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
View from the Wing
Air Canada Reveals Stunning New Cabins — What Its COO Told Me About The Design Choices And Fleet Plans
Air Canada has finally pulled back the curtain on brand new cabins for its Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A321XLR, and business class seats and new cabins are only part of the story. The airline’s COO filled in what the launch materials do not: why Air Canada obsessed over design details,...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Wyndham Rewards: Earn 4x points for stays in China, Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan
Earn 4x Wyndham Rewards points for stays of 2 or more nights at participating hotels in China (including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan).
The Bulkhead Seat
Wild: United CEO Floats Bold Idea of Acquiring American Airlines
A new Bloomberg report suggests a potential seismic shift in the US airline industry…
Frequent Miler
Best ways to get to Africa using points and miles (2026)
From the markets of Marrakesh to the quintessential South African safari, the African continent has many wonders to behold. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of penguins in Cape Town or the Great Migration across the Serengeti, here are a number of good options for booking award travel to...
View from the Wing
United CEO Scott Kirby Pitched Buying American Airlines — The Man It Fired Wants The Ultimate Revenge Deal
Scott Kirby has reportedly pitched regulators on the idea of buying American Airlines, turning one of the strangest what-ifs in the industry into something at least serious enough to discuss in Washington. What makes the idea impossible to ignore is the backstory: Kirby was fired as American’s president, and a...
Points With a Crew
Which Hilton credit card is the best? (Last Chance For Higher Offers)
There are 4 different Hilton credit cards - each with their own set of perks and benefits. Let's take a look at the pros and cons and decide which Hilton card is best
Altitude Yes
United CEO Interested in Merger With American, Bloomberg Reports
Kirby reportedly has pitched the idea to senior government officials. The post United CEO Interested in Merger With American, Bloomberg Reports first appeared on Altitude Yes.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Entry/Exit System in Europe Finally Operating — But Not Smoothly: Travel Alert
If you plan on visiting Europe, note that the Entry/Exit System — which is informally known as the EES — in Europe is finally operating effective as of Friday, April 10, 2026 after years of delays; but passengers have reportedly been experiencing mass confusion and widespread disruptions shortly after its...
One Mile at a Time
Report: United CEO Scott Kirby Proposes Merger With American To Trump Officials
Guys, either Scott Kirby is losing his mind, or the Trump administration likes ”big deals” even more than we already knew.
Frequent Miler
Earn up to a $815 bonus with a new SoFi checking/savings account
SoFi has again increased its stackable offer, which can give you up to $815 back when you open a new checking/savings account. The shopping portal Swagbucks is offering a 41,500-point (~$415) bonus for opening a new SoFi Checking/Savings account by clicking through the portal link and making a $400 direct...
Your Mileage May Vary
This Might Be the Strangest Way To Use Aeroplan Points—But It Could Be A Good Value
I’ve seen points used for flights, hotels, upgrades, and even concert tickets, but this one caught me off guard. You can use Air Canada Aeroplan points for a Disney experience.…
One Mile at a Time
Blurry iPhone Text Picture Problem: Is There An Easy Solution I’m Missing?
Collectively I’d like to think that OMAAT readers know just about everything, so I’m wondering if anyone might be able to help with a solution to my problem…
Frequent Miler
Virgin Atlantic has hiked award surcharges again
Over the last several years, Virgin Atlantic has demonstrated a pattern of devaluing awards without notice or notification. The latest such devaluation was noticed by Thrifty Traveler over the weekend, with fees increased on Virgin Atlantic awards across the board for the second time in less than a year, with...
Miles To Memories
Bruno Mars Took Over Vegas, Tiny Homes with INSANE Rents Coming & Aria’s Coming Upgrade?
Bruno Mars takes over Vegas, Frozen 4 arrives, painting rocks, tiny homes with INSANE rents and is Aria finally getting its renovation?
Travel Codex
Europe’s Biometric Border Checks Are Here: Long Lines and Fees
If you’re headed to Europe in the near future, your arrival and departure experience is about to change  and not in the “priority passport lane magically appears” sort of way. As of April 10, 2026, the European Union’s long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES)or European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) has now been...
View from the Wing
Airport Lounge Guest Ordered Six Burgers And Filled Duffel Bags With Food — This Is Why Nice Things Don’t Last
Lounges got better, access expanded, and banks taught travelers to treat “free” as something to maximize at all costs — so now people wait in long lines to enter crowded rooms, hoard food, and turn what was supposed to feel premium into something closer to wartime siege.
Your Mileage May Vary
Inaugural Cruise Breaks Down—With 200+ Travel Agents Onboard
A lot of people know not to make a reservation at a hotel when it’s brand new. There are just too many things that can go wrong. Construction might not…
The Bulkhead Seat
Detroit Launches In-Airport Autonomous Wheelchairs to Enhance Accessibility
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) is working toward improving accessibility with the introduction…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Lufthansa Facing Major Crisis As Back to Back Pilot and Flight Attendant Strikes Ground Flights Until Friday
The German flag carrier Lufthansa is now facing a major crisis after flight attendants announced yet another strike… The walkout is slated to start just as a seperate walkout by pilots finishes, bringing four days of flight chaos to the airline. The latest strike was announced with little more than...
Frequent Miler
American Express Platinum Card® to cut Lufthansa lounge access in October 2026
Amex Platinum cards currently offer access to some Lufthansa lounges for cardholders flying Lufthansa out of Frankfurt and Munich. Unfortunately, that benefit will end on October 1, 2026. As of the time of writing, Amex Platinum cardholders enjoy limited access to Lufthansa lounges: Free access to Lufthansa Business Lounges (with...
Live and Let’s Fly
United Now Selling $6,000+ Business Class Tickets That Earn Zero Miles
United Airlines recently announced the introduction of “basic” business class fares, which are now for sale on a handful of routes. Unfortunately, the tickets are even more restricted than we originally were led to believe when it comes to mileage earning in a way that seems to defy logic. United...
Miles To Memories
American Airlines Loyalists Don’t Get Elite Benefits in Basic Economy
American Airlines really does not want you to purchase Basic Economy tickets.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Earn a Mystery Bonus of Atmos Points by Shopping in April
Effective through Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:59:59 in the evening Eastern Daylight Time, you can earn bonus Alaska Airlines Atmos points — in addition to the standard Atmos points earned — during the Mystery Bonus campaign at the Atmos Shopping portal by spending a minimum of...
View from the Wing
Uber Is Testing A Better Way To Rent Cars — Skip The Counter, Skip The Shuttle, Get Delivery
Uber has stumbled onto a much better rental car idea by letting customers skip the counter and shuttle bus and have a car delivered to them instead. The problem is that the service (1) short-changes drivers, so they become unreliable and (2) still rides on Avis - as a result...

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers