Footy fans are taking to social media to share their disappointment after finding out they’ll have to pay hundreds of dollars more than usual to attend games these AFL finals.

Melbourne-based fans have been hit hard, with three trips scheduled for Victorian clubs interstate in week one of the finals – and only one match to be played in Melbourne.

In the video above: Eagles fans rush for finals tickets

Essendon will travel to Optus Stadium to face West Coast on Thursday night while the Bulldogs will travel to Sydney to face GWS and Richmond will travel to Brisbane to face the Lions on Saturday.

Fans of the three Melbourne clubs got a shock after fixtures were revealed by the AFL on Sunday night, with some fares doubling and tripling in price over the course of a few hours.

In one example that sums up the plight of travelling footy fans, a Virgin ticket one way from Melbourne to Brisbane was priced $1110 on Monday, while the same ticket would have cost just $195 the day before.

Similar price hikes were experienced across the board, leaving many frustrated fans to hit out on social media.

Now, the AFL’s official airline Virgin has responded to the furore, saying it aims “to provide the best value”, while not ruling out the possibility of adding more flights to accommodate fans throughout the finals.

“Virgin Australia aims to provide the best value fares for all of our guests,” a Virgin spokesperson told 7NEWS.com.au.

“We already have 75,000 seats to Melbourne for the Grand Final week to make sure as many AFL fans as possible can cheer on their team.

“We’ll continue to review our flight schedule throughout the Finals series.”

Bulldogs fans will have to travel to Sydney to watch their team play. Credit: AAP

It is understood a number of factors contribute to airlines not scheduling extra flights, such as the cost of getting planes back from major events and the added costs of staffing and refuelling.

AFL Fans’ Association president Gerry Eeman told the Herald Sun that despite the associated costs, airlines should do more for footy fans.

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“It feels like the airlines lick their lips each year come finals time and the prices go through the roof,’’ he said.

“Fans find it disappointing and some of the prices are outrageous.’’

Jetstar have been contacted for comment.

Richmond fans will travel to Brisbane in week one of the finals. Credit: AAP

AFL finals week one

Thursday September 5

First Elimination Final, West Coast Eagles v Essendon at Optus Stadium, 8.10pm AEST

Friday September 6

First Qualifying Final, Geelong Cats v Collingwood at the MCG, 7.50pm AEST

Saturday September 7

Second Elimination Final, GWS GIANTS v Western Bulldogs at GIANTS Stadium, 3.20pm AEST

Second Qualifying Final, Brisbane Lions v Richmond at The Gabba, 7.25pm AEST

Possible prelims

The MCG will host at least one preliminary final, with Geelong or Collingwood the home team.

The loser of the Victorian rivals' qualifying final will face West Coast or Essendon at the 'G in the first semi-final.

On the other side of the draw, the Gabba could host its first preliminary final since 2002 if Brisbane gain revenge on Richmond to win the last game of the weekend.

The loser of that match will host GWS or the Bulldogs in the second semi-final.