Okay, that's it, I can't resist.
As mentioned in the post above I've only done a minute amount of instructing, but as my two years of checkin/airport customer services comes to an end to finally JUST FLY, I'm going to share just a tiny scraping of the idiot passenger stories I have endured.
Moron on foggy morning, checking in right beside a window where you can't even see runway: It's not too foggy to fly, is it?
What I wanted to say: What a clever paradox. Either it's foggy, or you can fly, you numbnuts
What I said: Unfortunately it has reached that point, and this morning's flight will be delayed, very sorry about that sir.
Moron arriving to check in AT departure time: I paid for that seat and I am getting on that flight.
Me: I'm sorry but I am not able to check you in. [Layman's version of boarding and loadsheet preparation requirements]
Moron in condescending tone: Look, love, I fly all over the place for work, I know how it all works, so don't give me that rubbish!
What I wanted to say: Oh, YOU know how it all works eh?! [Summary of flight qualifications and experience]
And what remotely experienced passenger aims to turn up when the plane's off blocks anyway???
What I said: I'm very sorry sir but I cannot check you in at this point.
Moron passenger arriving at 1:30 for a 1:10 flight: Hi, I'd like to check in for the Nelson flight.
Me: I'm sorry mam, that flight departed on time at 1:10. It is now 1:30.
Moron passenger: No it isn't, it's 12:40.
Nothing to say!!!!! A few days later the passenger laid a complaint against me for denying her travel when she tried to check in on time.
Moron passenger AT boarding time, as I walk up to the PA: All right, we're OBVIOUSLY not boarding on time, now this is hopeless, I have places to be you know and -
I said what I wanted to say: - Sir, one moment please.
And I pressed the PA button to make the boarding call.
Oh, and Americans who always seem to call in saying they're departing from "New Zealand Airport." Makes flying here sound pretty boring if there's only one!
...Not even scratching the surface!!
Sorry to go off-subject, it's part of my self-therapy and recovery programme from Airline Customer Service.
Please, continue the original discussion.