Not just airlines. I was on station platform and became aware of a whistling that got nearer and nearer. Turned around to find a "superior" type glaring at me and then saying in a loud voice, "I've been whistling at you to try and get your attention, are you deliberately ignoring me"?
I had the greatest of pleasure in advising him that if he wanted something to whistle at he should acquire a dog.
Amused the people around him and me.
There are, everywhere, an unfortunate number of people who want to treat service staff as servants.