I'm not sure what it is, most likely the stress of traveling or maybe humanity itself is not nice, but I've been witness to very mean people in airports. Especially when it comes to re-booking a flight with those poor gate agents.
Trust me on this, they're not happy there was an issue with the flight - be it an electrical problem or a hail storm - and they are not responsible. They are just trying to do their job in a stressful situation, and really, can't we all sympathize with that? And with the lack of respect given them, I can only imagine it's a horrid job.
This is where my most basic, and best, rule comes in: Do unto others as you would like to be treated. The most basic of principals, the Golden Rule, seems to fly by the wayside when it comes to airports.
It's amazing to me what an understanding smile and laugh can do with these gate agents; you should try and throw in a sir or ma'am as a show of respect. Yes, you want to get to your destination. Yes, you might miss your connection. Yes, you're in a rush because you're the most important person to yourself. However, there are a hundred other people waiting to be re-booked and kindness goes a long way to your end goal. Gate agents do have some control over when and where to rebook you - and if you enact this rule you'll more likely get a better outcome.
Here's a personal example: While in Rapid City, SD my small little Delta plane had an electrical issue and was grounded for at least a day. With my travel outfit and KINDNESS of all things, I was rebooked immediately on a completely different airline with an upgrade to first class for the departing flight AND for my connecting flight. The Golden Rule, I would recommend you forget it.
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