A great thread!

I *always* say please, thank you, etc., I have taught my kids to be polite also, I am so dismayed at the breakdown of common courtesy.

It starts on boarding, I give the FA a real genuine smile and greet them like I know them. Sometimes I do know them, or recognize them, but even if I don't, I greet them like I do. People love that, and it starts things off great.

When they come around, I try to ask the FA "how's your day going?" and take an interest in hearing the answer.

I almost always get great treatment. I can't remember ever getting poor treatment, in fact. They don't always come around, I have my complaints about certain flights, but I have never been treated impolitely or poorly even if I have to ask for something.

As for my seatmate, I test the waters by asking them how their day is going. Sometimes this leads to a conversation and sometimes it doesn't, I can tell they don't want to talk.

A few times when my seatmate is someone I decide is a wacko, the old Sony NC10s take care of the situation (they either go on sooner or later, with a wacko it's sooner).

NC10 = No Conversation 10s

I've met great people. Some flights I've chatted for 5 hours. I've had a great chat with a famous former presidential candidate who has appeared on tv commercials (he's a fabulously nice person), the CEO of a large nationwide auto dealership, venture capitalists, etc. etc., it's a great way to meet interesting people.