“When I fly I never use any form of address.”
That’s a good rule wherever you are and whoever you are talking to. No more “sir” and “ma’am.”
I DO like it when folks call this oldster “Sir.” No complaints from me. But if they try “Ma’am” they are in for it.
When in college I worked as a waiter. One time these 2 bikers came in. One looked like a middle aged biker chick; the other like Larry the cable guy. The waitress that got them was cartoon Melody from Josie and the Pussycats in real life. Ditzy but sweet and innocent/nieve as they come. Another waitress asked me to take the table because it was angry that “Melody” called “Larry” sir. Unaparently “Larry” was also a biker chick. Before I could get the order,even knowing the situation, I ended up calling “Larry” sir aswell. When the eyes see “Larry thecableguy,
the brain in going to register Man.
I say “sir” to a man and “ma’am” to a woman; if they don’t like it, tough toenails.