[Cynthia]

As with Stevicus, I too arrived at this site via the NY Times story about Steve Slater. While here, I did a little clicking around to read some of the complaints. What a window into current attitudes among the posters!

I am shocked at what some people consider to be "poor service." Minor inconveniences, so-called rudeness, unprovoked yelling by FAs (I'm skeptical), mechanical problems/delays (Hello? Would you want to find out about this inflight?) it never ends! Some of these people sound like prima donnas raised as hot-house flowers.

I am not a frequent flyer. Doing a quick tally, I've probably flown a couple dozen times in my entire life on various airlines, but I have never experienced anything that I would consider bad service. Perhaps I'm one of the lucky few, although I'm more inclined to think I am one of the average majority.

I tend to agree that airline policies contribute to frazzled flyers and FAs. God forbid, they should provide more leg room, better quality seats and refrain from packing their customers in like sardines. Plus, charging for checked baggage? What a crock!

However, there seems to be an ever-growing feeling of entitlement with passengers. Too many people demand 4-star service for cheap fares. Where is this coming from? Were they all spoiled rotten by their parents? Is the gov't (taxpayers) their major source of income and health care? I don't want to get into a political discussion, but I really do feel that this has something to do with it.

And now we have TSA policies to deal with - some logical, others ridiculous. Certainly to some extent, as far as both sides are concerned, the events of 9/11, "the flying imams", the shoebomber and the underpants bomber have added to the general anxiety of all.

All I can say is, I have nothing but respect for those who spend a majority of their waking hours in an airplane. It must be an extremely difficult job and I'm amazed more airline employees don't go off the deep end like Mr. Slater!