My favorite FAs are the ones who, after a flight, regale us with stories about how they ever so confidently "put a medallion member in his place" by quoting the regs because he had the audacity to put his laptop in the seat back pocket, or some other violation of some ridiculous rule that most people do not generally know about.
Problem is that FAs have gotten so much percieved-authority since 9/11 that many of them, like any other weak-minded individual, tend to preemptively and liberally flex their muscle and assume the role of Stalin-of-the-Cabin, where any minor situation becomes a "security threat" and the TSA is involved. It turns what is supposed to be a customer service role (I know FAs are there for pax safety but on a day to day basis their job is to SERVE) into a policing role.
For Example: Just try and tell one of the many above-type FAs (usually found in the United States) that you don't appreciate their attitude, and see where that gets you. They will likely call the cockpit and tell the crew that they have an uncooperative passenger (totally misrepresenting the actual situation) and the end result will be what was once a loyal Medallion member being hauled off the plane and questioned by the TSA for interfering with flight crew duties.
Have read several examples of this type of situation occurring. I know for a fact we have flight attendants where I work with this sort of attitude. I flew with one recently who spent every bus ride of a trip (to and from the hotel) about her fantastic experiences on each leg.
I don't get paid enough to RIF that stuff.
Not all FAs are like this and I often do fly with great FAs who the pax usually thank sincerely as they leave the aircraft. These FAs should and often are recognized.
