Recently, checking in at SYD for a Qantas Syd-Bkk code share with BA, I was told by the delightful lass as I was to fly on BA that day. "Don't worry," she assured me "It's a lot better than the service you get from us."
I have always made it a point of being polite to the Check in Staff. After all they have the ability and power to put me next to screaming kids, smokers who just have to light up in spite of a ban, and any other misfits I might have to fly with. After all a prize winning smile, a please and thank you cost nothing does it. The same goes for the crews on board. I always get superb service (except on Yemenia and Aeroflot but you cannot have everything) and I'm fed, watered, pampered and left alone as I desire.
It's more of customer airline staff awareness rather than the other way around, most of the time.
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Wake me up when we get there