Why are airport staff in the US so rude?

Agree. I've been to 75 countries and virtually everywhere else you get treated better. What you have to know is that the US immigration staff have [i]improved[/i]. Twenty years ago I think they sucked lemons for breakfast before they came to work. I generally find the immigration staff ok nowadays, although not particularly friendly. It's the security staff who appear rude.
But you have to understand that US is a relatively authoritative country. Where police or security in places like Australia would politely give instructions, (eg, I'll have to ask you to stand behind the line) - in the USA they bark, "STAND BEHIND THE LINE!" as if you're under arrest. But Americans don't seem to notice it and I think culturally read it as giving clear instructions.

Show me someone in the U.S. who is NOT rude.

They deal with arsehole passengers all the time

These people deal with complete morons their entire shift. I'm surprised they are as nice as they actually are. Some are downright delightful.

I travel a lot and the rules and regs are ridiculous and so are the staff at times

Having to deal with rude Europeans makes you cranky

I don't tolerate rude people very much, but I always have the utmost patience and respect for airport staff. Keep in mind that their jobs tend to be incredibly stressful. My job can be pretty damn stressful too, so I know what it's like all too well. Before long, I'm finding myself not being the most friendly individual when I'm under a lot of stress. Not that it makes it okay, of course. But so long as they're not being overtly rude by being abusive, I think it's fair to just have a little patience with them. Many of them are doing their best and just trying get through a hectic day.

Please allow the entire REST of the population of the United States to apologize for LA. There's simply no excuse for them...that's why the rest of California is trying to secede.

Power/authority + ego + nature of job + impatience

Some airports are much worse than others here.

As an occasional foreign visitor to the U.S.,I've never really had a problem - but I know what you mean,I always advise/warn friends and family members visiting the U.S.for the first time to be aware of that.

Maybe it comes down to training, compensation, and the people who are willing to do that work.
Also, in recent years, there appears to be an anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States.

{@philasefer] i am sorry if you are dealing with the general public in your job no matter how thick we may appear there is never any excuse for the rudeness no matter what provocation

Only have a problem where their service dogs don’t behave. Mine knows what to do. They do say dogs behave like their owners 😊

Even though I’m from the US, I think our arrogance gets in the way. People forget to be humble and kind!

Not all people are able to maintain their calm & decency when they get power.

Probably because of 911

Same here in Canada

They were never rude to me idk what airport you went through.. maybe that guy was just over stressed and frustrated

Oh you’ve not been to Europe…esp. Switzerland then…😼

I shit in their cornflakes every day.

[quote]Everywhere else in the world people are really nice and helpful.[/quote]

Not really.

I would like to personally apologize to you for my part in the argument on your post. I responded to a personal attack when I shouldn't have. I do not know why I always respond to bullies, and I consider it a personal weakness of mine.

They see more entitled passengers than most other countries. Basically, the answer to any question of why Americans in a certain field are rude is rude Americans.

I haven't flown anywhere in close to 20 years. I miss seeing new places, but I don't miss the nausea.