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
Points With a Crew
The Club at CVG airport lounge review
I first did a The Club CVG lounge review back in early 2016 but since I’ve been through it several times since then, I thought it was worth a chance to update my Club CVG lounge review. The Club CVG is open for Priority Pass members, membership in which is given for...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Differences in How Each Generation Travels: From Planning to Preferences
People are living longer than ever before. In fact, Pew Research suggests that with Generation Beta making its debut this year (Gen Beta will be people born between 2025 and 2039), it was thought to mark the first time in history that so many generations of people—seven distinct generations—were alive...
View from the Wing
Leaked: American Airlines Saves 777-200s From Retirement—Fast WiFi, New Cabins Coming
Aviation watchdog JonNYC reports that American Airlines will improve the wifi on their Boeing 777-200 fleet and will give the planes a new interior. That’s great news. The old Panasonic wifi systems on these planes are exceptionally slow, while ViaSat’s systems work much better and the rest of...
One Mile at a Time
American Boeing 777-200ERs Getting New Cabins, Viasat Wi-Fi
There’s an exciting update for American Airlines’ long haul fleet, as shared by JonNYC (who is on quite the roll at the moment…). American 777-200ERs getting new business class & more We recently saw American introduce all-new cabins for its long haul aircraft, including a new business class, premium economy, and economy....
Live and Let’s Fly
Eat, Drink, And Be Merry: Springtime In Germany
As always, my holiday in Germany was filled with rest and relaxation, but during this springtime season of the year, I enjoyed the added bonus of virtually endless white asparagus and strawberries. My Beautiful Springtime Journey To Southwest Germany If a picture is worth a thousand words, I think the picture above...
Frequent Miler
Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders can save $75 on $150 dining spend with The Infatuation
Chase and The Infatuation have partnered to offer Sapphire Preferred cardholders a $75 statement credit when spending $150 or more at participating restaurants in select cities around the US. The Deal Link your Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card to The Infatuation and get a $75 statement credit on $150+ spend at participating...
One Mile at a Time
Air Traffic Controller Falls Asleep, Leaving Air Corsica Plane Circling
It’s not unusual for planes to enter holding patterns before they land at their destination. However, you’d typically hope that it’s not for this reason… Air Corsica plane left in limbo after controller falls asleep This incident happened on Monday, September 15, 2025, and involves Air Corsica flight XK777, operating from Paris...
Miles To Memories
Deal Roundup: Chase Offer for AT&T Fiber, Amex Offer for McDonald’s, Free Perplexity Pro AI, Target Circle Offers
MtM Deal Roundup We have come across several deals over the last few days and we are putting them all together here, hoping that you find them useful. AT&T Fiber Chase Offer: Make $75 Payment, Get $50 Back Earn $50 back when you sign up with AT&T Fiber by making two $50 minimum...
{Tech} for Travel
Globe-Trotter Explorer Carry-On headlines new collection
Cabin-smart and stylish, the Globe-Trotter Explorer Carry-On headlines a new collection with a vintage travel crest, quiet 360-degree wheels and coordinating tote-and-pochette options. Credit Globe-Trotter ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
After Whom Was Hyatt Hotels Corporation Named?
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has long been known as a multinational company which provides upscale lodging to guests over the decades — but have you ever wondered after whom was Hyatt Hotels Corporation named? After Whom Was Hyatt Hotels Corporation Named? Photograph ©2023 by Brian Cohen. What is believed to be the first...
Frequent Miler
How we’ll be judging the 100K Vacay challenge
The 100K Vacay travels are about to begin, with Greg’s benchmark trip set to start on September 25th. We’ll be leaning on all of you for a piece of the judging process, so pay attention! In this post, I’ll break down how this annual challenge will be judged. What is the...
View from the Wing
Airport’s Plan To Kill By-The-Seat Private Jet Flights Collapses In Federal Court — A Warning To Cities Nationwide
A federal appeals court issued an important ruling overturning the ability of Westchester County to limit flights, and it has nationwide implications for small airports especially in wealthy areas that try to block air travel. Westchester tried to enforce a 2005 ordinance requiring all passenger flights — including JSX and XO...
Your Mileage May Vary
Sharon’s JetBlue 25-for-25 Journey: The First 7 Airports
Back in June, I wrote about JetBlue’s 25 for 25 promotion, which offers 350,000 TrueBlue points and 25 years of Mosaic status if you can fly to 25 different airports within a set timeframe. At the time, I went back and forth on whether it was worth it (spoiler: I...
TravelUpdate
Limited time Marriott Bonvoy credit card offers ending soon…
Over the last couple of weeks, a lot of buzz has been captured by the upcoming refresh of Amex’s Platinum cards. However, there are two cards that are currently offering limited time welcome bonus offer. These offers are about to end soon in a week’s time. If you’re eligible and...
PointsMath
Amex Spend Based Targeted Offer [Sep-Oct’25]
American Express is back with its usual Diwali spend-based offer. Spend-based offers are usually a feature from Amex and are made available twice a year (once for Jan-Apr and then usually between Sep-Nov). They also regularly have other good offers, such as earning bonus points, vouchers, and bonuses on transferring points. Similar...
One Mile at a Time
Japan Airlines CEO Takes 30% Pay Cut Over Drinking Pilot Scandal… Again!
Japan Airlines’ senior management is facing some serious punishment, including pay cuts, over a recent incident involving a drinking pilot. The only problem? This is the second time this year that we’re seeing such a pay cut for exactly the same reason… Japan Airlines executives punished over pilot actions Senior executives...
Economy Class & Beyond
Aer Lingus to launch a new service between Dublin and Raleigh-Durham Airport
Further Transatlantic travels continue to be Aer Lingus’s future, with the airline planning a route to Raleigh-Durham Airport. Aer Lingus’s first Airbus A321XLR – Image, Airbus It’s a big win for Raleigh-Durham travellers, with the airport noting that Dublin is one of the most sought-after destinations that is not currently served. Aer Lingus...
PointsMath
Last Day: Buy Marriott Bonvoy Points with a Flat 40% Bonus [0.89¢ or ₹0.78/Point]
Marriott is the largest hotel chain in the world. That means you will find a Marriott hotel in most places. With over 30 brands, there are many opportunities to make the most out of your Marriott points. There are many ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points in India. However, buying...
PointsMath
IHG Bonus Elite Night Targeted Offer [Till 31st Dec]
IHG sent the Bonus Elite Night targeted promotion yesterday. This promotion is valid for stays between 1 ‌Oct‌ob‌er and 3‍1 December 2025. If you have plans for stays at IHG and are targeted for this promotion, register for it. IHG Bonus Elite Night Credit Basics You will earn double elite night credit for stays completed...
PointsMath
Earn 3x IHG Points For Stays Between October 1 – December 31, 2025
IHG is back with another solid promotion for its members. If you have stays planned in the next three months, you can earn 3x IHG points on your hotel stays. Here are the details. Earn 3x IHG Points : Basics You need to be an IHG member to take advantage of IHG...
Frequent Miler
Save up to 20% with these National & Enterprise Amex Offers
There are a couple of new, targeted Amex Offers that could be useful if you’re planning on renting a car in the next few months. Although they have different spending thresholds and statement credits, these Amex Offers for National and Enterprise can save you up to 20%. The Deals Spend $250+ in...
Miles To Memories
Fast Track to Diamond Status with Hilton for Business
Fast Track to Diamond Status with Hilton for Business Hilton has a new promotion for Hilton for Business members, offering fast track to Diamond Status. You will just need to complete 10 qualifying nights by December 15 to earn Diamond, instead of the usual requirement of 60. Let’s see the details. The...
Monkey Miles
Free 10 Piece McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets Meals everyday until October 5th with Amazon Prime/GrubHub+
10 Piece McNugget everyday until October 5th as long as you order $20 or more ( this includes the cost of the 10 piece meal, but no tip, taxes, etc ). Pretty easy to trigger really.   All Amazon Prime Members get GrubHub+ Amazon Prime has a GrubHub partnership that includes GrubHub+ as...
PointsMath
IHG Flash Sale Promotion: Save Up to 23.5% in Europe
IHG is offering up to 23.5% off stays in IHG hotels in select european countries, UK and Ireland, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands. As this is a flash sale, bookings must be made by 23rd September 2025. IHG Autumn Flash Sale Promotion: Basics If you have upcoming stays planned at IHG in...

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers