In case you missed these, here are some of the April Fool’s pranks cooked up by airports and airlines this year. If I missed one your favorites, please let me know and I’ll try to add it.
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airpot has some great amenities, so it may not have seemed odd to tell travelers that an aircraft viewing area – with a pool – would soon open:
Here’s how the airport described what was in store.
“The space – located near Terminal 2-Humphrey – will bring aviation enthusiasts even closer to the action, while having access to amenities like rentable floaties, private changing rooms, an old-fashioned concessions stand and a full-service bar. While open to anyone interested in a unique experience, we expect travelers with longer layovers will choose to enjoy some pool time as well, and get a taste of Minnesota summers.”
Admission will be a very reasonable $15 a day. Drinks, treats and floaty rentals are additional. If the pool is successful, the airport plans to install a larger pool near Terminal 1-Lindbergh in 2019.”
At Orlando International Airport, this already very real-looking sculpture by artist Duane Hanson seemed to come alive on April 1 and re-located to various spots around the terminal:
After decades of slumber, MCO’s #TheTraveler has broken out of his cage and has been spotted throughout the terminal. pic.twitter.com/rdKZ26nRtZ
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) April 1, 2018
Denver International Airport, which has dogs – and one cat – in its Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS), shared (fake) news about adding Norbert the turtle to the team:
Our Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) has become so popular we have decided to expand the program. Please welcome Norbert, our therapy Tortoise. Norbert and his handler will bring smiles to passengers starting tomorrow. Hope you have a chance to say hi! pic.twitter.com/IyyelZBfjT
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) April 1, 2018
Not to be outdone, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport posted a photo of its new airport therapy animal, Aquino the Chameleon,
Somewhere in this photo is our new therapy animal, Aquino the Chameleon. 🦎
His XXS-sized "Pet Me" vest is still in the works, which makes keeping track of him slightly more challenging than his canine counterparts. Can you spot him? pic.twitter.com/xpKcviRKwb
— DFW Airport (@DFWAirport) April 1, 2018
Southwest announced it own version of Alexa:
For those moments when you would love to be anywhere but there. Let SWAlexa help. pic.twitter.com/BLCwXkA1DX
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 1, 2018
Emirates shared news of a transparent lounge coming to its 777x planes, starting in 2020:
Emirates reveals SkyLounge, the most exclusive Onboard Lounge to be introduced on its Boeing 777X fleet from 2020. A completely transparent lounge with unmatched aerial views and unparalleled luxury, Emirates SkyLounge promises window views like no other. pic.twitter.com/pwtoocM9mN
— Emirates (@emirates) March 31, 2018
Virgin Australia announced in-flight spin classes:
Today we’re excited to launch Virgin Australia Spin Class, the world’s first in-flight cycling studio. pic.twitter.com/J14Dikl6zx
— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) March 31, 2018
Hong Kong Airlines posted this fun news about its newest in-flight amenity:
#DeliveringMore with Roasted Duck & Barbecue Pork to satisfy your cravings for #HK food! Come fly & dine with us! #AprilFools pic.twitter.com/tIyJTEZ7RX
— Hong Kong Airlines (@hkairlines) April 1, 2018
Jetstar Airways promised on-board karaoke:
We can't believe our friends in Japan are getting away with this!
Karaoke has taken off on @JetstarJapan domestic flights 🎵 🎶 🎤
Don't miss out on this classic Japanese experience, now available at 30,000 feet. https://t.co/BQicD8V5Qj pic.twitter.com/9KHpLTfWm3
— Jetstar Airways (@JetstarAirways) March 31, 2018
Thomas Cook showed off its newest aircraft:
Introducing a brand new addition to our fleet 💛😂
📷 by dmaviationphotography pic.twitter.com/5JYsINMPCW
— Thomas Cook Airlines (@TCAirlinesUK) April 1, 2018
And Swoop Airlines, the low budget carrier from Canada’s WestJet, let travelers know that it planned to charge travelers by the minute for time spent in the airplane lavs. Toilet paper? That will be an extra charge.
https://youtu.be/giIdoB2sd7Q