response to the mounting criticism, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that OTG, the hospitality firm managing concessions at the airport, would remove the prompts immediately. A spokesperson for the Port Authority stated that tipping requests are inappropriate for self-checkout systems and confirmed they are working to ensure no other kiosks continue the practice.

While the Popmenu study indicates that 59 percent of consumers still feel pressured to tip when prompted by a digital screen, that figure has declined from 66 percent in September 2025. The Independent has sought further comment from OTG regarding the incident.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)