UI_DECEPTION
> INITIATING PROTOCOL: PATTERN_RECOGNITION
> TARGET: [REDACTED] AIRLINE WEBSITE
> OBJECTIVE: Book a flight without paying a single optional fee.
> DIFFICULTY: NIGHTMARE_MODE
// THE TRAP
"Dark Patterns" are UI designs specifically created to trick users into doing things they didn't mean to do. Airlines are the Grandmasters of this dark art. I tried to book a simple Bengaluru to Delhi flight. Advertised Fare: ₹4,500. Let's see the gauntlet.
The Moment: After selecting the flight, a popup appears: "Secure your trip for ₹199? Covers delays and lost bags." The Buttons: [YES, PROTECT MY TRIP] -> Huge, Green, Pulsing. [No, I will risk my trip] -> Tiny, grey text, buried in the corner. The Trick: They frame the "No" option as a stupid/risky choice to shame you into clicking Yes.
Counter increased to 1.
The Moment: The page auto-scrolls to a seat map. "Select your seat." The Trick: Every seat looks selectable. I click 12F. "₹350 added to total." I try to find a "Skip" button. There isn't one. I have to click "Continue" without selecting a seat, which triggers a warning: "Are you sure? Middle seats suck!" They imply seat payment is mandatory. It isn't. The "Free Auto-Assign" text is font size 8 at the bottom.
Counter increased to 2.
The Moment: I reach the "Meals" page. The Trick: A "Veg Sandwich" (₹400) is already in my cart. I didn't add it. The airline "Helpfully" pre-selected it. I have to find the tiny 'x' to remove it. This is illegal in some countries. Not here.
Counter increased to 3.
The Moment: "Priority Check-in + Bag Protection for ₹499." The Trick: This is nestled right next to the "Pay Now" button, styled to look like a final tax or fee. It uses "Visual Hierarchy" to make your eye skip the details and assume it's necessary.
Counter increased to 4.
The Moment: "Only 2 seats left at this price!" + A countdown timer [09:59]. The Trick: Is it real? I opened an Incognito window. The timer restarted. The seats remained "2 left" for hours. Fake Urgency creates panic buying.
Counter increased to 5.
// THE FINAL TALLY
If I had clicked the big, colorful buttons at every step: Final Price: ₹6,150. (+₹1,650 in junk fees). By navigating the maze of grey text and hidden buttons: Final Price: ₹4,500.
// CONCLUSION
This isn't "User Experience" (UX). This is "User Exploitation." The interface is an adversary. The airline has hired psychologists and designers to fight against your wallet. The Glitch: We assume software is neutral. It is not. It has an agenda. Be vigilant. If a button is Green, it costs money. If it's Grey, it saves money.