Traveling by plane can include quick in-flight purchases, from meals to promotional products. But, in some cases, a decision made thousands of meters above sea level ends up completely changing a passenger’s financial path. This is what happened to a British woman who participated in a solidarity program promoted by Ryanair and ended up being awarded a sum of 500 thousand euros.
According to , Helen Swindells, born in Liverpool, was returning from holiday in Krakow, Poland, when she decided to buy a charity scratch card on board a low-cost airline flight. The ticket cost just two euros.
A gesture of solidarity ended up being worth much more
The passenger explained that her initial intention was not to make money. According to the same source, Helen Swindells just wanted to contribute to one of the institutions supported by Ryanair’s solidarity program. The scratch card purchased during the flight was associated with Naomi & Jack’s, a British organization dedicated to supporting babies, children and young adults with serious illnesses. The newspaper writes that the institution provides specialized care to more than 600 people.
The prize was awarded on Wednesday, May 13, during the annual “Win A Million” 2026 charity draw. The post adds that the winner was automatically entered after purchasing the charity scratch card during the flight. Despite the name of the draw suggesting a prize of one million euros, Helen Swindells received 500,000 euros. According to the same source, the program also includes other prizes for participating passengers, such as cars, money and credit to use on board.
Winner’s reaction
The British woman stated that she did not expect any reward when she participated in the initiative. “I’m absolutely ecstatic. I never in my life thought that when I boarded that Ryanair flight back to Liverpool from holiday in Krakow, I would end up buying a winning scratch card”, said Helen Swindells, quoted by the same source.
The winner also added that she only decided to buy the scratch card because she considered the value to be low and because she wanted to support the associated charitable cause. “It only cost two euros, so I thought ‘why not?’” he said.
Program involves several European institutions
The solidarity program promoted by Ryanair currently supports 13 charities spread across several European countries. Among the supported entities are also Portuguese organizations.
Fundação do Gil and Refúgio Aboim Ascensão are part of the list of institutions supported by the airline. The publication mentions that passengers who participate in these campaigns are automatically entitled to different prizes awarded throughout the year.
How the airline initiative works
Scratch cards are sold during Ryanair flights and function as a fundraising campaign for social projects and charities. Part of the revenue goes to organizations supported by the company.
In addition to the main annual draw, passengers can win immediate prizes, including cash, vehicles and travel-related benefits. The initiative has been maintained by the airline on different European routes.
A simple purchase made on board
Helen Swindells was already a regular Ryanair passenger when she decided to take part. According to SIC Notícias, the purchase took place on a flight back to the United Kingdom after a vacation in the Polish city of Krakow. The story ended up gaining prominence after the award was officially presented to the winner. The British woman believes that the amount received will have a direct impact on her financial life.
The particularity of the case is the fact that participation arose through a solidarity action and not just a game of luck. The publication adds that the passenger’s initial objective was to support a social cause linked to child health care.
Also read:
