I have noticed that more and more, I am being addressed by my first name by people who are unfamiliar to me, both on the telephone and in person, whether the people are personnel of an airline, lodging or car rental corporation. Fewer people address me by my last name, preceded by “Mr.”

Have other people experienced this? Is this a trend? Is this not formal enough or not casual enough? Is it a way to make doing business friendlier? Is this issue minor or major to you? Do you consider it rude and impolite or an improved way to doing business? Is it poor manners or socially-acceptable behaviour?

Personally, sometimes I do not mind, but other times it annoys me. I ask this question merely out of curiosity as to what other FlyerTalkers think about this issue.