Frequent Flyer Funnies: The Turbulence of Loyalty

by BoardingArea | May 10, 2024 | 0 Comments

Welcome back to our sky-high series, #FrequentFlyerFunnies, where we find the humor in the hustle of racking up those miles. This week, we’re navigating the turbulent emotions that come with changes to our beloved loyalty programs. Fasten your seatbelts and stow your tray tables—this is going to be a relatable ride!

A comic strip depicting the various emotional stages experienced by frequent flyers when dealing with changes in airline policies. The comic is divided into six panels each representing different stages: Denial, Anger, Negotiation, Depression, Acceptance, and Change. Each panel humorously illustrates typical reactions such as a traveler in denial saying, "Nooo! They can't be changing the rules!", and one in anger shaking a fist at an airline counter. The Negotiation panel shows a traveler pleading, "But I'm one of your best customers: can't I get an exception?" In Depression, a person is slumped over a bar. Acceptance shows a resigned traveler at the elite check-in, while Change shows someone happily switching to a different airline offering a status match. The caption humorously comments, "They say that acceptance is the hardest stage of frequent flyer grief—thank goodness for status matches!"

What the Comic Shows:

Our comic portrays the “Stages of Frequent Flyer Grief” with sharp wit and inky insight. We see our frequent flyer hero grappling with policy changes at the airline, going through a cycle familiar to anyone who’s lost a treasured status or perk: denial, anger, negotiation, depression, and what looks like acceptance—until a tempting offer appears.

Punchline:

The final twist comes when our traveler, seemingly resigned to their fate at the elite check-in, is lured by the siren song of a status match offer. It’s an unexpected shift from acceptance to opportunistic change—because in the frequent flyer game, it’s all about staying airborne in the best possible way.

Why We’re Chuckling:

It’s a playful jab at the emotional bonds we form with our loyalty programs and how quickly they can be tested. The comic captures the quirky truth of the frequent flyer life: no matter how many times we say we’re done, there’s always a new deal that might just get us back in the air.

Dive Deeper with Us:

  • Loyalty Loop: Does the ‘acceptance’ stage in our flyer’s journey ever truly come, or are we eternally circling the airport of better offers? Share your looping loyalty tales.
  • Point of Diminishing Returns: At what moment does the pursuit of points eclipse the perks they promise? Dive into your experiences when chasing rewards turned into a taxing trek.
  • Autopilot Actions: Have you ever found yourself on autopilot, doing the same travel routines for the sake of status, even when they stop making sense? Let’s discuss when it’s time to switch off autopilot and navigate a new course.
  • The ‘Change’ Choice: Is the real power in acceptance, or is it in the freedom to change loyalty at a moment’s notice? Reflect on what true traveler empowerment looks like in today’s loyalty program landscape.
Frequent Flyer Funnies
Also on BoardingArea
Wingtips
Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs Barclaycard Upgrade Voucher: Which One Wins?
You’ve spent £10,000, on both your Virgin Atlantic card and your Barclaycard. Your bank account weeps, but the… The post Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs Barclaycard Upgrade Voucher: Which One Wins? appeared first on Wingtips.
Frequent Miler
How I accidentally paid taxes with my wife’s Business Platinum card
One of the great things about running a successful business (Frequent Miler) is that I get to pay a lot in taxes. I know, I know… “great” and “taxes” don’t usually go together, but since it’s possible to pay taxes with a credit card (see our guide here), I appreciate...
The Bulkhead Seat
2024 World’s Busiest Airport Rankings Released: Atlanta Still Reigns Supreme
Airports Council International (ACI) World released its annual rankings of the world’s busiest airports… The post 2024 World’s Busiest Airport Rankings Released: Atlanta Still Reigns Supreme appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
5 reasons I keep recommending the Chase Sapphire Preferred for people starting out
Amongst my friends and family, I'm considered the "credit card guy". When I'm asked for recommendations, most of the time it's the Chase Sapphire Preferred...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Japan Will Shift to a System For Visitors Based on Refunds in November of 2026
Instead of the current tax-free shopping system for visitors, Japan will shift to a system for visitors based on refunds effective as of Saturday, November 1, 2026 — which means that visitors will be required to pay the... The post Japan Will Shift to a System For Visitors Based on Refunds...
Travel With Grant
When Does the Free Night Certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card Post and Expire?
Discover when your Free Night Certificate from the Chase World of Hyatt Credit Card posts and expires. Learn how to track your certificate, calculate its posting date, and understand its 12-month validity. Perfect for anyone looking to maximize their Hyatt stays and ensure they get the best deals. Find out...
One Mile at a Time
Huh: Global Airlines Tickets Now On Sale, First Class For $9K
Global Airlines has just put its first flights on sale. I’m so confused… sometimes reality is crazier than fiction.
You Are Travel
Book Now: The First All-Inclusive W Hotel in Punta Cana is Now Open for June Reservations
Tl;dr – You can now reserve your stay at the first-ever all-inclusive W brand hotel in Punta Cana.…
One Mile at a Time
Hilton Credit Card $15K Annual Spending Sweet Spot
Hilton and American Express have a suite of four co-branded credit cards. There are pros and cons to each of them. Two of the cards offer the ability to earn free night certificates through spending, and in this post, I’d like to focus primarily on the mid-range personal card, which...
ATX Jetsetter
British Airways Pulls Out of DFW, Cedes All Flying to American Airlines
British Airways has pulled out of Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW), ceding all flying to joint venture partner American Airlines. The post British Airways Pulls Out of DFW, Cedes All Flying to American Airlines appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
Why the Chase Ink Business Preferred Is Still One of the Best Business Cards
If you have a business—even a side hustle—the ability to apply for business credit cards opens up a whole world of opportunities that personal cardholders don’t get. That is, once…
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Wyndham points with a 80% bonus? (Offer Ends Tuesday)
Wyndham Rewards currently has a 35% bonus on buying points. Buying Wyndham points can be a great way to book an amazing Vacasa vacation rental at a steep discount. Find out how ...
The Bulkhead Seat
American and United Will Add Four New Regional Routes This August
SkyWest will soon add four new regional routes flown on behalf of either American… The post American and United Will Add Four New Regional Routes This August appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Miles To Memories
Hilton Cards: No Lifetime Language Offers with Free Nights
American Express has three improved offers on consumer Hilton Honors credit cards, which have no lifetime language in the terms. The post Hilton Cards: No Lifetime Language Offers with Free Nights appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Economondo
Sampling the Low Cost German Giant: Manchester to Dusseldorf with Eurowings
Flying onboard a Eurowings Airbus A320 on a short flight from Manchester to Dusseldorf
View from the Wing
Ford Executive Snapped At Elderly Passenger: ‘You Watched Fox News Onboard, But That Wheelchair Is DEI In Action’
Barrett Evans, who works as the Chief Learning Officer at Ford Motor Company, sparked an online backlash after taking to social media to blast a fellow passenger onboard his flight to San Diego. Evans saw that passenger watching Fox News on the plane's seatback entertainment screen. Then, while they deplaned,...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Top 10 Airlines for Food & Drink, According to Food & Wine Magazine
Food & Wine Magazine is a U.S.-based monthly periodical founded in 1978. For nearly 50 years, it’s been teaching about food and drink around the world, complete with recipes, cooking…
One Mile at a Time
Fox News Watching On Airplane Leads To Unsolicited DEI Lecture
As much as I agree with the idea behind what this guy was saying, my unsolicited advice is that you really shouldn’t offer unsolicited advice to others on airplanes, especially with as divided of a country as we have (thanks to Fred for flagging this).
The Bulkhead Seat
Promo: Marriott Bonvoy® Week Is Back At Starbucks Through April 20th
In June 2024, I wrote about a new partnership between Starbucks and Marriott Bonvoy®.… The post Promo: Marriott Bonvoy® Week Is Back At Starbucks Through April 20th appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Alternate Alaska card offer: 60K miles + 30% flight discount code
The current best offer on the personal Alaska Airlines credit card awards 75,000 bonus miles when spending $3,000 in 90 days. There’s an alternate offer available via the Alaska Airlines website that only awards 60,000 bonus miles but which could be preferable for the right person as it also comes...
The Bulkhead Seat
Whoa: A Pair of British Airways Boeing 777s Involved in Two Separate Drug Busts
British Airways has made news twice this week around major drug busts with blocks… The post Whoa: A Pair of British Airways Boeing 777s Involved in Two Separate Drug Busts appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
{Tech} for Travel
Amazfit Bip 6 Adds HYROX Mode and 2-Week Battery Life
Amazfit Bip 6 adds HYROX mode, BioTracker 6.0, and a 2-week battery life—an everyday smartwatch built for health, fitness, and round-the-clock use. The post Amazfit Bip 6 Adds HYROX Mode and 2-Week Battery Life appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
ATX Jetsetter
2024 World’s Busiest Airports Rankings Released
The preliminary rankings of the world's busiest airports for 2024 have been released with few surprises among the top ten. The post 2024 World’s Busiest Airports Rankings Released appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Miles To Memories
Citi Merchant Offers, Save $50 on Your AT&T Bill
Citi has a new Merchant Offer that can get you a $50 discount on your AT&T bill. You can find these offers in your Citi app, or your account online. The post Citi Merchant Offers, Save $50 on Your AT&T Bill appeared first on Miles to Memories.

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers