Richard Goyder, who is chairman of Qantas as well as the AFL Commission, urged to strike fairer deals for fans
Carlton fans are being slugged up to $1647 for a one way flight to Brisbane, sparking calls for Richard Goyder — who chairs both the AFL and Qantas — to intervene.
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Carlton supporters being charged sky-high prices to fly to Brisbane to watch their team play in a preliminary final have called on AFL chairman Richard Goyder to strike fairer deals for fans.
Qantas on Monday cashed in on Carlton’s first preliminary final in 23 years, with the cheapest direct flight from Melbourne to Brisbane on Saturday to arrive in time to see the Blues play the Lions priced at $1647.
The cheapest way Blues fans logging in Monday morning could get to Brisbane for the game was to fly via Newcastle for $507 in a journey of five hours and 45 minutes.
They could otherwise fly via Adelaide ($696) or Sydney ($760), still needing to shell out for return fares.
After being contacted for comment by the Herald Sun, Qantas made a limited number of extra seats available on Saturday from $377 but they were snapped up in minutes.
On Tuesday morning Qantas launched a 24-hour sale on flights but it did not cover Melbourne to Brisbane flights on Saturday.
From 10am AEST on Tuesday, fans will be able to access Melbourne to Sydney and Sydney to Melbourne from $139 one-way, Brisbane to Melbourne from $175 one-way, Brisbane to Sydney from $139 one-way.
Mr Goyder is chairman of Qantas as well as the AFL Commission.
Blues fans packed Princes Park for training on Monday and many were pleading for better deals to get to the Sunshine State.
Barry Reape, at training with daughter Isla Rose, 2, said he would fly to Brisbane but “100 per cent’’ believed Qantas should make fares cheaper.
“They would make more money if they put more planes on and cheaper prices so a lot more people could go,’’ he said.
“It’s bad they hike the prices for these sporting events and price normal fans out of it.”
Jamie Saad said the airfares were central to his decision to leave his family to watch it on TV as he drove the 3552km round trip with mates.
“With the cost of living it’s pretty hard,’’ he said.
“It’s $2200 return to fly, so it’s a bit stupid.’’
A Qantas spokesman said cheaper fares were available for Friday flights but there was limited availability of aircraft and crew in school holidays.
Mr Goyder declined to comment.
Chief executive Gillon McLachlan said the AFL wanted “as many of our fans to Brisbane as affordably as we can” and pointed out Virgin was the league’s official flight partner.
The cheapest direct Virgin flight to Brisbane in time for the game on Saturday was more than $776.
Asked if he would speak to Mr Goyder about the issue, Mr McLachlan said: “I speak to Richard about football. Qantas is not our partner and he is chairman of the AFL and he is thrilled we have pretty much sold out all the games again this weekend.’’
Carlton tragic Tommy Cappadona, who is so confident of a Blues premiership he got a tattoo on his leg in December 2022, said the cost of flights turned him off the trip to Brisbane.
“I decided I’m not going to get rorted by the airlines, with flights and accommodation, so I will spend up on a grand final package and dining,’’ he said.
Collingwood’s Friday night preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney at the MCG and the Carlton-Brisbane clash at the Gabba sold out within hours on Monday.
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