Saudi budget airline brilliantly pranks people with 'cargo passenger seats'

Earlier this week, Saudi low-cost airline flyadeal introduced a "cargo passenger class" via videos and posts uploaded to their official social media platforms. 

The company said the new cargo class seats would "allow passengers to travel in the lower section of an aircraft along with their luggage."

The news went viral online soon after it was announced, sparking a meltdown among Twitter users. It was then picked up by several newspapers and websites.

Amid the online frenzy, the airline revealed that the entire thing was part of their new marketing campaign and was purely a joke.

Here's how it played out online: 

Responding to questions about the new passenger class on Twitter, flyadeal went into detail about it. 

In one response, they said passengers flying in the cargo seat area will be reminded to use the toilet before they board because they won't have access to them inflight. 

In another, they explained that the passenger class is not open to children under the age of 12. 

The hashtag launched with the news topped Saudi Twitter trends and saw thousands join the discussion. 

While some thought the cargo class was a bad idea, others reacted to the viral news with humor.  

"You'll be free to choose the kind of wrapping you want, plain or with bubbles that you can enjoy popping."

In a statement published on flyadeal's website, the airline's marketing team wrote:  

"Cargo Passenger Class was just a prank and you don’t have to go this length for a good deal! Go where you need to go and fly every-day low fares with flyadeal. Just make sure to book early, pack smartly, and pay only for what you need with our customizable fights including meals, baggage, and type of seats. Looking forward to having you on board (for real this time)."

"They made me laugh." 

"Did anyone really get excited to try this?"