Airlines flying high on fare hike

MORE than 1500 extra seats are being added to Townsville’s air capacity for the Cowboys grand final appearance in Sydney as claims emerge fans are being treated as cash cows.

Qantas is providing extra scheduled services while Virgin is understood to be working with the Cowboys to provide charter services.

While return flights will set back most latecomers more than $ 1100 that could have been booked for $ 300 two months ago, state LNP Leader Tim Nicholls called on airlines to treat fans fairly.

“Diehard North Queensland Cowboys fans looking at travelling to the grand final in Sydney should absolutely not be used as cash cows by airlines looking to make a quick buck,” Mr Nicholls said.

“It is totally unacceptable and un- Australian for airlines to start price gouging North Queensland Cowboys fans simply because their team made the grand final.”

The football club confirmed it was organising two return flight and game ticket options with members having the first opportunity, before opening the offer to the general public from 8.30am tomorrow.

A Virgin spokesman said it could not add additional scheduled services but had worked with the Cowboys on the charter services.

A Jetstar spokesman said it was not adding extra services because its schedules were “too busy” across the network.

The Jetstar spokesman said “nearly two thirds” of its customers booked on direct flights to Sydney had purchased their seats for under $ 200.

“Like all airlines, demand for our flights is highest over school holidays with the lowest fares snapped up quickly,” the spokesman said.

“Flights between Towns- ville and Sydney are extremely popular this weekend with limited seats remaining and some direct flights sold out.”

A Qantas spokesman said it had scheduled an additional four direct return flights between Townsville and Sydney this weekend, providing more than 1300 extra seats.

The flights were in addition to up to six daily TownsvilleBrisbane flights with onward connections to Sydney.

“We’re pleased to be offering direct services between Townsville and Sydney to help more North Queensland Cowboys fans see their team,” the Qantas spokesman said.