The best and worst travel related April Fools pranks, and the ones that could become a reality
April Fools Day pranks have become so mainstream that it’s almost novel to get a regular press release on April 1.
In saying that, they can often be a great reflection of where an industry or a brand is perceived in the minds of its customers.
It takes a pretty convincing pitch to fool an all too media savvy audience these days. But, some brands still manage to get across the line, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
While some are just ridiculous, others can get you thinking about what trends could be on the horizon.
Here are some from the travel industry that caught our attention this year – even if it’s for the wrong reason.
KLM introduced a “revolutionary new cabin feature” ..and one we all secretly want
The Recline Alert System.
The airline said it had developed a sound effect that notifies passengers when the seat in front of them is reclining.
KLM is proud to introduce a revolutionary new cabin feature: The Recline Alert System. We've developed a sound effect that notifies passengers when the seat in front of them reclines. The new system will be introduced on all KLM flights from April 1, 2023. #KLM #comingsoon pic.twitter.com/NRapmHMVLU
— KLM (@KLM) March 31, 2023
There’s yet to be any technology developed that will sigh and complain under its breath on your behalf when this happens.
JetBlue announced the launch of a wearable whiteboard to ensure passengers never missed a meal service.
Labelled “a totally real and not made up whiteboard sleep mask,” the accompanying photoshopped image showed a man fast asleep with “ONE GINGER ALE, PLEASE! Written on his forehead.
Never miss another tomato juice, ginger ale or salty snack again. Introducing: The JetBlue Snack Mask. Guaranteed to satisfy all your snacking needs. pic.twitter.com/gFvJOugY4l
— JetBlue (@JetBlue) April 1, 2023
You’d have to have fool written on yours to fool for this one.
SkyTeam’s effort was far more believable, probably because the service likely exists in some airports.
A new dog spa at the SkyTeam Lounge in Santiago.
We're delighted to unveil our new dog spa at the SkyTeam Lounge in Santiago. Starting next month, passengers traveling with dogs can give their furry friends a little pre-flight relaxation before their flight ✨ pic.twitter.com/Hir0BsJsoK
— SkyTeam (@skyteam) April 1, 2023
“Starting next month, passengers traveling with dogs can give their furry friends a little pre-flight relaxation before their flight,” the alliance said in a Tweet.
Air Transat put its tongue even further into its cheek in their effort, claiming to be a partnership with Airbus.
It announced the introduction of sun loungers in some of its aircraft.
“Get ready to stretch out and enjoy the skies like never before. Our innovative design offers unparalleled relaxation, so you can kick back, relax, and arrive at your destination refreshed and ready for adventure.”
Potentially the most painful effort came from Royal Caribbean, which announced the launch of its new ship, Crikey of the Seas.
The new liner to be operating around Australia was said to feature Budgie Beach, a Cricket field, BBQ’s on the balcony suites, Aussie cocktails including Vegemite mojito, lamington mudslide, fairy bread margarita and a pavlova spritz. Meat Pie making classes, an AC/DC themed night, a Kylie Minogue silent disco and Tim Tam Slam competitions.
Cringe of the Seas may be more accurate.
The winner in all aspects of foolery was once again, Emirates.
It has a history of pushing out convincing photoshop images or edited video to mark the April Fools occasion.
This year was no different. An Emirates Cruise Line was announced.
“We’ve conquered the skies, and now, we’re charting course to take over the seas! Introducing Emirates Sealine – our ultra-luxurious cruise liner.”
We've conquered the skies, and now, we're charting course to take over the seas! Introducing Emirates Sealine – our ultra-luxurious cruise liner. 🌊 🛳️ https://t.co/iBSH2ngGw6 pic.twitter.com/H3B2HRpCJ1
— Emirates (@emirates) March 31, 2023
What is interesting about this one is that there is likely to be a team of executives at the airline who have looked at this and added it to the airline’s potential future investments.
They’ve ticked off the double-decker plane, just imagine what they could do on the ocean.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airtrans April Fool's Day emirates JetBlue media skyteamLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!