Frequent Flyer Funnies: When Elves Go Bad

by BoardingArea | June 14, 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 a hilarious marketing mishap involving Kellogg’s. Fasten your seatbelts for a laugh!

This is a black-and-white cartoon illustration. At the top, there is a news item dated April 28, 2003, stating that the Kellogg Company could not explain why thousands of emails incorrectly informed sweepstakes contestants that they had won 25,000 Advantage Miles. The text suggests that this might be what happens "when elves go bad." The main part of the cartoon shows three elves interacting with a large computer. The computer screen displays a message saying, "YOU'VE WON 25,000 MILES! LOVE, KELLOGGS," with a "SEND" button. One elf is standing on the keyboard, another is climbing the computer, and the third is on the floor. The elves are labeled "SNAP," "CRACKLE," and "POP." Below the cartoon, there is a caption that reads: "A Frequent Flyer Throwback—a true story when even Kellogg's couldn't understand frequent flyer miles. Fast forward, many companies still make fat finger marketing mistakes."

What the Comic Shows:

The comic features a humorous take on a real incident from April 28, 2003, where the Kellogg Company mistakenly informed thousands of sweepstakes contestants that they had won 25,000 Advantage Miles. The comic imagines that mischievous elves, dressed as Kellogg’s mascots, are behind the erroneous emails. The elves are shown causing havoc on a giant keyboard, sending out the incorrect messages.

Punchline:

“When Elves Go Bad”

Why We’re Chuckling:

The idea of tiny, mischievous elves wreaking havoc in a corporate office is a hilarious visual representation of a marketing blunder. It plays on the absurdity of the situation and gives a whimsical twist to a simple error, suggesting that even something as magical as elves can sometimes mess things up.

Dive Deeper with Us:

  • Marketing Mishaps: Have you ever experienced a marketing error that left you either laughing or frustrated? Share your stories of bizarre or funny marketing blunders.
  • Elves in the Office: The comic imagines mischievous elves causing trouble. What’s the most unusual explanation you’ve ever heard for a workplace mistake?
  • Frequent Flyer Follies: Have you ever had an issue with your frequent flyer miles? Whether it’s a missing reward or an unexpected bonus, we want to hear your experiences.
  • Behind the Scenes: This comic highlights a behind-the-scenes error. Do you have any insights or stories about what goes on behind the scenes in the world of travel marketing or rewards programs?

And there you have it—another laugh-inducing look at the quirks and oddities of the frequent flyer world. Whether it’s mischievous elves or marketing missteps, there’s always a funny story behind the miles we chase. Stay tuned for more #FrequentFlyerFunnies as we continue to explore the lighter side of travel. Until next time, keep your sense of humor high and your points even higher!

Frequent Flyer Funnies
Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Addison/Quorum Drive
I was in Dallas for a quick trip and spent the night at the… The post Hotel Review: Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Addison/Quorum Drive appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
What’s the Difference Between a Concourse and a Terminal?
Confused about the difference between an airport terminal and a concourse? Learn what each one means, how they connect, and tips for finding your gate fast.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
259 Brands. 9 Lodging Companies. Interactive List. February 2026.
When you were asked to test your knowledge of hotel brands on Friday, April 21, 2023, a whopping 213 hotel and resort brands were parts of the worldwide portfolios of only nine multinational lodging companies — either through outright ownership or through a partnership — and since then, no fewer...
Frequent Miler
Rakuten: Earn 100x/100% on an Incogni subscription
Rakuten has a potentially interesting offer at the moment for data privacy company Incogni. You can earn 100% cashback or, more valuably, 100x points – transferable to American Express Membership Rewards or Bilt points – which could make it worth subscribing to even if you have zero interest in the...
Frequent Miler
Fine Hotels + Resorts® vs The Edit by Chase Travel℠ | Coffee Break Ep93 | 2-17-26
Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Edit by Chase Travel℠ are hotel programs offered by American Express and Chase, which offer a similar array of perks. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t significant differences. Greg discusses a recent stay where he used both of these back-to-back. Fine Hotels + Resorts®...
The Alviator
Review: Greater Bay Airlines 737 MAX Premium Class (HKG-NRT)
Greater Bay Airlines very recently introduced a new Premium Class product, which I flew from Hong Kong to Tokyo Narita. Here are my thoughts. The post Review: Greater Bay Airlines 737 MAX Premium Class (HKG-NRT) appeared first on The Alviator.
Your Mileage May Vary
TSA Is Charging Travelers $45 for REAL ID Screening — but New Military Recruits Are Exempt
A new TSA fee took effect February 1, but recruits headed to basic training won’t have to pay — and will even get expedited screening. After nearly two decades of…
man with his bag at airport (l) Frontier airlines (r)
BoardingArea
Two passengers fit personal items in Frontier bag size checker. Then a worker steps in: ‘Looks like a scam to me’
“Frontier associates get paid a kick-back for bag fees!”
The Bulkhead Seat
Spirit Airlines Marks 20 Years in Atlanta with Anniversary Discount
Spirit Airlines is celebrating 20 years of flights to/from the Peach State. To commemorate… The post Spirit Airlines Marks 20 Years in Atlanta with Anniversary Discount appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Get a 30% discount when buying Choice points (buy points for 0.72 cpp)
Choice Privileges has launched its latest points sale. This latest deal gives a discount of up to 30% which means you can buy points for as low as 0.72 cents per point. The Deal Buy Choice Privileges points at a discount: 8,000-17,000 points = 25% discount 18,000+ points = 30%...
One Mile at a Time
Andaz Heber Valley, Utah, Opening 2029, As Brand’s First Ski Resort
Hyatt has announced plans to open a new ski resort, and it’ll be an Andaz… surprisingly?
You Are Travel
Happy Mardi Gras! Happy Lunar New Year! Ramadan Mubarak! – Enjoy This Gift On Me
​tl;dr – A rare triptych of holidays happening today. ​As three big celebratory holidays converge today with the… The post Happy Mardi Gras! Happy Lunar New Year! Ramadan Mubarak! – Enjoy This Gift On Me appeared first on You Are Travel.
Miles To Memories
Does Chase Blow Now More Than Ever?
These days, I feel like Chase credit cards and the bank itself are worse than I can ever remember. Thoughts are within. The post Does Chase Blow Now More Than Ever? appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Yale Dean’s Bizarre Defense of American Airlines ‘Beloved’ CEO Backfires—Embarrassingly Wrong On The Facts
A Yale business school dean just penned an extraordinary defense of American Airlines CEO Robert Isom, praising him as "beloved" and "resilient," while blaming Boeing and bad weather for poor profits and operational meltdowns—but literally none of his claims withstand scrutiny. I go line-by-line.
One Mile at a Time
Alaska Atmos Rewards’ Global Getaways Award Sale: Save Up To 60%
Since 2024, we’ve seen Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program (previously known as Mileage Plan) offer a quarterly promotion for discounted award travel, with significant savings (often up to 60%).
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Wyndham points with a 100% bonus? (Deal Ends Wednesday)
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 ...
Altitude Yes
Review: American Airlines Admirals Club, Boston Logan Airport
This is a relatively spacious Admirals Club located near gate B4. The post Review: American Airlines Admirals Club, Boston Logan Airport first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Your Mileage May Vary
Storms Reshaped Iceland’s Black Sand Beach — And I’m So Glad We Went When We Did
I saw the photos and assumed they were exaggerated. Reynisfjara — Iceland’s famous black sand beach — is one of those places that looks too dramatic to be real. The…
You Are Travel
Iberia and China Southern Strike Codeshare Partnership to Help Make Madrid a Global Hub
​tl;dr – This move strengthens each airline’s network. ​China Southern Airlines and Iberia have entered into a codeshare… The post Iberia and China Southern Strike Codeshare Partnership to Help Make Madrid a Global Hub appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Miler
Capital One Business Travel promo: Get $200 off $600+ hotel booking (targeted)
Capital One is targeting some business cardholders with an offer giving a $200 discount when booking a $600+ hotel stay through Capital One Business Travel. The Deal Get a $200 discount when booking a $600+ hotel stay through Capital One Business Travel with a targeted cardholder promotion. Key Terms Book...
Miles To Memories
United TravelBank Purchases No Longer Triggering Amex Airline Incidental Credit?
The ability to use the American Express Platinum $200 airline incidental credit for United TravelBank purchases appears to have reached its end. The post United TravelBank Purchases No Longer Triggering Amex Airline Incidental Credit? appeared first on Miles to Memories.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Save Up to 55% at Select Iberostar Beachfront Resorts With IHG One Rewards
You can enjoy some time relaxing at the beach and spend less money, as you can save up to 55% at select Iberostar Beachfront Resorts through October 2027 with IHG One Rewards at 26 participating resort properties in the United States, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Brazil, and Aruba between Sunday,...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Passengers On Flight From Tokyo to Frankfurt Face One Of The Longest Ever ‘Flights to Nowhere’ in 14-Hour Endurance Marathon
Passengers on an ANA Airlines flight from Tokyo to Frankfurt on Tuesday faced one of the longest ever ‘flights to nowhere’ when their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a maintenance issue as it was flying at over 34,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean. What followed was an endurance marathon as the...
Live and Let’s Fly
Review: Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur (Central Location)
I spent my  final night in Kuala Lumpur at the Hyatt Centric City Centre, a reasonably-priced, centrally-located Hyatt hotel within easy walking distance of the Petronas Towers and Bukit Bintang. Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur Review If you’re a Hyatt loyalist on a budget, this hotel is for you....

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers