Siggy (you don't mind if I call you siggy baby)
Well, personally since most of my travel is business and I need to get where I'm going within a reasonable period of time (usually hours not days), I would prefer if you could rebook me on the next available flight, even if that is another carrier.
I understand weather and other problems, but I don't have time to wait for the inevitable. It could cost my company big dollars, especially if several of us are travelling together.
I would also appreciate being told what is happening on a regular basis, either by announcement, or personally. I can hack anything except being kept in the dark, or being superficially soothed. It only adds to my frustration and irritation when I know I'm the object of a snow job.
I will also then co-operate as much as possible; but I get very scratchy and obstinate when I think I'm being patronised by some airline staff. Most of whom do a splendid job, but a few treat us as if we are an obstacle to be overcome, or an interruption to their real work.
After a memorable delay of 13 hours airside at LHR, due to engine failure of the booked flight. Having been told throughout the day that it would only be a short while before a plane was ready for us, which patently was untrue, as I subsequently found out.
I had asked if I could switch to a BA flight that was leaving a couple of hours later, but was told that 'Sorry, your luggage is already loaded onto this flight and we can't get it off in time'. I was prepared to leave my luggage to arrive later. But no joy on that one. I was not as well-travelled then as now, and of course with a young son, had my hands full anyway.
I realise all the safety implications, but I still think that efforts could have been made to get us all on the BA flight, which left half empty.
Additionally, don't do what one of the stewards subsequently did and tell me that his plane was not delayed and I should try to keep my fractious son quiet as he was disturbing the other passengers.
I had asked if I could have some orange juice for him, he was very thirsty and a bit whinny. Like me, he'd been up since 03.00 that morning; the plane we were due to catch to Doha had engine problems and they could not get a replacement. So we were booked on the evening flight. Had to spend the better part of this in the airport lounge. My son was six years old, for pete's sake.
When finally we were loaded onto the plane, which was crowded due to the double load; there did not seem to be enough comestibles for the journey. I did try to get him to sleep, but by then he'd had enough and as I said became a tad fractious. So I explained to the steward that we'd been delayed and then loaded onto the later flight, but I would appreciate if he could get me some games / drawing materials or something which would distract him. And, at the same time, could I please have a couple of extra drinks, so that I did not have to keep ringing.
At that point, he made what I think he saw as a 'clever comment'. Since I didn't want to upset my son anymore, I gritted my teeth and said 'Get me some orange juice or get me someone more able to deal with pax'.
The point being, and admittedly this was some years ago, that I was being treated as a nuisance. Someone to be placated, but also someone who was interferring with operational effectiveness.
Lastly, and I know I've made this point previously in another post. I do not want to be called from the Lounge or elsewhere to the Gate; with the announcement that boarding has commenced. And upon arrival at said gate find that it is not even open. Please do not tell me it's because you need to have all the pax rounded up and ready to board, after a few times of this, it defeats the object. Regular pax will not arrive at said time, because they know it will not open for at least another 15 mins and we do not like standing in a small area, queueing or otherwise. I queue enough as it is when travelling. eg; queue on M1 / M25; queue to check in; queue for immigration and security aspects (both ends); queue for alternative currency; queue on and off the aircraft; queue for baggage (unless on a two dayer - which means I have hand baggage); queue for taxis. Guess you get the picture.
My time is just as valuable as yours and you are not doing me a favour by allowing me to fly with you chaps.
Other than that, great job guys and gals. Mostly I love air travel and the convenience. And usually, I am met with courtesy, efficiency and pleasantries. It's just the odd one upsets the whole picture. It also is self-defeating, because it makes me obdurate and unreasonable, so makes your job that much more difficult.