http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23829692-fulham-fans-stung-as-cost-of-flights-to-hamburg-rises-7-fold.do
Fulham fans stung as cost of flights to Hamburg rises 7-fold
Matthew Beard, Sports News Correspondent
(http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/fulhamfans415.jpg) (http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2010/04/HughGrantfooty415.jpg)
30.04.10
Airlines were today accused of "profiteering" at the expense of Fulham fans after the cost of flying to Germany to watch the Europa League final rocketed to £700.
Fulham have urged their supporters to make travel arrangements through the club after airlines bumped up prices on flights to Hamburg following last night's heroic semi-final victory.
Advice from the club came as easyJet were charging £699 for a return flight from Gatwick to Hamburg or £694 from Luton – around seven times the usual fare – to watch the May 12 final against Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
Spokesman for fans' group the Football Supporters' Federation, Michael Brunskill, said: "It's really disappointing to see a company taking advantage of football fans and profiteering in this way."
Fulham have an allocation of 12,400 tickets. A spokeswoman said they were trying to lay on extra flights for fans.
The official club website is offering season ticketholders a package of £465 for a return flight and one night's accommodation excluding tickets, or a coach trip for £115.
Fulham director of communications Sarah Brookes said: "We have lots of travel options on our website and would encourage fans to use official travel offers. We are also looking to put on more flights to meet demand."
