When Entitlement Takes Flight: The Epic Journey of a Free Ticket Diva
Sometimes, the road home is paved with good intentions—and a few delightfully petty detours. Picture this: you’re offering to help stranded travelers get back to their families during the chaos of a global pandemic. Most people are grateful. But then there’s that one person who mistakes your generosity for her personal concierge service. What happens next? Sit back, fasten your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride through one of the pettiest tales to touch down on Reddit’s r/PettyRevenge.
The Sky’s the Limit—But So Is My Budget
Our story takes off in the early days of COVID-19. International borders are slamming shut, and flights are scarcer than toilet paper. Enter our hero: an expat based in Hong Kong, generous to a fault (let’s call him Psytrancedude99, as per his Reddit handle). He and his wife, grounded from their own holiday plans, decide to put their unused travel funds to noble use—helping fellow South Africans escape lockdowns and make it home.
Most recipients of their largesse are grateful, some even paying the couple back in time. But every group has its Mel.
Meet Mel: The Main Character in Her Own Travel Drama
Mel is stuck in Beijing, desperate to get home to East London, South Africa. She has no money, no ticket, and seemingly, no sense of humility. When offered a free ticket—booked directly by Psytrancedude99, no less—she draws up her own flight plan: direct flight from Beijing to Johannesburg, then another direct hop to East London. In a pandemic. On someone else’s dime.
Our hero gently suggests more budget-friendly routes—maybe a layover in Dubai or Ethiopia? Mel scoffs. For her, it’s direct or nothing.
So, nothing it is. For a week, Mel’s messages go unanswered, while another, more appreciative traveler gets a ticket home. But with the lockdown clock ticking, Mel’s tune changes. Suddenly, any flight will do.
Petty Revenge: Now Boarding
Here’s where things get deliciously petty. Psytrancedude99 books Mel’s ticket, but with a twist. Instead of the red carpet, she gets the scenic route: three flights (clocking in at a sleep-depriving 40 hours), landing her in Johannesburg—still hundreds of miles from her final destination. For the last leg? A 20-hour bus ride. If you’ve ever taken a long-distance bus in South Africa, you know this isn’t exactly the Orient Express.
Mel’s reaction? Real-time updates filled with frustration, culminating in utter defeat when she realizes her final “flight” is a bus ticket. No thanks, no repayment—just a flurry of text messages that our hero treasures more than any reimbursement.
What’s the Moral of This Mileage Marathon?
This saga is more than just a petty revenge story; it’s a masterclass in the art of giving (and receiving). Here are a few takeaways for your next act of generosity:
- Gratitude Goes Further Than a Direct Flight: Being thankful can open doors, and sometimes even get you home faster.
- Don’t Look a Gift Ticket in the Mouth: Especially when you’re not the one footing the bill. Beggars can’t be choosers, but they can become Reddit legends.
- Petty Revenge Is Best Served at 30,000 Feet: And sometimes, with a side of bus fumes.
Final Boarding Call: What Would You Do?
So, next time you’re offered a helping hand, remember Mel’s marathon journey. And if you’re the one doling out the favors, maybe keep a three-stop itinerary up your sleeve—just in case.
What about you? Have you ever had your good intentions taken for granted? Or perhaps you’ve dished out some well-deserved petty revenge? Share your stories below—because if we’ve learned anything from Mel, it’s that karma has a funny way of catching the next flight out.
Safe travels, and may your journeys (and your favors) always be appreciated!
Original Reddit Post: Be entitled over a free plane ticket home? Enjoy the multi-stop and bus ticket home.