In this day with all the suffering, what a petty complaint. I find it odd if someone adresses me as Dr. or Mr. Those who seemto be comfortable in who they are do not want the formalities.

I think that departure taxes are absurd, silly and they generally annoy me. Why can't they charge a arrival tax? It always seems as if the country wants to kick you in the butt for leaving (which they insist on).

Always wondered what happens when you refuse to pay the departure tax and your visa expires. Will they let you go or do you get resident status?

(Jethro volunteers to be first in filling out the application at the passport office)

Clerk: Raise your right hand please.

(Jethro raises his left, realizes, and quickly switches)

Clerk: Do you swear the statements you are about to make are the truth?

Jethro: Yes sir.

Clerk: State your name please.

Jethro: Jethro.

Clerk: And your surname.

Jethro: Sir Jethro!

What's the problem with being addressed by your first name? I prefer it, I am not better than the person providing the service. I am a customer and expect to be treat appropriately and with courtesy but not to be crawled to or treated as though I am a superior being. In return I will treat you with dignity and respect and expect to receive the service for which I have paid.

I rarely have a problem getting the appropriate level of service be it in first class on a top level international airline or economy on a LCC. I also find that being a decent person means I receive genuine service and smiles rather than forced servility. I rarely have a reasonable request refused without an explanation.


I think that people who expect others to crawl and suck up to them by insisting on being called Mr/Sir etc without good reason are usually full of their own self importance.

To those that insist on staff bowing and scraping to them I ask, "You aren't full of yourself are you? and, Why are you such a tosser?"

Me too. Very odd as I am not a doctor. As someone once said to me "you can call me anything you want, but don't ever call me late for dinner".

This has the potential to turn into a "what's your favourite colour?" thread.

Mind you, I remember being at school and some kid from another school being accosted by our PE master who was asking him to apologize for something:

PE Master: I expect an apology
Kid: Sorry, man
PE Master: DON'T CALL ME MAN !
Kid: Sorry, but you do look like one

Different norms in different places and generations. I've got no problem with people calling me by my first name, and I suspect that's true for most other urban Americans below 35.

Most annoying thing while traveling has to be flatulence

I didn't see this come up: people who wait at the end of the x-ray tunnel at security and when their stuff comes through start to put themselves back together (shoes, coat, electronics, belt, etc., etc.) right at the end of the tunnel rather than move their bags down the usually empty ramp and let other people get their stuff. Then they don't stack their tubs to make more room (although the TSA seems to have plenty of help to do that skilled task.)

Grumbling today,
Pogopossum

People

I usually do this. Partly because I don't want to waddle half-dressed across a dirty floor carrying all my stuff, and partly as a protest against the TSA and their inane requirements. If it bothers you, complain to the TSA.

I do the same but I try to do it as fast as I can and usually I don't have to make anyone wait

I had to laugh at myself this week, when I was through the different airports I travel to I found myself conscious of NOT doing some of the things listed here - nothing on the seat beside me, quickest trip through security, quiet phone talking.

Its funny to realize that as annoyed as I get at other people, I was doing some of the things that are annoying to others!!!

Sounds selfish to me.

"I am protesting what I think is something unreasonable, so I will make all those around me suffer as well."

I was thinking exactly the same thing.

Shrug.

As I said, complain to the TSA.