'I technically died': British YouTuber fakes death for Rs 4,300 airline refund

Maximilian Arthur Fosh—better known as Max Fosh—sparked a global stir after orchestrating a legal loophole involving his own death to reclaim a 37.28 GBP (approximately Rs 4,300) refund for a flight he had missed. In a recent video titled “I Technically Died”, the 30‑year‑old admitted: “Two months ago, I booked a flight. A flight I then couldn’t go on. When I tried to apply for a refund, I found a cheeky legal clause that airlines use that lots of people fall foul of… The submissions? Code that doesn't even run… I technically died.”

Fosh explained that many airlines categorically refuse refunds for cancellations or non-refundable tickets—unless the passenger has died. On researching, he stumbled upon this clause while on a customer service call and described himself as “incredibly petty”, stating that the airline in question was “a big, bad” one he preferred not to name.

To obtain the refund, Fosh embarked on an unusual mission. He contacted the Principality of Seborga, a self‑declared microstate in Liguria, northern Italy, known for its unrecognised status, own flag, currency, and monarchy. Their officials agreed to issue him a death certificate and even invited him for a state visit.

Arriving in Seborga, Fosh met Princess Nina Menegatto, toured the territory, and received a formal death certificate confirming his demise. Armed with this document, he submitted his refund claim to the airline, which proceeded to request his bank details—effectively agreeing to process the refund.