The whole compensation thing is totally out of control. I get into straight up arguments with New Yorkers daily because their flight is 15-25 mins late due to ATC, WX, etc. "What are you gonna do for me?", "What do I get?" Bla Bla Bla. When supervisors or other agents authorize things that people otherwise would not be entitled to this makes them think that everytime something deviates for the slightest reason they get something. Case and point I had some dude getting loud with me because I had to move him from 16C to 11D. (it was a maddog so it was an aisle seat for an aisle seat). I did it to get a family together. He went on to tell me that he got $50.00 voucher last time in JFK when this happened. After going back and forth for about 5 or so mins this is how it ended.
DUDE: I'm incensed over this I need something to make this right.
ME: Sorry sir I can not do that.
DUDE: But I payed for this seat
ME: Yes you paid for A seat, and you have A seat. Same type of seat but on the right side of the airplane and even further up.
DUDE: I got a voucher in JFK last time.
ME: Sir look out the window behind me....do you see Manhattan? This isn't JFK and for something minor like this you should not of received anything.
DUDE: I want a supervisor.
ME: I'll be more than happy to call you one but I have 6 mins to dispatch this airplane and I can pretty much assure you they will not be here in 6 mins, and no I will not delay 127 other people on account of one.
The guy then got on the airplane. He had a tkt for $85.00 and was a credit card frequent flyer. Medallion flyers and guys like that, whatever you want I will get for you (within reason). Clowns like this I simply refuse to give you something you are not entitled to. We are essentially taking a loss on this ticket and believe me there is someone out there that will be more than happy to fly the fare he had. That is essentially the gist of my post. For this fool who was making a scene and busting our chops there is some person over at CO, AA, UA, or wherever complaining about the same thing and saying "I'll never fly you again," who will then come over to us. Its a revolving door because there is NO CUSTOMER LOYALTY. If its cheap they are buying it weather or not it has a widget, eagle, globe, a big U, or a funky American flag on the tail means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to people. Dont get me wrong I try to help everyone I can, with a smile on my face, but sometimes people don't get it and "killing them with kindness" isn't even enough.