September 22nd 2024.
As the grand final of the AFL season draws near, fans from all over the country are in a frenzy trying to secure affordable flights to Melbourne. With the Brisbane Lions set to take on the Sydney Swans on September 28th at the MCG, airfares have already seen a significant surge in prices.
For those making the journey from Brisbane, a return trip on Saturday could set them back a whopping $1250. However, Swans supporters flying in from Sydney can expect to pay around $450 for their return trip. It's no surprise that many are feeling the pressure to secure their flights as soon as possible.
According to Virgin Australia, there has been a sharp increase in bookings for flights from Sydney and Brisbane to Melbourne. As of 9am on Sunday, one-way airfares from Virgin were priced at $223 for Sydneysiders and $350 for Brisbane fans. In anticipation of the high demand, the airline has added an extra 2600 seats to Melbourne for the upcoming weekend.
This includes seven additional flights between Sydney and Melbourne and eight extra flights from Brisbane between September 24th and 30th. In a statement, Virgin explained that last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive due to the limited availability of seats. This is especially true during major events like football finals and peak travel periods such as weekends and school holidays.
In the midst of all the chaos, Qantas has also stepped up to accommodate the surge in demand. Return flights to Melbourne from both capital cities are currently priced at around $419. The airline, along with its subsidiary Jetstar, has added an additional 2100 seats in response to Brisbane's win.
Ultimately, it's clear that the excitement surrounding the upcoming grand final has caused a spike in airfare prices. With the Lions facing off against the Swans, fans are determined to make it to Melbourne to cheer on their team and witness a potential redemption after last year's loss to Collingwood. The race for affordable flights is on, and only time will tell who will come out on top.
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