Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Go figure.
Perhaps the IT people get some kind of bonus based on the number of hits, and this is a way to encourage you to keep coming back.
If you recall back to your Intro Psych course and Operant Conditioning, random reinforcement produces the most persistent behaviour (just like the slot machines), so this means you can make AC.com the world's most popular airline website based on hits.
Just a thought.