Carlton v Brisbane preliminary final 2023: How to get to Brisbane on a budget to see the game

Qantas and Virgin have put on extra flights to get AFL fans to see Carlton take on the Brisbane Lions. But there are cheaper ways to get there.

The airlines have offered some more flights and will monitor demand. Picture: Supplied

Qantas and Virgin have put on extra flights to get AFL fans to the upcoming preliminary final clash between Carlton and the Brisbane Lions.

The match will be played at twilight and is expected to finish by about 7pm at the Gabba next Saturday, forcing fans to scramble to secure seats to fly to Queensland.

Virgin Australia confirmed it put one extra flight on for fans keen to get to the game.

“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 spokesman said.

Qantas also confirmed it has already added one extra flight to help more fans get closer to the action.

Are you going to the game? Tell us how you’re getting there to help other fans below:

The airlines have offered some more flights and will monitor demand. Picture: Supplied

The fare for the flight started at $441 one-way and leaves the day before at lunchtime.

Qantas economy seat fares from Melbourne to Brisbane to arrive in time right before the match were around $875 one-way. Virgin’s fares were high starting at around $855 one-way.

“Since the final siren on Friday hundreds of fans have booked flights on both Qantas and Jetstar to Brisbane for next weekend’s game,” a Qantas spokesman said.

“Both Qantas and Jetstar will continue to monitor demand for flights closely over the weekend and will schedule additional services if needed.

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

Qantas and Virgin passengers who may have missed out on cheaper tickets can also look at using their frequent flyer points to help pay for flights.

Carlton vs Brisbane Lions at the Gabba will be a massive game. Picture: Michael Klein

Jetstar had limited Melbourne to Gold Coast flights on Saturday with fares for around $400-$548 one-way, while Virgin had fares from around $600-800 one-way. Fans could get an Uber, bus or hire a car to drive to Brisbane if they leave early.

On Friday it is cheaper to fly, but Melbourne to Brisbane flights were becoming expensive with one-way flights from close to $700 on Virgin and Qantas.

Melbourne to Sydney flights on Friday were much cheaper with one-way fares from $159 with Virgin, leaving fans the option of driving the rest of the way.

Qantas had $150 Red e-deal fares and flexi fares for $617 from Melbourne to Sydney on Friday.

Return flights from Melbourne on budget carrier Rex, departing Friday and returning Sunday, were around $1000 while Virgin had flights for more than $1500.

One Big Switch director of campaigns Joel Gibson said fans who miss out on flights should look at leaving earlier mid-week if they can or even look at driving.

“Going up mid week won’t suit some people, but it certainly looks cheaper,” he said.

“I can see some one way flights for $150 earlier in the week with Rex.

“Or there are overnight trains for about $97 for the truly dedicated.

“Personally, I’d find some other fans, and book a mini bus and share the driving!”

Originally published as Carlton v Brisbane preliminary final 2023: How to get to Brisbane on a budget to see the game