Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Art of the Upgrade

by BoardingArea | October 18, 2024 | 0 Comments

Welcome back to Frequent Flyer Funnies, your destination for laughs from the skies. This week, we’re delving into the high-stakes world of airline upgrades, where mileage and connections collide in a comedic quest for a better seat. Buckle up as we explore the fascinating dynamics of upgrade competition!

This is a black and white cartoon depicting a crowded airplane aisle with several passengers vying for an upgrade. One person says, "I've flown 500,000 miles this year!" Another responds, "Well, I'm a million miler!" A third person counters, "Oh yeah? Well I know Randy Petersen!" The caption reads, "The competition for upgrades intensifies!" The cartoon humorously illustrates the lengths people go to for airline upgrades.

What the Comic Shows

The cartoon humorously depicts a scene familiar to many frequent flyers: the hustle for an upgrade. Set in a crowded airplane aisle, passengers are eager to showcase their merits. One brags, “I’ve flown 500,000 miles this year!” Another claims, “I’m a million miler!” But perhaps the most amusing flex comes from the passenger who says, “Oh yeah? Well I know Randy Petersen!” The caption, “The competition for upgrades intensifies!” adds a playful touch to this all-too-real scenario.

Punchline

The punchline lies in the exaggerated and humorous tactics travelers employ to secure those coveted upgrades, with a nod to Randy Petersen, founder of BoardingArea, symbolizing the insider edge some wish they had.

Why We’re Chuckling

We’re chuckling because this comic taps into the familiar chaos of trying to earn an upgrade. It highlights the lengths travelers will go to and the absurd competitions that arise. Name-dropping Randy Petersen as a ticket to success adds an insiders’ allure that frequent flyers can appreciate. It’s a playful exaggeration of real-life scenarios where loyalty points and personal connections can make all the difference.

Dive Deeper with Us

  • The Upgrade Game: Airlines often reserve their best seats for top-tier passengers, making the chase for upgrades an entertaining game. Have you ever devised a clever strategy to secure an upgrade? Share your stories of success, near misses, or even hilarious defeats.
  • Legendary Connections: Whether in airports or beyond, name-dropping can sometimes open doors. Have you ever leveraged your connections to gain an advantage? What about the times it backfired? We’re curious to hear your memorable experiences.
  • Behind the Elite Status: Achieving elite status isn’t just about miles; it’s a lifestyle for many. What sacrifices have you made to earn your status, and were they worth it? Discuss the perks and pitfalls of climbing the mileage ladder.
  • Randy Petersen’s Legacy: As the founder of BoardingArea, Randy Petersen is synonymous with the frequent flyer community. His work revolutionized how travelers engage with loyalty programs. If you’ve crossed paths with Randy or benefited from his insights, share your stories!
  • Upgrade Etiquette: Navigating upgrades can be competitive, but what about the etiquette? Have you witnessed any upgrade faux pas or acts of kindness that stuck with you? Let’s swap stories about the unwritten rules of the skies.

Travelers know that flying is as much about community as it is about the journey itself. The quest for upgrades adds a layer of excitement, humor, and sometimes frustration. We hope this comic brings a smile to your face and sparks a conversation about the fun and folly of frequent flying. Stay tuned for more Frequent Flyer Funnies, where we celebrate the quirks and joys of travel. Until next time, keep your sense of humor—and your upgrade chances—flying high!

Frequent Flyer Funnies
Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Stuck in HEL: Our experience with a Finnair flight disruption
The other day, my wife, kids, and mother-in-law were on a flight to HEL (the airport code for Helsinki airport). The itinerary was from Rovaniemi to Helsinki to Frankfurt. Unfortunately, the first leg got delayed such that it was impossible to make the connection, stranding the family in Helsinki for...
Points With a Crew
5 reasons to sign up for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card has one of the highest signup bonuses ever for a card that comes with no annual fee. You can easily get hundreds ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
One Simple Improvement in Hotel Rooms No One May Have Noticed.
As with all other aspects of travel, lodging options have evolved — but one simple improvement in hotel rooms no one may have noticed has almost certainly at least minimally eased the jobs of members of housekeeping staffs; and is marginally beneficial for guests as well. That simple improvement is... The post...
Frequent Miler
Buy $300 Delta gift card & get $25 Uber gift card free (stack with +5 Amex Offer)
There’s a new Delta gift card deal available at the moment giving a $25 Uber gift card free which could be of particular interest if you have a targeted Amex Offer on any of your cards that’ll stack with it. The Deal Buy $300 Delta gift card & get $25...
Frequent Miler
The Southwest Debit Card is actually interesting | Coffee Break Ep81 | 12-9-25 | Podcast
To our surprise, the Southwest Debit Card is more interesting than we expected! It’s been uncommon for debit cards to make waves in points-miles circles before (because of various limitations on debit card fees), but this one is proving intriguing. In this episode, we’ll talk about why. Coffee Break: Southwest...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Escapes $16.1 Million Fine By Buying Wheelchair ‘Shopping List’ for DOT
Last October, American Airlines was slapped with a massive $50 million fine for repeated and serious violations of disability rights laws. On Tuesday, the Fort Worth-based carrier was told that it would no longer have to pay the remaining $16.1 million of that civil penalty to the U.S. Treasury. The...
Your Mileage May Vary
The World’s Smallest Baggage Claim Carousels
If you fly into a large airport and have checked luggage, you already know how humongous those baggage carousels can be. They take up a lot of floor space and…
Frequent Miler
(Targeted) Both Citi AAdvantage Business cardholders & authorized users earn Loyalty Points on purchases
With most credit cards, the primary cardholder is the one who automatically reaps all the rewards for spending put on their card(s). An exception is the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® for a couple of reasons. One is that the American Airlines AAdvantage miles aren’t automatically credited to...
View from the Wing
United CEO Says American Is Bleeding $800 Million A Year In Chicago — Leaked Figures Put The Loss At Just $70 Million In One Quarter [Roundup]
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has been boasting that American is “bleeding” $800 million a year in Chicago — but leaked internal figures tell a very different story. They put American’s fully allocated loss at roughly $70 million in just one quarter, a big number but nowhere near Kirby’s claim....
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles: Earn 2,000 bonus miles when you book a Panama stopover
Copa Airlines are encouraging travellers booking flights with them to consider stopping over in Panama with 2,000 extra ConnectMiles. The stopover bonus is awarded to those members who book a minimum one night stopover in Panama on their connecting itinerary.   The 2,000 bonus miles offer: Earn 2,000 bonus ConnectMiles...
Points With a Crew
Why we don’t have pay toilets in America
In 1974, there were 50,000 pay toilets in the US. By 1980, there were almost none. Learn about the Committee to End Pay Toilets in America (CEPTIA), a grass-roots organization that ...
Your Mileage May Vary
We Crossed NYC for Old-School Chinese Food—and It Was Worth It
Some meals are about the food. Others are about the feeling you get the second you walk through the door. But every once in a while, a meal is about…
The Bulkhead Seat
Marriott Bonvoy® Survey Shows 91% of Americans Plan to Travel in 2026
A new survey from Marriott Bonvoy® reveals that 91% of Americans intend to travel… The post Marriott Bonvoy® Survey Shows 91% of Americans Plan to Travel in 2026 appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Miles To Memories
Cardless Launches Increased Bonuses on Qatar Credit Cards, Earn up to 100K Points
You can currently earn up to a best ever 100,000 Avios bonus with the Visa Infinite card and 65,000 with the Visa Signature card. The post Cardless Launches Increased Bonuses on Qatar Credit Cards, Earn up to 100K Points appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Frequent Miler
PSA: Redeeming Wyndham points & cancelling doesn’t extend 4 year expiry (even if it looks like it)
Wyndham Rewards points have one of the strictest expiration policies of all the main hotel loyalty programs. In fact, there are two factors that play into when your points will expire. First, if your account goes for 18 months with no activity, all of your points will expire. Second, your...
Live and Let’s Fly
Curious George Santos Brags About Turning Down $900 From Delta On An Oversold Flight
George Santos, the infamous former New York congressman who now owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution and other obligations, recently bragged on social media about turning down a generous compensation offer from Delta Air Lines on an oversold flight. George Santos Turns Down $900 From Delta On Oversold...
Miles To Memories
Huge $750 Bonus for Chase Business Complete Checking Account
Chase is once again offering a $750 bonus for the Chase Business Complete Checking account. There's also a $300 bonus this time around that can be an even better option for many, as it only requires a $2,000 deposit. The post Huge $750 Bonus for Chase Business Complete Checking Account appeared...
One Mile at a Time
Can You Through Check Bags On Separate Airline Tickets?
There are some situations where you may find yourself traveling between your origin and destination on separate airline tickets. Maybe it was cheaper to book an itinerary as two tickets rather than one. Maybe you booked an award ticket for one segment, but had to book a separate positioning flight...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Staying Overnight On an Extinct Volcano — In Mississippi.
Despite me having been there numerous times, the state of Mississippi is full of surprises — the latest being that I technically was staying overnight on an extinct volcano in Mississippi, which was discovered in 1819. The official marker of the Jackson Volcano is located just beyond the main entrance of... The...
Miles To Memories
Venetian’s Successful Rebirth, Flamingo’s New Carpet, Top Restaurant in Vegas & A’s Tariff Problem!
Venetian 2.0's huge success, Flamingo's new carpet and renovations, best restaurant in Vegas and A's big tariff problem. The post Venetian’s Successful Rebirth, Flamingo’s New Carpet, Top Restaurant in Vegas & A’s Tariff Problem! appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Hawaii Calling
What’s the Best Island to Visit in Hawaii in January (2026)?
Are you shivering in freezing temperatures or sweating under the southern summer sun? Either way, you’re probably wondering what’s the best island to visit in Hawai’i in January. Hawai‘i in January offers warm beaches, lush landscapes, and unique seasonal experiences. Whether you’re looking to unwind, embark on an adventure, or...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Top 5 Car Rental Bonus Mile and Point offers for December 2025
Here are our Top Car Rental Bonuses for this month. Many of these offers go beyond this month so don’t count them out for rentals you need to book further down the road! Keep in mind sometimes the rates paid for some of these offers may cost more than other...
View from the Wing
Boom Supersonic Pivots To Powering AI Data Centers — And Says Billion Dollar 1.21 Gigawatt Turbine Deal Will Pay For The Jet
Boom Supersonic is now selling 42 megawatt natural gas turbines to power AI data centers, starting with a billion-dollar, 1.21 gigawatt order from Crusoe. They say the profit will self-fund their Symphony engine and Overture jet — but the economics and execution risk still look like a long shot. Continue reading...
Your Mileage May Vary
Ma’am, If Your Bag Doesn’t Fit, That Sounds Like a ‘You’ Problem
There are some airline passengers who do their best to, if not be helpful, at least mind both their manners and their own business. And then you have the passengers…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers