'Spirit of ripping people off': Man's Qantas rant goes viral
A disgruntled customer has lashed out at Qantas, accusing the airline of having the "spirit of ripping people off".
Queensland man Kyle Keighery posted his lengthy rant on the Qantas Facebook page, after he tried to book a flight from Mount Isa to Townsville, which is about a 1000km trip.
He said he was "disgusted" to learn it would cost him $850 for a one-way ticket to make the trip.
Mr Keighery, as well as the majority of Facebook commenters, assumed the price was "incorrect" and told the airline there was an "error" in their booking system.
"I thought I would do you a favour in reporting that there may be a error in your booking system," Mr Keighery said.
He pointed out that flights from Los Angeles to Australia return and those who wish to travel from Australia to Phuket, Bali or New Zealand and back, are also cheaper than what was advertised flying inside Queensland.
"What further makes me think this is wrong is the fact that you claim to be, 'Qantas, the spirit of Australia'.... I don't see much spirit here."
"Your (sic) in the spirit of ripping people off whilst making it near impossible for families to, 'remain connected', or 'bringing families together', yet another slogan of yours."
Mr Keighery signed off adding that he needed to win the lotto so he can pay the "premium prices".
"But for now, ill (sic) just remain disgusted," he wrote.
A Qantas spokesperson told Yahoo7 that the customer had tried to book a flight within just a couple of days, which by then, the only fares left were the most expensive ones.
"We offer a number different types of tickets between Mt Isa and Townsville with our lead in fare starting at $199," the statement read.
"We regularly offer sales fares on routes across outback Queensland.
"We always advise people to book as early as possible for get the best fare but we know there are times when this is not practical."
Speaking with Yahoo7, Mr Keighery said there was "over a week" of notice for the flight booking.
He also said he had tried booking a flight of this distance before.
It had normally cost him "near the $350 to $475 mark."
"Which is still quite high," he pointed out. The variance is a problem too."
Mr Keighery said he did not expect the post to be seen so widely on social media, to be replied to, or "get through the Qantas filtering system."
The general consensus of repsonses, he said, were "100% in favour of his vent."
He cited examples of "countless personal experiences reflecting the same issues" as he had experienced.
"Missed weddings, births, fatalities, loss of family connection all due to travel expenses."
Mr Keighery said although Qantas had been in touch with him, their response had fallen on deaf ears.
"If it cost $150 to fly 1000km on the coast, why can't it in rural areas?" he asked.
"If it's to be $250 so be it, but in excess of $850 is totally wrong."
Corrin Stickland wrote on the Facebook post claiming she missed her uncles funeral because of the high prices.
"$950 one way from Darwin to Perth. Suffice to say I missed my uncles funeral. Couldn't afford those prices,” she said.
Hailie Frost agreed and said: "The prices are ridiculous. Can get to bali for $150 return from Townsville. Can cost me $1000 to get home to Adelaide."
However, Sarah Berryman came up with a somewhat reasonable explanation and advice.
"Its all about supply and demand... For that price I would do the logical thing and just drive, would take a day but save you lots of money!"
