I suppose my expectations are very low with hundreds of short/medium haul flights over the years - if the plane takes off and lands (preferably in the right city and more or less on time) then I'm happy. Yes, service levels dropped around 2005, but they have become pretty consistent over the most recent years.

But now, I have had three unusally pleasant experiences in a row last week - is it a coincidence, or have they decided that maybe customers are important after all?

1) Monday last week missed my flight from the UK to France, entirely my fault (for a very stupid reason). Despite having an extremely cheap, non-modifiable, ticket they happily re-booked me on the next flight with no penalty and without my asking - WOW

2) Tuesday last week CDG-MXP, sitting in a crowded exit row, the stewardess came to explain how the door thing works and noticing that there were three of us told me that there were two seats available in row 23 if I would prefer (which I did). After Coffee/Tea service the guy in front of me was fully reclilned whilst I was working on my laptop and another stwardess asked if, given that the breakfast service was over, I'd like to move up to Busines to be more comfortable - I declined to stay close to my hand luggage (there was only 20 minutes left). Then in Milan at the door of the plane upon leaving I was wished "Bonne Journee Monsieur FR", I almost fell down the steps in surprise and was in a good mood all day!

3) Thursday LIN-CDG, upgraded to Tempo Challenge at the gate, again, cheap ticket and Economy wasn't full.

Small things I know, but three in a row, and the small things do make a difference - I hope this is a sign of things to come. Anybody else notice improvements of late?