Guys and Gals,

While I think if you are just plain old nice - sometimes the brotherhood and sisterhood of the gay community helps you out.

I have experienced both.

I find that if I am pleasant, I normally start at checkin with my second statement being "hows your day going" works wonders for me.

I had an experience once in Sydney checking in for DPS on Garuda Executive Class (QF does the ground handling) that was so appalling it should have been filmed as an example of how to be rude as often as possible in one transaction.

End result was our luggage got no priority tags and ended up last off, but the end result was mine, as a well documented complaint went to Garuda who passed it onto QF and the poor check in boy got an official complaint against him.

Yet throughout the whole transaction my partner and i were pleasant to this person. Sometimes the customer does have the power.

I get seats blocked out for me everytime I fly in Y, even on a LCC, I get extra service in the air, I get priority clearance in SYD with agriculture - all by being nice.

I have worked in customer service for many years myself, if someone snarls at me - I don't snarl back but I may not go out of my way to provide, yet if someone is pleasant to me I will do whatever I can for them.

HINT HINT HINT - take this approach and the results will come back and pay you back everytime.

I had an Uncle who worked in the Airline Business and he was very wise in life. He tried to live life by what he called the GOLDEN RULE. Now its a Christian thought but I am not promoting any religion when I mention this.

DO UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE DONE UNTO YOU.

Translated - treat others as you want to be treated.

This works with everyone - not just gay people.

Enjoy, and I would be interested in hearing how you have benefited from this

Adam