I flew with BA last Saturday (7/2/04) from LHR to SYD via SIN. Got there nice and early so I could check in and then do some shopping airside. Got to the desk and was told that they couldn't check me in because the flight was overbooked and I'd have to wait till 21:00. I wandered to the desk they told me to go to #26 I think.
I was nice and pleasant although not really looking forward to the chance of my plans going awry. (Hadn't seen Mum in 2 years etc). Any way, didn't give the chap grief, got a free coffee voucher and waited my turn.
Either my luck was in or my pleasant demeanor worked. I got on the flight. Admittedly, couldn't do the shopping I wanted but I did a quick shop at SIN so all in all happy.
I just figured it wasn't the check-in staff's fault so there was no use in hurling abuse at them.
The flight was fine, it got me there. Although I think I will pay extra for more leg room next time.