Taylor Swift fans cause ticket frenzy on flights to Melbourne, Sydney for Eras shows

Demand for a certain type of ticket to see Taylor Swift’s Aussie shows has surged. See why and how you can get cheap flights and hotels for the gig.

Aussie Swifties lucky enough to get their hands on coveted presale tickets to Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have caused a second ticket frenzy - this time in the air.

Demand for flights from interstate cities to Melbourne and Sydney surrounding the dates of the superstar’s concert in February have surged, Skyscanner revealed.

“This spike in bookings is the highest recorded for both cities (Melbourne and Sydney) for the year of 2024,” a Skyscanner spokesperson said.

“Bookings for these cities in February 2024 are eight times more than bookings for January 2024.”

Taylor Swift fans have created a ticket frenzy on flights to see her perform in Melbourne and Sydney. Picture: Getty Images

The demand for flights has also stretched overseas and across the ditch, with the tour dates coinciding with highest spike in New Zealanders booking travel into Australia, with booking volume 11 times more than January 2024.

“Travellers from New Zealand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, respectively, are the top countries booking flights into Australia during Taylor Swift’s tour dates,” they said.

Virgin Australia reported a 656 per cent increase in demand for flights following the release of her presale tickets on Wednesday.

Virgin Australia saw a “whopping” 656 per cent increase in bookings to Melbourne and Sydney for Swift’s concert dates, following ticket releases this week.

“Swifties based in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are leading the interstate fanfare with the most booked fares across the concert dates,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

Qantas also said it had seen an increase in bookings for the dates surrounding Swift’s Aussie shows.

Taylor Swift’s concerts are having an impact on domestic tourism, said Wotif managing director Daniel Finch,

“February 2024 is set to be a busy month for the (tourism) industry. Since her tour dates were announced earlier this month, searches on Wotif are up by more than 270 per cent for accommodation in Melbourne, and more than 110 per cent for accommodation in Sydney, when compared to February 2022,” he said.

“Since ticket presales began earlier this week, we’ve also seen a significant increase in demand on Wotif for Sydney and Melbourne accommodation which is great news for local operators.”

TIPS FOR GETTING A GOOD HOTEL DEAL

Mr Finch encouraged Aussies hoping travel to Sydney or Melbourne to see Taylor in concert, “to book your accommodation as soon as possible to ensure the best availability and affordability”.

“Make sure you use our ‘reserve now, pay later’ or ‘fully refundable’ filters so you’re covered in case your plans change,” he said.

HOW TO GET BEST FLIGHT PRICES

Virgin encourages Aussies to book their flights early to get the best price.

The airline suggests Swifties who are still hoping to snap up tickets in Friday’s general release, to consider buying an Economy Flex or Business fare, which can been changed prior to the scheduled departure for no fees (except difference of the fare) or can cancel for a travel credit.

Swifties based in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide are leading the demand for interstate flights.

“We are really excited to join in the celebrations as Swifties make their way across the country with Virgin Australia. Our wonderful team members look forward to “shaking it off” to bring fans’ “wildest dreams” to life sky-high,” a Virgin spokesperson said.

TAYLOR SWIFT FLIGHT DEALS

Adelaide to Sydney from $177 return, departing on February 21 and returning on the 27th.

Perth to Melbourne from $516 return, departing February 15 and returning Feb 20.

Hobart to Melbourne from $202 return, departing February 14 Feb and returning Feb 19.

Brisbane to Sydney from $184 return, departing February 22 and returning Feb 29.

Source: Skyscanner