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Virgin Australia is extending the travel window for unused COVID-19 flight credits as the redemption deadline approaches.
The airline, which held $93 million in unused credits as of February, will allow passengers to use them for travel bookings up to 27 May 2027, though the booking deadline remains at 30 June this year. The credits were issued between 2020 and 2022 for flights impacted by the pandemic.
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“Over the past four years, more than one billion dollars in COVID credits have been redeemed by our customers, helping them reconnect with family and friends, take long-awaited holidays, and travel for work,” said Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson.
“Around 90 per cent of all COVID credits have already been redeemed. For customers who still hold a remaining balance, this extension provides additional flexibility to plan and take future travel.”
“We’re extending the travel period for COVID credits and stepping up our customer outreach and awareness efforts to encourage customers to check their balances and use any remaining value for a booking before 30 June 2026.”
According to the airline’s chief customer officer, Andrew Cleary, making the credits “simple and flexible to use” has been a priority from the beginning.
“Customers can continue to use their credits to book on Virgin Australia and partner airline flights, for friends and family members, and across a range of travel extras including Economy X seating, extra baggage or pet travel,” he said.
“We encourage customers who believe they may hold COVID credits to visit virginaustralia.com or contact their travel agent to check their balance and redeem any remaining value before 30 June 2026, for flights departing any time from now through to late May 2027.”
Qantas and Jetstar had also issued similar credits, though Qantas Group later allowed passengers to request refunds following public pushback.
Andy Kelly, communications and campaigns director at consumer advocacy group CHOICE, told the ABC earlier this month that Virgin should follow suit.
“Many consumers book flights for a specific purpose. If the flight is cancelled, they may no longer have a reason to fly,” he said.
“We heard from many consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic who were no longer well enough to travel, or who were travelling for a funeral or other specific event.
“The price of flights may also increase dramatically, meaning consumers may need to chip in more money in order to be able to use the credit, which they may not be in a position to do.”
Qantas earlier this year settled a class-action lawsuit over COVID-19 credits for $105 million.
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