Taylor Swift fans are finding hotels and airlines price gouging before the pop star’s upcoming n tour next month.
Some ticket holders of the The Eras Tour have been compelled to spend thousands of dollars due to businesses charging rates up to four times higher than usual.
Swift’s latest tour has gained international notoriety for causing inflated travel prices, and given that her stops in are limited to Sydney and Melbourne, fans coming from other parts of the country are also feeling the financial strain.
A one-way economy flight with Jetstar from Brisbane to Sydney on February 23, coinciding with Swift’s first Sydney tour date, is priced between $399 to $460. In contrast, the same flight a week earlier ranges from $92 to $123.
Virgin and Qantas made similar hikes, with Virgin’s range of fares surging from between $119 and $325 to $386 and $768.
Taylor Swift fans are finding hotels and airlines price gouging before the pop star’s upcoming n Eras tour. Some ticket holders have been compelled to spend thousands of dollars due to businesses charging rates up to four times higher than usual. Pictured: Swift in 2022
Swift’s latest tour has gained international notoriety for causing inflated travel prices, and given that her stops in are limited to Sydney and Melbourne, fans coming from other parts of the country are also feeling the financial strain
Similarly, Qantas raised its prices from $139 to $709 to a new range between $394 and $709 for flights during the tour period.
But it’s not just the flights hitting the Swifty’s hip pocket, accommodation in Sydney’s CBD has surged to over four figures.
The Marriott Sydney Harbour’s rates surged from $589 for February 16-17 to an elevated price of $1039 for February 23-24.
A one-way economy flight with Jetstar from Brisbane to Sydney on February 23, coinciding with Swift’s first Sydney tour date, is priced between $399 to $460. In contrast, the same flight a week earlier ranges from $92 to $123
Virgin and Qantas made similar hikes, with Virgin’s range of fares surging from between $119 and $325 to $386 and $768
Similarly, the cost at Novotel Parramatta escalated significantly, rising from $350 to a hefty $899 for the same period.
Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, remarked that special events such as the Eras Tour will inevitably be influenced by the principles of supply and demand.
‘If you’re a dedicated Swifty, you will be travelling. Scarcity will always drive demand… it is what it is,’ she said.
But it’s not just the flights hitting the Swifty’s hip pocket, accommodation in Sydney’s CBD has surged to over four figures. The Marriott Sydney Harbour’s rates surged from $589 for February 16-17 to an elevated price of $1039 for February 23-24
Meanwhile, NSW Tourism and Music Minister John Graham said that although there is naturally high demand, fans should not be subjected to price gouging.
‘What I don’t want to see is anyone taking advantage of Swifties who are already paying premium prices to be at the shows. I do not want this to be a cruel summer for any fans, particularly young people and their parents, who may have saved up to attend,’ the Minister said, referencing Swift’s 2021 hit Cruel Summer.
Qantas claimed the cheaper fares were sold out quickly, so in future fans should plan ahead.
A spokesman for the airline said ‘Our advice for any concert-goers is to book as soon as possible.’
Margy Osmond, CEO of the Tourism and Transport Forum, remarked that special events will inevitably be influenced by the principles of supply and demand: ‘If you’re a dedicated Swifty, you will be travelling. Scarcity will always drive demand…it is what it is,’ she said
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