I've always found that we get great treatment by being polite as well as clean and presentable and recognizing the humanity of the people on the other side of the counter/pushing the beverage cart. In all the delayed and canceled flights, lost bags, gate changes and other problems I've ever had flying, I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure of speaking to the person responsible for my misfortune. Keeping that in mind, I believe, has paid off many times. We've received many small favors. It's either because we're polite or because my son is cute.
