Funny you should suggest that Katahu, I had an experience not a million miles away coming back from England a few weeks back. Malev had overbooked the flight, and I had the Xmas pressies from mum to the clan out here, and therefore 2 pieces of hand-luggage.
The check-in dolly at Heathrow told me in no uncertain terms 'one bag only', and I turned to my mum (who was in her wheelchair) and explained she'd have to take them back. So mum had a quick word, and told me to ask again! I tried this, and the girl said 'no', then she started chatting to her mate in Hungarian and muttering about 'bloody tourists etc' so I switched to Hungarian and explained I wasn't a tourist, and that I'd actually lived in her country for five years and could speak her language just fine, and that I found her somewhat rude and obnoxious! Surprise surprise I was allowed to take the pressies on the plane with me

I've never had a real bad experience on an airline, so I can't complain.  Except for the food, and the Hare Krishna's I ran into in St. Louis.    For my part, I find flying a pleasurable experience.  But I also have not flown commercially in the post 9/11 world.