Family Goes Viral for Pulling Off Hilarious Airport Prank on Dad
A humorous prank executed by a family in Missouri has captured widespread attention after they humorously plastered a giant image of their father’s face onto his checked luggage — making it nearly impossible for him to miss at the baggage claim.
Kelsey Thorne, 29, orchestrated this playful scheme aimed at her father, Mike Bone, while they were en route to the stunning beaches of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Thorne explained that her father’s colorblindness can occasionally complicate his ability to identify his bags among a sea of similar suitcases, adding a unique intensity to what is typically a mundane part of travel.
She recalled, “We thought creating a large sticker for his suitcase would help him find it without fuss.” As the owner of a local embroidery business, Thorne found the execution quite simple but the thought behind it deeply rooted in family humor and creativity.
The next day, she designed the sticker, while her mother and older brother Taylor coordinated their tactics. “My mom distracted Dad while I stealthily affixed the sticker onto his suitcase. We skillfully loaded it into the car without him noticing,” Thorne recounted.
Once they arrived at the airport, Thorne’s father dropped the family off before parking. It was the perfect opening for them to initiate their mischievous plan.
Later, Thorne shared a TikTok video that vividly depicted her father’s bewilderment as they approached the baggage claim at Punta Cana International Airport. The clip, which took on a life of its own, amassed over 8.2 million views.
“He looked genuinely perplexed at first, with other travelers pointing and laughing, shouting, ‘Here’s your suitcase!’” she said, noting the collective joy transforming a simple airport moment into a laughter-filled memory.
Eventually, as the truth dawned on him, Bone found immense pleasure in the sticker and the heartwarming prank. Despite being a realtor with a busy schedule, he couldn’t help but consider whether such customized stickers could be a humorous addition to his business branding.
“I don’t think we could hold back our laughter,” Thorne expressed. Initially, she hadn’t anticipated the viral nature of the video, but she felt grateful it brought smiles to so many faces, including hers. “In a world filled with so much seriousness, moments of lightheartedness are so valuable,” she reflected.
This delightful incident captures not just a simple prank but a shared family bond, highlighting the joy and creativity that arise from whimsical ideas. Everyone deserves those lighthearted, magical moments of connection, especially when they can evoke such genuine laughter and warmth.
