I agree with many of the things are being said here, but I have to disagree with the following statement:
I think a lot of it has to do with the way customers act in the first place. A lot of people here act rudely and (I don't know if you've ever worked in a service job), it's upsetting when people do that (why should I treat people well when they treat me like crap?).
I
have worked in the service industry (or maybe I should say that I am involved in the Hospitality industry), and the customers in America are probably the most pleasant ones to deal with! Yes - I would actually say that in the US the customer alomst
sucks up to the waiter/waitress, check-in/out agent, flight attendant, etc...
I don't know how many times I have seen this, but it is often THE CUSTOMER who says "yes, ma'm/sir" to the Flight Attendant, while the latter does almost the opposite!
And I
only see this on the american carriers, or with american consumers!
The thing is, the most demanding customers are mainly the Asian and European ones. And while they may not be that nice to serve at times for they don't even say "thank you" when appropriate, it is incredibly rewarding when you find out that they enjoyed their experience and are returining in the future!
I don't even start to think about the monetary compensation, nor do I expect any sort of tips from the customer.
But then again I was raised as an expat in Singapore for all of my life, so my views and experiences may be very different.