I was flying ATH-DXB over the weekend. In Athens, security screening happens before each cluster of gates, so in my boarding area past security the only people were gate agents or pax flying out of gates 12 and 13 (and 13 was not even close to boarding, so just a few people on that side).

I went to the bathroom and opened my carry-on suitcase to transfer a few things into my purse that I'd need during the flight. One of those items was my ipad, which I set down while closing the suitcase. I went back to my seat at the gate, and about 5 minutes later realized I'd left the ipad in the bathroom. Went back and of course, now it's gone. I realize it's my own fault as I forgot it there.

What annoyed me was the attitude of the gate agents when I asked if they would please make an announcement that an item had been lost in the ladies' room, and if someone had found it to please return it. Two gate agents declined to make the announcement, saying I had to leave the gate area, go to another building, and file a police report. That would mean missing my flight.

I've had amazing experiences with Emirates in the past, but that was very poor customer service. Has anyone had any issues with the GAs in Athens previously?

Attitudes to customer service are not generally great in Greece regardless of who the employer is.

Not to mention the fact that in ATH ground handling is probably subcontracted out to a third party so its really beyond EK control.