Football fans are paying exorbitant fees to reach the AFL finals, while the biggest game of the year faces a transport problem because two teams from outside the Victorian era are playing.
With the Brisbane Lions now having secured their place in the deciding game against the Sydney Swans, chaos has broken out at airports as thousands of football fans try to get to the game, on the same weekend that school holidays end across the country.
Swans fans pay up to $1,700 for a one-way ticket to Melbourne to support their club, while Brisbane Lions supporters pay up to $3,391 to travel to the MCG.
And prices could rise even further as demand for tickets increases.
A large crowd of Sydney supporters are expected to descend on Melbourne for the AFL Grand Final
The Brisbane Lions complicated travel arrangements when they booked the other spot in the AFL final, making it an entirely non-Victorian affair
These prices apply to the premium business class options available at peak times, but the high prices still leave many football fans struggling.
“It’s cheaper to take a one-way ticket to Europe, that’s a fact,” one person wrote.
“Take ten friends and rent a private jet, it’s cheaper,” another commented.
“You’d drive for that money,” added another.
Others pointed out that the coincidence of school holidays and the participation of two teams from different states in the AFL finals had caused the crisis.
‘Every year the same story, should Qantas just fly for free? You get the same prices if you go to a big event or if the flights are almost full. Not every seat is a bargain,’ wrote one fan.
‘The grand finale plus school holidays, an unmitigated disaster and there will probably be cancellations too so if you’re up for it, best to all get riding,’ added another.
Those wanting a premium experience in the Qantas business class cabin were offered sky-high fares on flights to Melbourne for the grand finale
Fortunately, for football fans who still need to book flights, there are affordable options available. AFL sponsor Virgin in particular has added 2,600 seats to help transport people to the big game.
Brisbane Lions fans had a wide choice from 2pm on Tuesday afternoon.
For those who wanted to travel to Melbourne on Friday for work and return on Sunday, there were several options available.
Virgin offered flights to Melbourne from $359.99 on Friday, with business class options available for $830.99.
For those who needed to get back quickly to be ready for work on Monday, flights were available for $359.99.
Lions fans who booked early and traveled light on Tuesday could purchase round-trip tickets for just over $700.
There were plenty of affordable flights available on Tuesday with AFL sponsor Virgin
There were plenty of options available too, with almost 70 flights scheduled, ranging from early morning flights to night flights for those coming straight from work.
These flights were very competitive considering you pay $350 for a flight to Melbourne on the following Friday, outside of school holidays and when there are no major events taking place.
In fact, many flights departing on Friday, October 4, were significantly more expensive, costing nearly $1,000.
Those choosing national carrier Qantas can fly from Brisbane to Melbourne on Tuesday for $660, but there are only a limited number of seats left.
However, budget airline Jetstar still had a limited number of seats available: on Friday there were $493 left and on Sunday return tickets were $587.
This compared favorably with flights the following week, which were available from as little as $356 on Friday. However, return flights on October 6 would be much cheaper, with flights starting at just $157.
Those who can afford to leave earlier in the week can grab a bargain: flights start at just $140 on Wednesday, September 24.
For those looking to spend a little more time in Melbourne, return flights start from $184 on Mondays and $190 from Tuesday to Thursday.
Budget airline Jetstar also offered a range of affordable fares, but flights filled up quickly on Tuesday afternoon
Sydney Swans fans looking to fly with Qantas had the choice of flights to Melbourne on Friday 27 September from $508 and return flights on Sunday from $590.
A trip the following weekend on the same day costs $320 to fly there and $260 to return on Sunday.
There was still a single seat left on Jetstar for $411 to travel down on Friday, but tickets at other times were from $473. There were also a handful of return tickets available on Sunday from $327.
Virgin passengers could fly economy class for $474 on Friday, but Swans fans had fewer options than Brisbane supporters, with just 33 flights left available.
If you were willing to go home Sunday night, tickets were still available for $474.
It is important to note that these flights were sold out and prices were changing in real time as flights filled up. So with the school holidays over and the AFL Grand Final creating increased demand, it is not wise to wait until the last minute.