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
Frequent Miler
What are the “must have” Chase cards?
If you’re new to credit card rewards, Chase can be a great place to start, as it offers a terrific variety of valuable cards, often with excellent initial welcome offers. That said, the main reason to begin with Chase is because of its notorious 5/24 Rule, which can make it...
Points With a Crew
5 reasons I keep recommending the Chase Sapphire Preferred for people starting out (Higher Welcome Offer)
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
So — Will You Change How You Leave Gratuities?
What is crudely known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States and signed by Donald J. Trump — meaning that the campaign promise of no tax on tips will eventually become reality — so...
ATX Jetsetter
Spirit Airlines Planes Covered in Foam After Sprinkler Mishap
Three Spirit Airlines planes have been removed from service after being accidentally coated in fire suppression foam. The post Spirit Airlines Planes Covered in Foam After Sprinkler Mishap appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
6 Things That Can Get Your Luggage Flagged By TSA
With so many more people traveling through airports and the TSA scrambling to hire more employees (would YOU want to work at a place that treats their workers like this?),…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Passenger Onboard Ryanair Plane Will Need 3 Surgeries After Jumping From Wing That Didn’t Appear Configured For Emergency Evacuation
A passenger who was on a Ryanair Boeing 737 that evacuated onto the tarmac of Palma Airport on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the early hours of Saturday morning has been told that she’ll need three surgeries to repair the horrendous injuries she sustained when she jumped from wing...
Travel Codex
Exclusive Sale: Lindblad Expeditions More Than 30% off Public Pricing
Galápagos, Baja California, Panama Canal, France, Scotland, or the wilds of the Arctic with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic is on sale. Now is the time to make that dream a reality and explore the world! From Patagonia to Copenhagen, Svalbard to Baja California and nearly everywhere in-between I have...
The Bulkhead Seat
Foam Frenzy: Spirit Airlines Hangar in Detroit Overflows After System Malfunction
Spirit Airlines found itself in a sticky situation at its maintenance facility on July… The post Foam Frenzy: Spirit Airlines Hangar in Detroit Overflows After System Malfunction appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Travel Codex
Seabourn Antarctica Sale. Patagonia, South Georgia and Antarctica from just $9,399!
Every time I think prices have hit rocked bottom I stumble across a new deal. Deals so good I have to share them. There’s no pretending, I love Antarctica. I’ve been twice on Seabourn alone and these deals are so hot I am trying to convince my partner to go...
One Mile at a Time
How Much Are Airline, Hotel, And Credit Card Points Worth?
I often get asked how much I value various miles & points currencies, including those issued with credit cards, airlines, and hotels. The truth is that there’s no valuation for these currencies that everyone will agree on. That’s because the value that you’ll get from rewards points will vary significantly...
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Wizz Air Malta Airbus A321neo at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport
It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.  This week, we have a Wizz Air Malta Airbus A321neo parked at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport as it awaits its next duty. Wizz Air’s Malta unit operates a fleet of 71 Airbus A321neo aircraft in its fleet. The...
Your Mileage May Vary
We Love This Cheap NYC Transportation Most People Don’t Know About
Navigating New York City can be challenging, even for seasoned New Yorkers. It’s even more confusing if it’s your first trip to the city. My wife, Sharon, and I fall…
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights between Canada and Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, Mexico or the Caribbean
Air Canada has a new early bird flight bonus for most international flights this fall! Aeroplan members who register and book flights during this promotion will earn 2x points on flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, Mexico or the Caribbean. As with all Aeroplan flight bonuses this offer is...
Frequent Miler
$100 inKind gift card for $64.99 at Costco.com
Costco is once again offering a $100 inKind gift card for a discount, though this time around the price has dropped to $64.99 (the most recent previous sale was at $69.99). This could be a good deal if you have upcoming plans to dine at an inKind restaurant. You can also...
Monkey Miles
Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using just 1 Amex Point – Targeted, up to $80
Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using a single Amex Point! The post Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using just 1 Amex Point – Targeted, up to $80 appeared first on Monkey Miles.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
3 Reasons Why I Back Into Parking Spots
This article on the 3 reasons why I back into parking spots is written primarily pertaining to rental vehicles while traveling in countries around the world; but they also apply to my own vehicle at and near where I am based as well. Driving a vehicle typically requires a place to...
One Mile at a Time
Shockingly Classy: Kuwait Airways Chairman Apologizes To YouTuber
Several days ago, I wrote about how popular aviation YouTuber Nonstop Dan had a horrible flight in Kuwait Airways first class, where he was threatened for filming. This first involved the purser, then the captain, then the ground staff, and then the police. The level of escalation here was just...
Altitude Yes
All About the Collins Aurora Business Class Seat, Coming to American’s A321XLR
American's A321XLRs are still some time away, but there's a lot to look forward to with their new interior. The post All About the Collins Aurora Business Class Seat, Coming to American’s A321XLR first appeared on Altitude Yes.
View from the Wing
How Much Free Food Is Too Much? Travelers Test The Limits At United Airlines’ Airport Minimarts
It's a place to pick up packaged food, like chips, veggies, fruit and sad salads. What people like best is (1) the barista made coffee, and (2) free food since you really aren't supposed to take food from United's regular clubs (but people still do). Continue reading How...
Your Mileage May Vary
Has CLEAR Jumped the Shark?
As I was perusing the internets the other day, I found a discussion on Reddit from a while ago that brought up something I had been thinking about, albeit in…
Miles To Memories
Don’t Close That Bank of America Card – Do This, Instead
We're often busy with the newest points and travel developments. But the Bank of America product change remains and shouldn't be forgotten. The post Don’t Close That Bank of America Card – Do This, Instead appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Economy Class & Beyond
Air Asia signs a MoU for up to 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft
AirAsia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for up to 70 Airbus A321XLR aircraft. The MoU with Airbus is valued at USD12.25 billion. It will cover a firm order for 50 A321XLRs with purchase rights for 20 A321XLRs when formally completed. Witnessed by Prime Minister of Malaysia YAB Dato’...
Wingtips
WingTips Weekly: Mile-High Mayhem and Status Games
Welcome to Wingtips Weekly: Is it just us, or is the aviation world getting wilder by the week?… The post WingTips Weekly: Mile-High Mayhem and Status Games appeared first on Wingtips.
Live and Let’s Fly
Questions (And Answers) About Ritz-Carlton Yachts “Struggles”
Another blogger raised questions about Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s “struggles” and trouble with the brand, and market. Here is my response as a luxury travel agency owner specializing in this market. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Financial “Struggles” Details were released this week of the financial “struggles” of the 55% owner of Ritz-Carlton...

Leave a Reply

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

Categories

Our Bloggers