Nobody quite addressed the difference between European and American customer service.... I'll give it a crack, having grown up (and being) European-Mediterranean:

The main difference basically amounts to socialistic vs capitalistic cultures. In Europe, jobs are NEVER taken for granted, because of the huge backlog of applicants in a diminished employment environment, which tends to exist in socialist countries. There is also tremendous pride in providing good service to customers and doing a good job of it. There does not exist this US attitude of, "What's in it for me" and "You don't owe me squat OR own me for that matter." Over there, a job - especially a customer service job - is an issue of pride and quality. Because of that, customer service is usually top notch. And this still exists EVEN at the airlines that have cut perks/salaries just like over here.

Don't forget that in Europe, there is also less liability in their justice system. Because of that, airlines can maintain younger/more attractive work forces and not get sued over it.

Basically, folks, it's a culture difference. Americans are very proud people that will maintain their pride even in situations where pride should be put aside. This is a result of our hard working values that established this country. Europeans are very proud as well but also understand the value of diplomacy and, even more important, value their jobs a lot more than we do. And when people value their jobs, it brings out the best in them.

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