A scramble for flights to Greece was under way as Dundee United fans made travel plans for the club”s biggest European game in years.
Many Tangerines hoping for a cheap getaway were left disappointed, with some quotes for air fares well into three figures.
The away leg of the Tannadice team’s tie against AEK Athens will take place 19 days from now and supporters were wasting no time in making arrangements.
Shug Falconer, the chairman of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs, said fans were scouring the internet within seconds of the draw taking place.
“If you pick up something for £400 now you’re doing well,” he said.
“It was never going to be a cheap place to get to.
“A lot of fans seem to think you can pick up a flight to anywhere in Europe for £20 to £30 these days but unfortunately that’s not the case.
“I’ve been speaking to some fans and been on the message boards and I know some people are looking at possible flights from Manchester and Gatwick to save some money. But the prices are racking up.”
Another popular choice with fans was flying with Easyjet from Edinburgh via a stopover in Berlin. However, those flights were filling up fast and were expected to sell out quickly.
Travel packages will be made available through the club’s partner TMG, although details were not available as of Friday night.
“Our team and the club are currently working towards finding the most appropriate flight and accommodation options for the trip to Athens,” said a statement from the company.
“Given the relatively tight timescales we will release package details as soon as we possibly can but unfortunately that will not be possible this evening.”
More information should be available by Monday, it added.
“There is a flight being put on for the club, but that is only a 240-seat plane as far as I am aware,” said Mr Falconer.
“I know you could put in a note of interest on that before the draw and it was already full. Some people may drop out, of course, but I would say the demand will far outstrip the supply.”
Despite the worry over flights, United director Derek Robertson said he didn’t anticipate any major problems.
“It is a tough draw but an exciting one, too, and the fans should be OK for accommodation and flights,” he said.
“AEK also play in the Olympic Stadium, which holds 68,000, so there should be a good number of tickets available for the second leg.”
Mike Barile, who represents fan organisation the ArabTRUST on the board of Dundee United, advised fans to use it as an opportunity for a holiday.
“It will be a real adventure for the fans heading over there and I am sure many will tie it in with a longer break,” he said.
Pictured: Dundee’s only Greek restaurant Byzantium is preparing to welcome Greeks as well as Tangerines supporters with open arms.