Actually, in my experience, airport staff in UK is less pleasant to deal with than in other countries in Europe.

Honestly, i prefer they announce the gate let, if only so they don't do what they used to o, and swap it around t the last minute. This is much more consistent, been if it does make ams a little anxious.

One example... many airlines have a one bag policy, in most airports if you have an extra camera bag or small handbag, the staff will politely ask you to put it inside the bigger one or most of the time let you off, in London you can guarantee somebody will shout at you for it. It's not one particular thing, it's the general feel of the airport.

Yes, this is something I notice a lot on frequent flyer forums: people being mad because today they didn't get an exception they usually get. Once you let the rules slide once, people are outraged that you don't let it happen every time.

We're not talking about getting an exception, just about being told politely rather than rudely to follow the rules.