What's Happening?
Airlines such as Qantas and Jetstar have removed expiry dates for COVID-19 travel credits, allowing passengers to use them indefinitely. Virgin Australia, however, has set a credit expiry limit of June 30, 2026, requiring passengers to book and fly before then. Qantas holds $358 million in outstanding flight credits from cancelled COVID-19 flights. Legal actions have been launched against Qantas for allegedly selling tickets for flights it had already cancelled, prompting the removal of expiry dates on travel credits.
Why It's Important?
The removal of expiry dates on travel credits by airlines like Qantas and Jetstar is a significant development for consumers who faced cancelled flights during the pandemic. This change provides greater flexibility and assurance for travelers, potentially restoring trust in these airlines. However, Virgin Australia's decision to maintain an expiry date could lead to consumer dissatisfaction and financial loss for those unable to use their credits in time. The legal actions against Qantas highlight ongoing consumer protection issues in the airline industry.
