YouTuber 'dies' in Italian micronation to outwit airline refund policy, here's how he did it
The 30-year-old comedian, known for his 4.7 million-subscriber channel, discovered airlines only offer cash refunds if passengers die.
Declaring himself "incredibly petty," Fosh sought revenge by exploiting this loophole. His mission? To become "technically dead" on paper. After researching options, he contacted Seborga, a self-declared micronation in Italy unrecognized by global governments. Princess Nina Menegatto, sympathetic to Fosh's battle against "big bad airlines," agreed to help.
Fosh traveled to Seborga, where Princess Nina hosted a faux "diplomatic visit" and signed a custom death certificate validating his "demise." To bolster his case, he staged a funeral with three hired mourners and a eulogy from his video editor.
The 'Principality', which has its own flag and currency, participated purely for entertainment. Fosh then submitted the documents to the unnamed airline, betting staff wouldn't scrutinize them closely. The stunt cost him significantly more than the refund, flights to Italy, car rentals, and actor fees, but he insisted it was about principle, not money.
Five days later, the airline approved his refund and requested bank details. But Fosh's lawyer intervened, warning that claiming the money was "fraudulent" under the UK's Fraud Act 2006, despite not being outright fraud.
Though the YouTuber argued airlines exploit customers with rigid policies, he abandoned the payout. In his viral video "I Technically Died," he urged viewers not to replicate the scheme.
Legal experts note that while Seborga's certificate lacks legal weight, using it for financial gain could invite charges. The airline has not commented publicly.
Meanwhile, the video sparked global debate, amassing 2+ million views. Supporters praised Fosh's creativity and critique of predatory airline policies, while critics called it wasteful.
Social media reactions ranged from "Dude is so petty" to admiration for involving a micronation in "fraudulent behaviour."
Fosh, famous for stunts like gambling in Vegas with a talking parrot, turned satire into a viral protest. Though he forfeited the £37, he highlighted how travelers lose thousands to nonrefundable tickets.
Princess Nina's office confirmed cooperation was solely for entertainment, underscoring the stunt's absurdity.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
28 minutes ago
- Indian Express
One of the greatest empires in history, now comes to your screen in Son Of Thanjai, watch game trailer
Before democracy, the world was ruled by kings and empires, like the British, Romans, Guptas, and Mughals. Among them existed an empire, which many consider didn't get its due for all that it achieved — the Cholas. With their capital in Thanjavur (Tanjore), the empire ruled the land and seas around southern India for almost four centuries, with their trade links extending upto South-East Asia. Now, PlayStation, along with game developers Ayelet Studios, has decided to tell this dynasty's story through a new videogame. Ayelet Studios has been responsible for another game about the Cholas, titled Unsung Empire: The Cholas. Now the studio has developed Son Of Thanjai from the perspective of King Rajendra Chola, or Rajendra I, who ruled the empire for 30 years and expanded their reach and power considerably. PlayStation released an announcement trailer, which is just their way of keeping most of the information to themselves, but the viewers do get an insight into the expanse and grandeur of the mighty king. The description reads, 'Step into the shoes of a King Rajendra Chola, torn between duty and destiny.' While it hasn't been specified if the game is about Rajendra I or II, it is most likely about the former, who remained undefeated in traditional battle all throughout his reign, and not his son, who ascended to the throne after his elder brother died in combat. ALSO READ: Rajinikanth expresses gratitude to fans as he completes 50 years in Indian cinema: 'Gods who keep me alive' The trailer opens with the king sitting on top of an elephant and being led into the castle surrounded by an entire parade. He waves to the crowd and takes in all the love and admiration they have to offer. Celebratory music in Tamil is playing in the background as the king walks into a giant courtyard filled with dancers and musicians, and he greets them with folded hands and closed eyes. He goes into a flashback, where he can be seen killing his enemies indiscriminately, and this section of the trailer gives a first real glimpse into the actual gameplay. The studio and PlayStation itself are bound to release a more detailed gameplay trailer very soon. Just a month back, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had lauded the Chola Dynasty for all that they achieved during their reign. During the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which celebrates the birth anniversary of King Rajendra, the PM announced his plans of erecting statues of Raja Raja Chola and Rajendra Chola and said, 'These statues will serve as modern pillars of India's historical consciousness.' The release date for the game hasn't been announced yet, but it is already available for players to put in their wish list.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Coldplay's Chris Martin will NOT remove jumbotron after Astronomer scandal: ‘Not prepared to be on international news…'
British singer Chris Martin has made it clear that Coldplay's Jumbotron Song segment is here to stay — despite the controversy that erupted last month when it accidentally thrust a corporate scandal into the spotlight. Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin will not remove the jumbotron song sequence from the band's future concerts 'This is not, never will be and never was a kiss cam,' the frontman told fans during the band's Music of the Spheres tour stop in England, recently. 'We put one couple, and it's branded as a kiss cam for the rest of your life. This is called a Jumbotron. We've done this for a long, long time. We pick people out to say hello. Sometimes they turn out to be an internationally, massive scandal, sure. But most of the time, we're just trying to say hello to some f**king people, that's all. Now, all of this bulls**t,' he said. The controversy Chris referenced stems from Coldplay's Boston concert in July, when the screen caught former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and the company's head of HR, Kristin Cabot. Caught mid-song, Andy ducked from the camera and Kristin turned her back, prompting Chris to quip in real time: 'Uh oh, what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.' The clip went viral, and both Andy and Kristin later exited the tech firm following an internal probe. On stage this week, Chris stressed that the incident won't change the band's plans. 'Life throws you lemons, and you've got to make lemonade. So, we are going to keep doing it because we are going to meet some of you,' he said. 'If you're not prepared to be on international news, please duck. We send pure love to those people,' he added jokingly. Coldplay first introduced the bit in Singapore last year, improvising lyrics about unsuspecting audience members as they appeared on the big screen. The segment quickly became a staple of their shows, even as the Byron-Cabot episode turned it into tabloid fodder.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates Shree Cement plant in Etah; highlights state's transformation & growth
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated Shree Cement 's plant in Etah district on speaking at the inauguration event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the state's transformation under the BJP's governance, emphasising a zero-tolerance policy towards crime and a strong push for development."When the government's intentions are clear and there is zero tolerance for crime and criminals in the state, coupled with an eagerness to drive development, remarkable changes happen. Remember, 8-9 years ago in Etah, criminals held sway. The mafia seized the lands of the poor, enjoyed protection from political parties, and left the poor unheard. Now, look at Etah, it is recognised for its strong handling of criminals and zero tolerance for them. Today, through the government's efforts, a thermal power plant has been established in Jawaharpur nearby, creating a better and more conducive environment. Alongside it, Shree Cement has also set up a plant. Both the government-established thermal power plant and Shree Cement 's plant share a common goal: they generate employment," said CM Yogi a dig at previous regimes, the Chief Minister criticised the Congress and Samajwadi Party for fostering criminal activities and neglecting development. "Under the Congress and Samajwadi Party regimes, criminal activities surged, women faced increasing threats to their safety, and traders received no meaningful benefits. Historically, the Mughals looted India, followed by the British, and later, the Congress and Samajwadi Party regimes caused further devastation. In the 1960s, India was the world's 6th largest economy, but by 2014, it had slipped to 11th. Since 2014, under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, through dedicated efforts and strategic policies, India has risen to become the 4th largest economy globally"Speaking about state development, CM stated that, "Similarly, Uttar Pradesh, under eight years of the BJP's double-engine government, has transformed remarkably. Before 2017, UP ranked 7th among Indian states; today, it proudly stands as the 2nd-ranked state."The event marked a significant step in Uttar Pradesh's industrial growth, with the Shree Cement plant expected to boost employment and contribute to the state's economic development.
