Malaysia Airlines Renames 'Bucket List' Contest

malaysia airlinesOliver Smith, The Daily Telegraph, September 3, 2014

Malaysia Airlines has scrapped its unfortunately titled “Ultimate Bucket List” competition, following accusations of poor taste.

The airline launched the contest on its website on Monday, inviting travellers in Australia and New Zealand to submit a 500-word answer to the question: “What and where would you like to tick off on your bucket list, and explain why?”

Twitter: Nicole Angerone - What were they thinking?! Malaysia Airlines ‘Ultimate Bucket List’ Competition #PR#failhttp://t.co/PZsMlJ6Ymi

Considering a “bucket list” is made up of things one wants to see or do before they die, and Malaysia Airlines has been involved in two tragedies since March – resulting in 537 fatalities, it was probably not the most sensible title.

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The inevitable social media outcry appears to have prompted a rethink, and while the contest is still being offered by the airline, the phrase is no longer being used. Instead, visitors to its website are being asked to describe what they want to cross off their “to do” list, for the chance to win an iPad and a free economy class ticket.

Twitter: Andrew Stroehlein - Misadventures in PR... Malaysia Airlines launches contest asking passengers what they'd like to do before dying... http://t.co/11sROGAW6g

Malaysia Airlines has been involved in a major overhaul following the MH17 and MH370 disasters. Last month it was reported to be losing £1.2m a day, and has even been considering a name change.

MH17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine in July, while the unexplained disappearance of MH370, which was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, took place on March 8.

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This article was written by Oliver Smith from The Daily Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network.