Outrage over Qantas, Virgin move before AFL preliminary final

Qantas and Virgin Australia have been slammed by football fans after a predictable move that’s gone down like a lead balloon.

The good old navy Blues. Photo by Michael Klein.

The Demons and Swans haven’t been able to stop Carlton, but Qantas and Virgin Australia may.

There has been an angry social media backlash this weekend following the Blues’ epic semi-final win over Melbourne at the MCG on Friday night.

The Blues’ nailbiting two-point victory in front of a crowd of 96,000 spectators put the club into the preliminary finals for the first time since 2000.

Watch every match of The 2023 Toyota AFL Finals Series before the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and start streaming instantly >

If Carlton can defeat the Lions in Brisbane next weekend, it will be into a first grand final since 1999 and have a shot at a first flag since back in 1995.

The lid has been blown off Carlton fans’ hype-levels and an army of “Blue baggers” was expecting to descend on Brisbane for the grand final qualifier — but that may not be possible for some after a price hike from airlines.

The AFL has confirmed the fixture for Week 3 of the finals with the Lions to host the Blues from 5.15pm AEST on Saturday afternoon at the Gabba.

Fans react as Patrick Cripps of the Blues celebrates. Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Collingwood will host the Giants at the MCG from 7.50pm on Friday night.

Tickets for both matches will go on sale early this week.

Carlton fans have been scrambling to work out how to make it to the Sunshine State.

Qantas and Virgin have both put on one extra flight to meet the demand.

“To help get fans to and from the upcoming preliminary final in Brisbane between Carlton and the Lions, we have put on one additional return Melbourne to Brisbane flight next weekend,” a Virgin Australia spokesman said, according to The Herald Sun.

One Virgin service from Melbourne to Brisbane scheduled for Saturday was listed at $855 one way for an economy fare.

The good old navy Blues. Photo by Michael Klein.

Qantas has also listed one flight from Melbourne to Brisbane at $875 one-way on an economy fare on Saturday.

“Qantas has already added one extra flight to help more fans get to the clash. Both Qantas and Jetstar will continue to monitor demand for flights closely over the weekend and will schedule additional services if needed,” a Qantas spokesperson said on Saturday.

“As is always the case, the lowest fares on each airline sell the quickest.”

The price spike will lock some fans out — while others may be forced to think outside the box.

It has not gone unnoticed that AFL boss Richard Goyder also remains chairman of the board at Qantas.

Pressure has been building on the AFL commissioner after Qantas’ former chief executive Alan Joyce last week announced his decision to step down early.

It was followed by reports there is support among AFL clubs for David Koch to replace Goyder at the top of the game.

While predictable, the price rise from Qantas and Virgin, the AFL’s official airline partner, still caused anger from fans.

I don't know about you, but it makes me warm and fuzzy knowing the AFL's major partner Virgin Australia, and Qantas (chaired by AFL chairman Richard Goyder), are gouging footy fans so badly that it's literally cheaper to fly return to Tokyo for the weekend. pic.twitter.com/cZKqN6ZX0o

— Matt Walsh (@MattWalshMedia) September 16, 2023

The good people at @Qantas not satisfied with letting Australians down on a weekly basis are charging Carlton fans $1,600 tonight for a return airfare from Melbourne to Brisbane if they want to go to the preliminary final. How is that lawful @acccgovau? #afldeesblues

— Kon Karapanagiotidis (@Kon__K) September 15, 2023

Code Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy posted on Twitter: “One of my favourite times of the year: Melbourne footy fans learning how expensive airfares are when they don’t play at the MCG or Marvel Stadium every second weekend.

“It’s extortionate. And surprisingly not just because Carlton are playing in Brisbane.”

It will take more than dollars to stop the Carlton juggernaut.

Fans will be hoping to see Robbie Williams at the game with the pop artist on Saturday declaring his love for the football club in a viral video.

If the Blues do make the decider, surely Williams has to consider a second straight trip to Melbourne on the last Saturday in September, right?