April Fool’s Day is a day filled with laughter and jokes. Over the years we have seen some excellent pranks courtesy of some of the world’s biggest travel companies. This year, we decided to share the laughter by putting together a list of 10 of the best travel-related April Fool’s Day pranks from around the globe.
Take a look at 10 of Expat Explore‘s favourite travel-themed April Fool’s Day pranks below!
1. West Jet – Furry Family
In 2013, the Canadian airline carrier announced their “Furry Family” program – new regulations that would allow any type of animal into the cabin with guests. As long as they are able to fit safely on board, they would be welcome to fly (sorry, no elephants allowed). From goats and geese to monkeys and even mini-alligators! This April Fool’s Prank was definitely a popular one with animal lovers!
2. BBC – Flying Penguins
The BBC almost had us all fooled with their flying penguin gag back in 2008! The Video showed the (flightless) birds taking off in Antarctica and migrating to the rainforests of South America to “spend the winter basking in the tropical sun.”
Did you know? While flying penguins aren’t real, some do in fact live on the beach! You can find penguins living on Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa!
3. Virgin Australia – Onboard Spin Class
Virgin Australia has had a number of chuckle-worthy April Fool’s Day pranks over the years. In 2018, they introduced an onboard spin class to help travellers get active above the clouds! Complete with instructors, specialised schedules and complimentary spin class activewear! Sounds way better than being stuck sitting in your seat for a long haul flight, right?
4. Airbnb – Lairbnb
This one is for fantasy world-lovers! In 2016, Airbnb introduced us to “Lairbnb” because “every hero needs a hideaway.” It was all about superheroes, vampires and elves (pretty much anyone who would live in a lair) opening up their lairs to travellers to give them a taste of their lifestyle. Weird? Yes. Would we book a Lairbnb? Absolutely!
5. Virgin Australia – Adult-free Kids Class
No adults, no problem! In 2016, Virgin Australia announced, “a 100% adult-free cabin, just for our junior flyers.” Kids Class travellers can enjoy a specialised teddy service, bubble-filled storytime, sleep tents and even seats designed especially for enthusiastic seat kickers! Sounds like a dream come true for kids… and maybe some exhausted parents!
6. Royal Caribbean – Floating Ski Resort
If you have ever found yourself torn between a cruise and ski break, this April Fool’s Joke would have been just the thing for you! The ship “Piste of the Seas” was the world’s first ski resort at sea. The design had five snow runs, a ski lift, chalet-style wood-panelled rooms, restaurants, bars and a spa. There was even après-ski entertainment!
Read more about the Royal Caribbean April Fool’s Prank here.
7. Virgin Australia – Canine Crew Program
Another excellent April Fool’s Day job by Virgin Australia! Taking it one step further than simply having pets on board – in 2017, the airline had a few of us believe we would be treated to the world’s first team of canine inflight crew members! From stretching your legs on dog walks up and down the aisle, to cute canine cuddles to pass the time, the canine crew offers a host of new (and unfortunately fake) services. If this was real, it would be really paw-some!
8. Google – Treasure Maps
In 2013, Google Maps had tonnes of people intrigued by their new “treasure mode” feature. The story goes that while the Street View Team expanded the underwater maps collection, they discovered a map that belonged to the infamous pirate “Captain Kidd”. Users joined the hunt to help find the treasure by deciphering codes and using hidden clues. A super fun, interactive way to spend April Fool’s Day!
9. Southwest Airlines – Cash Lav
Based on the American game show Cash Cab, Cash Lav gives flyers the opportunity to win some money while answering the call of nature. Unsuspecting Southwest Airlines travellers enter the lavatory to be greeted with colourful lights and two minutes to answer general knowledge questions. Get them right and win a stack of cash! Well, that’s definitely one way to entertain yourself while flying!
10. Aer Lingus – A Very Irish Airline
Back in 2013, Aer Lingus treated us to the idea of a very Irish Airline! In honour of the year of The Gathering (a tourism-led initiative in Ireland) and the Aer Lingus International Hurling Festival (hurling is an ancient Gaelic outdoor sport), the airline announced that they were introducing a couple of new initiatives. Changes included inflight entertainment in the form of an Irish folk band, flights being boarded by clan, and even Irish-jig themed inflight safety demonstrations. A very Irish Airline to be sure!
Related: Get your fix of all things Irish on our Irish Explorer tour!
Share the laughter with friends and family on April Fool’s Day 2021 with this list! Some of our best and funniest memories happen while travelling. Do you have a funny travel-related story? Share them with us in the comments!