Thanks for the responses. It is interesting to know about other experiences.

I can laugh about it now, but at the time it was not funny. I was worried about missing my flight to Hong Kong (and my prized exit row seat). Even though I made my flight, it was a bit stressful. After we took off I kept trying to get the FA's attention to get a gin and tonic, but the flight was packed, and she whizzed by me with eyes straight ahead.

Just a couple of thoughts (rants)

At what point in time does flying become so "not fun" that casual flyers like me stop flying? I have made this trip to Asia 6 or 7 times in the last few years, but this flight was so bad I really wonder if I want to keep doing it.

The CX counter agent (I am thinking maybe in his 20's) was fine - my impression was that he was just doing what they told him to do in training - he didn't want to lose his job. My problem is with the higher ups - they are the ones who create these policies to cover the less than 1% of the scammers, but I am not sure they understand what it is really like to fly now.

The comment about CX vs the banks is an interesting one - I had not thought about that. My thoughts on the long flight to Hong Kong was that it is the attempt by the airlines to cut out the middleman. I paid about $1500 return for my ticket from San Diego to Bkk, which was a good price. Anyone booking within 30 days would have paid about 30% more, so a reseller could make good money. Money the airlines could have made.

Cheers.