Kiwi woman’s prank war with father reaches new heights mid-flight

A woman’s 15-year-long prank war with her father reached unexpected heights on what was meant to be a standard Air New Zealand flight.

Kiwi woman's 15-year-long prank takes unexpected turn mid flight. Photo: NZ Herald.

A Kiwi woman’s father has upped the ante in their 15-year-long prank battle by involving Air New Zealand staff.

NZ Herald reports Christchurch-born actor, Bridie Connell, who now lives in Melbourne, has been in an epic war with her father on who can wish the other a “pinch and a punch for the first of the month” first.

Right. So my dad and I are both very competitive/stubborn. We have been locked in a battle of “pinch and a punch, first day of the month” for years. 15 years, to be exact. Neither of us remember how it started.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

She explained most months are pretty low key, but sometimes they up the ante and go out of their way to get to prank the other person first.

Each month, we each try to be the first to say “pinch and a punch, first day of the month, no returns.” You can do this however you like: in person, in a letter, in a song.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

(My principal was very confused; apparently dad had set up the appointment to talk about my grades).

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

Connell revealed this month she plotted her revenge on a three-hour Air New Zealand flight, but her father got her good in the most unexpected way.

The crew member said she had a "special delivery" for her, handed her a letter.

On May 1, she was travelling to New Zealand for her cousin’s birthday, however it was too early to call her father to wish him a “pinch and a punch”, and she wanted to wait until she landed.

Today is the 1st of May. First of the month!I’m flying home to NZ for my cousin’s birthday. It was an early flight - too early to call dad before I took off. “It’ll have to wait,” I thought as I settled into my seat.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

While the actor was coming up with a plan, her father had other ideas.

Connell reveals a flight attendant came up to her with a letter.

@FlyAirNZ Air NZ, my favourite airline. Got moved to a seat with more legroom. Premium economy, winning! Free chocolate. Hooray! ... And then.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

Beau hands me a letter. I open it.
I silently scream. It’s not an upgrade. Beau grins and shakes my hand. Hands me his card.
“And just remember you can’t call your dad, phones have to be in flight mode from ... now.”

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

I’ve just spent three hours on a flight plotting my revenge (on dad and Beau). Submissions welcome.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

pic.twitter.com/MmQ38DLHyA

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

“To my most beloved daughter,” the letter read.

“I do hope you’re sitting back reclining comfortably as you wend your way across the Tasman. I can’t wait to see you, and I know you are going to be very excited and thrilled when you see me!”

And then her father delivered the “punch”: “By the way, while I remember … pinch and a punch for the first of the month, no returns!

“Ps Aren’t Air NZ flight staff fabulous? I really do understand why it’s your favourite airline!”, he wrote before signing off the letter with kisses.

Connell said she was annoyed her father beat her to the punch but was also very impressed.

I have to hand it to my dad, and to Air Nz. And Beau, the most hilarious and lovely man.
I am SO annoyed but also SO impressed. And the worst part is tonight I’ll have to sit through a family dinner with everyone telling and retelling this story and dad being all smug.

— Bridie Connell (@BridieKConnell) 1 May 2019

This article originally appeared on the NZ Herald and was reproduced with permission