If it is BA you are talking about, then I work for them myself, and on behalf of the company would like to apologise. At the end of the day you are paying and where very polite, the least WE can do is offer you the same treatment.
I have worked with people who are "off hand" with their colleagues aswell, it is a shame that people are like that. Sometimes when we travel as staff with our company, we often get the cold shoulder treatment.
Please don't give up on us, just because some people cannot do the job.