Originally Posted by
sevastras
I am white and have noticed that there are a good portion of flights that I take(mostly DL) that nothing is said to me until after I initiate. I always say thank you as I leave and have a good day/night. I spend most flights in J, but I always attribute it to me looking like I am 20. I feel as though not too long ago, it was common practice for whoever was standing there to say bye to each passenger.
I am a white female who has always looked young. At age 23 I was quite late and rushing to my seat in the exit row when I was asked by the FA if I was at least 15 years old. I was wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase so wasn't expecting that question. :-)
Now in my later 40s I am routinely referred to by airport personnel as "young lady", "dear", and "sweetie" (the latter two when flying United yesterday). Interestingly I noticed in my 30s, when I looked more like early 20s, that I was treated well on United and not as well on Continental. It seems that many people make a snap judgment about you based on certain physical characteristics and it does color interactions.