On quick hop from RUH to DOH on QR the guy next to me got a personal welcome from the crew and I didn't. Didn't bother me in the slightest. He was offered a pre-take off drink (of course non-alcoholic on the ground in RUH) which he declined. The crew had interrupted our conversation to say hello and he politely just mentioned he flew a lot. Turns out he was the Finnair equiv of CWS or Karfa (well not quite because he was in Y on this leg). We had a fascinating chat about his photography exploits around the world now he's retired and was one of the most enjoyable conversations I have had on a plane. His CIV value will be well above mine and after spending so much time in Mexico, I know not all things are equal, especially on privately run airlines. My sister-in-law and husband was moved from Y to J on an Aeromexico flight to Amsterdam by the pilot simply because the pilot was the brother of her friend.