I do not enjoy flying American Airlines. I do not enjoy flying coach. <BR>I do not enjoy lousy service, or being ignored, by imperious flight attendants and gate crew. <BR>And all of these happen to me frequently. <BR> <BR>However, I also think attitudes like Frank's and "Frequent Flyer's" explain at least part of why FA's assume that passengers are going to be difficult from the get-go. The "it's your JOB" nastiness is so imperious, as if saying, you signed on to like my *boots* so you'd bloodywell better smile and like it. <BR> <BR>Everyone has parts of their job that they love or they wouldn't do it; and everyone has parts of their job that they hate, but that doesn't mean they have to like it or leave. <BR> <BR>Finally, leadership, as someone else said, is the key. If American placed a priority on how passengers feel about their treatment, and rewarded or penalized accordingly, the AA FA's would be the nicest in the world. It's just not high on AA's list of things they want to be to their customers. DFW is their headquarters, and it's the nastiest of all the stations they serve. That should tell you something. <BR>

Oh Please Battleweary-It is common knowledge and has been for years, that being a flight attendant is no picnic and passengers are increasingly unruly so why the hell would you take a job dealing with that kind of crap? And serving drinks is a part of the job description and is explained in the application process. If flight attendants don't like doing it, dealing with it or putting up with it--they should either not take the job or find something else. No one is forcing these people to work.

Actually, only wealthy people ever say "no one is forcing these people to work." And only upper management ever says, "if you don't like the job, leave."

I have flown a lot over the last few years on business and pleasure and have yet to come across a rude flight attendant. Granted, none of these airlines were American (I fly NW, United and Cont.) the flight attendants I encountered were professional, pleasant and polite. Likewaise, I was polite back. The demeanor you get from a FA may be a reflection of what you give. As for people like Frank, who think that it is other people's job to bow to him and serve him unconditionally, I think they need to get off that high horse and back into the low trailer. Such arrogance and animosity from fellow travelors makes me sick. Didn't one's mother ever teach humility and respect? Apparently not but I guess when you're hatched instead of born.......

<BR>From "Battleweary": <BR>... you signed on to like my *boots* so you'd bloodywell better smile and like it. <BR> <BR>Oh, but Ms. Battleweary, I DO love your boots. I REALLY like them. <BR>(They'd be much more attractive, though, if you could keep them out of other people's rear ends). <BR> <BR>

As as ex FA, I can attest to the fact that being a FA is not an easy job. But, when you dread going to work and can't be pleasant--it is time for a career change.

Can we stop this circular argument right now? Let's ALL treat each other with dignity and respect. FAs- please do the best you can in a cramped, poorly-ventilated space to service the flying public. And fellow travelers- drop the old-fashioned notion that traveling by air is some rarefied experience, with FAs there just to kiss your royal ring. It's public transportation, folks- so let's try to make the ride the best we can. It will never be like it "used to be"; if it were, we'd all be dressing to the nines in hats, gloves, high heels and hose- and it's obvious from the attire at airports these days that this isn't the case. You get back what you put out there. Be decent to one another, and kwitcherbeefin'.

Well, Thinker, IF it were like it used to be, then most of the FA's we see wouldn't have the job ... there would still be massive discrimination against people over a certain age, of a certain color, based on sex, looks, height, weight, you name it. Everything except ability would be considered. FA's who didn't measure up physically, culturally, etc. needn't apply. Lets not look back and think we're missing something good. And yes, for some of us, flying is still kind of special, and yes, that's true for some of us who fly more than the average. If it's just public transp. for you, so sorry ... you're missing some fun.

There seems to be quite a few F/A's giving their opinion on this post so I am wondering why none of them have denied giving preferential treatment to gold/silver/platinum card holders and also to members of the opposite sex. I am assuming it is true then. I certainly have witnessed this.

Ummmm....I think I'm missing something here, "Terri"....just why SHOULDN'T FA's give preferential treatment to their best and most loyal customers? <BR>That's how business works, dear. <BR>It's not much different than the 'volume discount' contractors get at the hardware store. They buy the most stuff, they get the best service and a cut rate. <BR>If you (or your company) shell out over $25,000 a year to one airline, don't you think you deserve something in return? Sure...a bunch of frequent flier miles, smiles from the attendants you've come to know personally, and an extra bit of service....well deserved.