My thoughts about this experience is that they do not soley apply to airline telephone representatives, I believe the lack of manners in the USA applies each day to many, if not most customer service (or lack of) positions.

I was in Paris for the past week and enjoyed always being addressed with a "Bon Jour" and after my purchase, "Merci, Au Reviour". In Mexico, I can always count on walking down the street and being greeted with a "Buenos Dias/Tardes/Noches" by stangers. Granted, these greetings are not in conjunction with making a purchase, however, the courtesy of the greeting is still offered whereas in the USA, one feels as if a favor is being done when making a purchase at a department store these days.

Upon my arrival in the USA after my trip to Paris, the Passport Control clerk sternly told me to "Show my Face" as she compared it to my passport. I called her on it, it wasn't as if I was wearing a mask, telling her that she was rude and she could ask more politely. When she countered with a "Well, how should have I asked", I replied "With a please and welcome back home."

Gotta love the mostly lack of manners and courtesy here in the USA.

[This message has been edited by raffy (edited Nov 15, 2003).]