For all who work with rude customers, shame we can’t actually do this!
An award should go to the Virgin Airlines desk attendant in Sydney a few weeks ago for being smart and funny, while making her point, when confronted with a passenger who probably deserved to fly as cargo.
A crowded Virgin flight was cancelled after Virgin’s 767s had been withdrawn from service for a maintenance check A single attendant was rebooking a long line of inconvenienced travelers. Suddenly an angry passenger pushed his way to the desk. He slapped his ticket down on the counter and said, ‘I HAVE to be on this flight and it HAS to be FIRST CLASS’.
The attendant replied, ‘I’m sorry, sir. I’ll be happy to try to help you, but I’ve got to help these people first, and I’m sure we’ll be able to work something out.’ The passenger was unimpressed. He asked loudly, so that the passengers behind him could hear, ‘DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?’
Without hesitating, the attendant smiled and grabbed her public address microphone: ‘May I have your attention please, may I have your attention please,’ she began – her voice heard clearly throughout the terminal. ‘We have a passenger here at Desk 14 WHO DOES NOT KNOW WHO HE IS. If anyone can help him find his identity, please come to Desk 14.’
With the folks behind him in line laughing hysterically, the man glared at the Virgin attendant, gritted his teeth and said, ‘F… You!’ Without flinching, she smiled and said, (I love this bit) ‘I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll have to get in line for that too.’
I have been a witness of such assholes ! Usually, they get nothing from their requests. Better, be polite and ask nicely. Best way to get a favor.
Brilliant…!!!
One can only hope to be that quick whited on those rare occasions when it is most needed. Me, i’m usually several minutes too late when a pithy response is appropriate….. 🙁
-nicker-
Momma always said ” You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar”.
a few years ago I was doing marketing and pr for a HD dealer when a pro football player called up to “borrow” a bike. I told him he would have to rent as we didn’t provide long term demos. He used the “do you know who I am” line and I responded, ” No, but if you hold a moment I can google you”
Luv it !!!!
Kudos for the Lady !!
If i was her boss id give her a raise !!!