No doubt the SQ crews are efficient if its an at-seat service you want, but its all rather clinical. On the other hand, if you bother to get up and talk to the UA crews when you need something (as opposed to just sit in the seat and expect them to be waiters/waitresses), the UA crews have all been excellent and friendly.

I agree that as good as the SQ cabin crew service is, it can be a little robotic. This, im sure is down to the stringent training they have been through. They are probably scared to offer anything other than a “Singapore Airlines rules of how to be a perfect flight attendant which you must follow to the letter” service. I have come across a few who have been a bit more relaxed, but its certainly not the norm. At least the customer is getting a very consistent service, and a good one at that. Its all a matter of personal opinion.

As for getting up to chat to U.S based airline cabin crew. Not anymore. I once spent a good 2hrs chatting to two UA crew in the rear galley of a 777 on an overnight ORD-LHR. Very nice, and a credit to there employer. Had a right laugh with them. I was going to go and sit down after 10 mins as not to disturb them from there duties, but they insisted a stayed and chatted a bit longer. They said these night flights were really boring so it was nice to chat to a stranger with an interest in flying (granted, this would never happen on an Asian airline). Nowadays, on a U.S airline ive found they dont even like you getting up from your seat, never mind chatting to them in the galley. I guess the FAA makes the rules for them but i find it very knee-jerk. Its a shame really.