Hundreds fooled by airline prank
More than 1000 people tried to book standing-room only flights advertised by budget airline Virgin Blue as part of an April Fool's Day joke in Brisbane.
Virgin's "No Chair Fares" were promoted in newspapers and on radio, offering half-price tickets to anyone willing to stand on any domestic flight, with complimentary calf massages thrown in for flights longer than two hours.
About 1000 people responded to the bogus ads online by trying to book a ticket.
A further 100 called the company directly.
A Virgin Blue spokeswoman said the marketing prank had certainly "pulled the wool" over the eyes of the hopeful travellers.
"We must admit we have caught out a lot people who have called up to book a No Chair Fare," the spokeswoman said.
"It seems there are plenty of travellers who would happily stand for the duration of a flight.
"Thankfully everyone has had a good sense of humour."
Members of Virgin Blue's marketing team plotted the joke over casual after-work drinks.
"Someone mentioned April Fools day was coming up so we thought we'd use the opportunity to do something different to get in on the spirit of April Fools," she said.
"In true Virgin style we were being a little cheeky and decided to have a bit of fun."
brisbanetimes.com.au
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