Economy flight packages the goal as Premier fans follow the Champions

WITH eight teams jostling for places in the semi-finals after yesterday’s Champions League draw, another type of match was taking place in the background for thousands of supporters — the battle to find an economy flight.

Even before the draw was made prices had been increased by the main carriers for flights to Dortmund/Dusseldorf (nearest airports for Schalke), Rome, Istanbul and Barcelona — the four potential venues for Premier League teams. And once the draws were confirmed they were increased again.

For a visit to Istanbul, Chelsea fans could be expected to stump up €318 for a return flight from British Airways via Heathrow on the day of the match compared to €180 two days later. Easyjet quoted a one-way price on match-day of €202 from Luton compared to €91 the following day. By mid-afternoon prices had risen to more than €550 return.

For United fans, who face an uncomfortable return to Rome where there was considerable crowd trouble last season, low cost carrier JET2.COM was quoting €338 for a round-trip from Manchester compared to €247 for the following week.

United fans flying from Dublin to Rome can get out on the morning of the game and return on the Wednesday for €255. Cork fans going to Rome can only fly on Monday March 31 and return on Wednesday for €314.

Good news if you’re travelling from Ireland to Arsenal-Liverpool on April 2 at the Emirates. Ryanair were offering Dublin-Stansted for €10 yesterday afternoon, with the same price for a return flight the following day — €20 for your entire trip. Leaving Cork the options are more limited, but €37.85 return is still a bargain.

For the same game Aer Lingus had flights from Dublin for €65.52.

Football travel specialists, Dawson Travel, of Cork, have already prepared a number of overnight packages with match tickets for the quarter-finals.

Arsenal v Liverpool packages are €599 for both legs, with the Anfield ticket in the corporate level. Man Utd’s trip to Rome, out of Dublin is €799, inclusive of a four-star hotel and ticket. The return leg, inclusive of two night’s accommodation, is €589.

Meanwhile for those planning further ahead, Aer Lingus has announced it will operate a special one-off flight to Moscow (Sheremetyevo airport) for Irish football fans wishing to travel to the Champions League final.

The service will operate on Wednesday May 21 from Dublin and Thursday May 22 from Moscow to bring passengers to and from the match. Bookings can be made from today through www.aerlingus.com.