High-cost flights ‘a proper nightmare’: Territorians

‘What if you get that call to say a loved one is dying?’: From missing relatives to missing funerals, Territorians have revealed the impact of unaffordable late-booking flights.

From missing relatives to missing funerals, Territorians have revealed the impact that unbelievable cost of late-booking flights has caused.

Donna and her husband Stephen are 35-year residents of the Top End and were unable to attend a friend’s funeral in Brisbane due to the massive prices.

“We looked at all options, even looking to exit the country and re-enter,” she said.

“The cheapest flight was $1900 each for one-way – and the flight wouldn’t even make the funeral on time.”

To the couple’s shock, a $2700 per head, one-way ticket was the only option in making the funeral on time.

“In the end I had to call in and say we couldn’t make the funeral.”

Donna said she wanted an explanation.

“I would like someone to explain this and not bulls —t us,” she said.

“I think everyone is sick and tired of the bulls —t.

Donna and Stephen of Darwin will miss a close friend's funeral due to airfare prices being too high.

For Jack, 25, visiting family in Melbourne was “nearly impossible” due to expensive fares.

“I’m on a decent wage, but with the cost of living here, such as rental costs, it’s nearly impossible to squeeze in a short-notice trip to see family,” he told the NT News.

“And vice versa – my family have come to Darwin once over several years because the (flight) cost is too high.”

Jack said he believed he had it “easier than most” due to having a travel allowance from work.

“I am entitled to a subsidised flight so I’ve got it easier unlike most, like families who are paying in full for multiple people – that’s a proper nightmare compared to my situation.”

Lynelle Hill, from Darwin, has a terminally ill relative and said the fares made impromptu trips difficult.

“What if you get that call to say a loved one is dying? With flights being cancelled or limited availability you don’t know if you can make it really, let alone afford it.”

Ms Hill said she believed airlines in the Territory had gone backwards.

“We’re very much disadvantaged up here – I’ve lived in the Top End awhile and it used to be better, particularly this time of season.

“Airfares were more affordable with more (flights) available to get you away and back at short notice”

Lachlan, 28, has not hosted family in several years due to flights being “ridiculously expensive”.

“Last time my folks came up was pre-pandemic and since then tickets have been ridiculously expensive so they haven’t come back, I’ve always gone to them in Adelaide.”

Lachlan said he believed people would reconsider living in the Territory if “freedom to move” was limited.

“I think it impacts everyone and all industries – tourism, ADF, and even just families because if you can’t get on a plane to see your close ones, why would you live in the Territory?”