I always try to be as nice as possible because people tend to react back in the way that you act towards them. That doesn't mean I am a patsy; I will add in firm and insistent as needed. But I do it in a calm voice and with a smile on my face, even if I'm telling you to go to hell.

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I am always nice... Until it is time not to be nice.

(Apologies to Patrick)

I do my best to be considerate and polite in what can sometimes be trying situations. I don't take out my frustration on gate agents or flight staff for things that are beyond their control (weather, equipment malfunctions, etc), and say please and thank you when asking for help with something. Most of the time it gets results and I get a pleasent response in turn, but sometimes....

There are just people who've had crappy days and it's coming through in their demeanor, and no matter how polite and smiling you are, nothing will break the glare. While I've never run across a situation as outrageous as the ones discussed here, I assume it's just a matter of time - I'm travelling twice a week, the odds are going to catch up with me sooner or later.

Most complaints are crazy to begin with because they are about things the person recieving the complaint is not responsable for and cant do anything about. Corporate via customer relations should really be getting the earful (and even that should be done in a correct way if you want any success.) FAs, GA's, etc etc are normally not to blame for travel related issues but everyone pees on them, which is crazy because they can do ALOT to make ones travel experience ALOT better or ALOT worse.
My philosophy has always been to be as nice as possible to them and also any other "gate keeping" staff wherever they may be such as secretarial staff, PAs etc etc. You'd be surprised how much they can help one out if they like you.
My philosophy

I always try to be polite and considerate despite the situation. I believe it reaps far more rewards than being nasty does, even when I am very upset.

Years ago, I was flying up front thanks to platinum elite status and used "please" and "thank you" when communicating with a flight attendant. She turned around, facing the rest of the passengers, raised her voice and said something like, "Thank you for being so polite and considerate. It's not often we get passengers like you who have good manners." I was really surprised by her reaction. Looking back on it, I wonder if she was having a bad day or was really sick and tired of people feeling like they were entitled to treat her poorly because they weren't sitting in coach. Guess we'll never know...

I always go out of my way to be kind and professional, to try to undo the damage that has been done by other passengers, who think that GA's and FA's are their personal punching bags.