General attitude towards lounge service staff

[Warks]

I was in the VA lounge last week and had ordered a barista drink. There you order and wait to one side while it's made with all the other orders. I saw people's orders called and they would come up and take their "skim latte soy mochachinos" without even a glance at the person serving them and barely a grunt of acknowledgement if anything. I saw five people in a row do this and then one woman said "thank you" as she picked up someone else's drink for them. When it was my turn I looked the barista straight in the eye and said "thank you very much!" but I don't think it made up for all the behaviour of the other DYKWIAs.

I also notice (as I travel alone most of the time) that people rarely acknowledge the staff who clear their tables of plates and utensils especially if in a group. Being in a lounge obviously raises us to the rank of landed gentry and we no longer have to acknowledge the existence of the serfs.

So is it just people are grumpy early morning travellers? (I think they treat someone serving alcohol a little better most of the time.) Or is it a case of "I deserve this, you are being paid and have a job, be thankful!"

Sorry for the dose of communism.

 

[Deleted member]

Those people lacking in the common graces are not exclusive to J Lounge's. They are rude and inconsiderate to everyone. But your point is well made. Good on you I say !

 

[TomVexille]

I'm with you. It really isn't hard.

 

[yohy?!]

they are probably too busy doing the latest deal loudly on their phone in their lounge to have time for politeness!

 

[eastwest101]

You are not the only one - I always try to thank the staff in the lounges, its just good manners (that were somehow drummed into me at some stage as a kid I guess).

 

[cmon0005]

I agree its just common courtesy and I always make sure I say thanks from the person who makes the coffee to the person that clears the tables. Small gestures go a long way and ultimately lead to happier staff which inturn means better service!

 

[dmitri]

I've had too many back hands from mum to not say thank you for those sort of services. I flinch now expecting a slap if I forget to say thank you

 

[DC3]

I haven't been to a VA lounge for over 12 months.

However, on any visits to the QF J lounge in SYD, MEL, BNE, the barista seemed to always get a "thank you". I'm only speaking for 1-2 cups per month, here, so maybe not really in a position to add much.

 

[boomy]

The majority of people are not polite. That's one of the downsides of living in a money oriented society.

 

[Princess Fiona]

To be honest I rarely notice what other people do or don't say to the lounge staff. I think it's important to lead by example.

 

[oz74]

I really try and treat people the way that I would like to be treated.

Always say please and thank you no matter a persons "station" in life.

Really doesn't cost anything to be polite.

 

[blackcat20]

I really try and treat people the way that I would like to be treated.

Always say please and thank you no matter a persons "station" in life.

Really doesn't cost anything to be polite.

Exactly. I even hand my dishes to the person collecting them so they don't have to reach over...

 

[mannej]

It is always nice to have a quick chat with lounge staff, but yes I have seen some horrendous attitude displayed to the staff members doing their job.

SWMBO and I had one of these types check in in front of us at MEL for a JQ flight. Very very rude. We were nice to the JQ staff member and were given free exit seats. It doesn't take much effort to be nice does it?

 

[oz74]

Besides that if you think that you have really "kicked on" just because your sitting in the QP you need to have a good hard look at yourself! Lol

 

[Buzzard]

It is not difficult to say good morning, please and thank you. Good breeding always shows.

 

[Pushka]

It isn't just lounges though. How many people say Thankyou when collecting their coffees at a barista? Rarely. Or even the order from the local takeaway.

I'm a plate gatherer too. But some might say that isn't "classy" doing the staff work. I just can't help being "mother". Gosh. That's sexist!

 

[Denali]

My husband is one of those people that cant help himself in saying thank you and being appreciative and smiles and as a result, hes the one that always seems to get the extra snack or the behind the scenes look or yes sir, lets move this red rope so you can sit in the very expensive one of a kind car for photos (which has happened). Often Ive lost him, only to find him with staff being given special treatment.

I give "back off" vibes but I always say thank you. Ive already purchased Lindt boxes for next weeks flight for the check in, lounge and flight staff.

 

[Pushka]

I'm curious. Why give out Lindt chocolates to lounge staff? Its lovely but surely just being polite is enough?

 

[Denali]

I'm curious. Why give out Lindt chocolates to lounge staff? Its lovely but surely just being polite is enough?

I leave a box at the front desk - just to say thank you. Its big enough to share.

 

[Buzzard]

My husband is one of those people that cant help himself in saying thank you and being appreciative and smiles and as a result, hes the one that always seems to get the extra snack or the behind the scenes look or yes sir, lets move this red rope so you can sit in the very expensive one of a kind car for photos (which has happened). Often Ive lost him, only to find him with staff being given special treatment.

I give "back off" vibes but I always say thank you. Ive already purchased Lindt boxes for next weeks flight for the check in, lounge and flight staff.

Mrs B and I always give something to the CSM for the crew to share too.