What's said is that we all think this thread is plausible: That is, the frequency of grumpy FAs is significant enough to comment on it and that it is the customer's responsibility to do something or avoid the situation.

No. This is not your friend, they are an employee providing a service. That's at best condescending and more likely, creepy. You are not entitled to affection.

Of all the people I interact with from the time I step out of the car at the airport until I walk out of the airport at my destination, a FA who happens to be grumpy is the nicest person I see during the whole miserable experience.

I agree. Asian airlines are 5000% better at everything than US airlines.

The problem is...on United...you get half (or less) the miles and no PQD's toward your status. So it's a trade-off...grumpy grandmas and lousy service on US airlines or low miles and amazing service and beautiful FA's on BR, OZ, NH, etc.

I usually go with "Thank you for all of your hard work. I appreciate your good service." Or words to that effect.

You are not wrong there. I flew OZ from LAX to ICN in First and had to sleep in my underwear it was so hot!

Typically by their ears, though for the larger ones I sometimes need to grab them one hand each on the belt and the back of the collar.

Now we know why FA's are grumpy.

That's right. It's all my fault. My bad!

What about saying "That time of the month, eh?" - can apply to both genders :p

I fly every week. I had a really bad flight attendant in first class with American this weekend... the guy was lazy and didn't care about his job but I didn't say anything. I just booked my next flight with Delta instead, spent my $850 elsewhere. And if Delta treats me better, I'll switch over.

Handle?
 

You can't really "handle" a flight attendant, grumpy or not - your interactions with them should be straightforward and strictly professional. If one gives you bad service, deal with it afterwards with customer service. For example on United, if the FA blows off the preflight drink in first, don't argue, just get your 15-25k miles later. The only exception would be if the FA refuses to enforce your seat assignment when a poacher tries to encroach- then it is perfectly acceptable to talk to the purser or GA. Remember, the FA can RUIN your day, keep it civil and professional.

Just ignore their grumpiness. I'm more interested in hard product anyway.