galanjal, don't forget a lot of people are very anxious of flying. And after a LOT of hassle and queueing to get down the jetty...suddenly there is the door of the plane! Anxiety levels have gone instantly up...this is THE plane......it could be THE plane they die in! They are already getting into a state, and this could be a surprisingly high proportion of the passengers. And then they are to the front of the queue and see the cabin crew. And there is a very smart lady with a beaming natural smile. I think many of us forget how important that smile is! 'Why, if she is happy to travel, so should I be!'.
Never underestimate the importance of that welcoming smile. It is the first thing they see when they get on in an accelerating anxious state, even if it is hidden, and it is instantly calming and changes the perceived atmosphere of the plane immediately. And a little bit of small talk completes the picture and does no harm whatsoever.
The trouble is doing it 4 or 6 times a day! Respect!