(Granted, we're discussing a very subtle issue, so please we can do without the flames. This is an unimportant subject, not a showstopper for any of us, I suspect, but it's of mild interest to a few of us. If you think it's appallingly foolish for any of us to even think about this or form an opinion, perhaps you could move on.)

It's funny how we all differ on this one. I found the handshake uncontroversial and I would welcome one from a FA, no problem. Some of you say that the handshake was the part that went too far.

Many of you seem perfectly comfortable being addressed by first name, by a FA, in a premium cabin. I suspect nearly all of you who feel that way are Americans. It will surprise nobody if it turns out that Europeans and Asians will prefer the formality of surnames, and not be put off by the touch of a stranger's hand.

I'm Canadian, which in some respects is a wannabe American, but in some ways un/anti-American. Also, I'm over 50. I expect most Canadians under 35 would not feel as I do. For me, a premium experience is enhanced by light formality. I find it jarring when a call-centre agent or an airline employee uses my first name without invitation. I have never had a bad service experience in AA F or J and when addressed by name I've always been "Mr.". I think it shows respect, which, by the way, I'd happily show in return to any employee whose name tag shows a surname. I never made any enemies by showing respect at first meeting.

I agree with one of you, that this is a "damned if you do" scenario for a FA and the good news is that it is not important. The FA described in the OP was clearly acting in good faith, using his own approach to doing his job well. But since the thread was started for the express purpose of discussing our preferences, I feel fully licensed to do so.

I'm not sure how my preference for formality, especially as I expressed it in my first post above, puts me in the DYKWIA camp. I seem to have touched a nerve in one reader. I've encountered people before, who found inexcusable "snobbishness" in any hint of formality, but I don't assume that all Americans are like that. If I did, that would be bigotry.