Tightslot
Factually, it is accurate - passengers do of course pay the wages of airline personnel (together with freight shippers) however from that point on, things begin to slip.
I am sorry to have to disagree.
The passenger pays the airline, who in turn pays either the employee or the agency who provides the contract worker.
I would never say 'I pay your wages' to an employee of any business, it is crass and likely to promote an emotional reaction.
On the other hand, 'I do not believe that you are providing the service I am entitled to and this is what I would like you to do ......' is entirely reasonable and provides the opportunity for the airline (via the employee) to make things right.