Virgin Australia Has $90 Million in Unused COVID Flight Credits

By Dannielle Maguire

Topic: Travel and Tourism

Monday, 1 June 2026, at 4:51 am

Virgin Australia's COVID credits will expire at the end of June.

If your flight was canceled during the pandemic, you might have a travel credit.

You may not have used your Virgin Australia travel credit yet.

You have only a month to use your Virgin Australia credit.

When do Virgin's COVID flight credits expire?

Credits from 21 April 2020 to 31 July 2022 expire on 30 June.

You must fly by 30 June to use your credit.

Most credits have been claimed, says Virgin.

Over 90% of credits have been used, says the airline.

Few credits are being used now, says Virgin.

90% of accounts with credits have had no activity for three years.

Virgin has about $93 million in unused credits.

You have a month to use your Virgin Australia COVID credit.

What about Qantas credits?

Qantas said its credits would not expire.

But Qantas credits can only be used for refunds now.

You must call Qantas to get a refund.

Qantas sends reminders to customers with unclaimed credits.

What about Jetstar credits?

Jetstar updated its terms so credits do not expire.

Jetstar emailed customers about their vouchers.

Virgin should offer refunds, says Choice.

Many consumers booked flights for a specific reason.

If the flight was canceled, they may not need to fly.

Consumers may not be able to use their credits due to higher prices.

Why isn't Virgin offering refunds?

Under Australian law, you can get a refund if a flight is canceled.

But during the pandemic, airlines had different rules.

Virgin made it easy to use COVID credits, says the airline.

Credits can be used for other people, like friends and family.

Why aren't Qantas refunds automatic?

Customers must call Qantas to request a refund.

Qantas says it can't refund to expired credit cards.

COVID credits were for bookings made before 30 September 2021.

Advocates are wary of airlines making it hard to use credits.

Airlines benefit if consumers don't use their credits.

How do I claim my travel credits?

It depends on the airline, says the report.

Tap a box for details on how to claim credits.

Jetstar customers got an email with their voucher details.

You can claim your Jetstar voucher on the airline's website.

Enter your voucher number to claim your credit.

You can also claim credits by booking over the phone.

Jetstar has an online portal to check your credits.

You can contact Qantas to check for outstanding credits.

But you need to give details of your original booking.

Call Qantas on 13 13 13 or +61 2 9123 6000.

You can only claim Qantas credits as a refund.

Call 1300 668 885 for a refund if you booked directly.

People outside Australia should call +61 2 9123 7495.

If you booked through a travel agency, go through them.

You can contact Qantas to check for credits with Qantas or Jetstar.

But you need to give details of your original booking to complete the search.

Call Qantas on 13 13 13 or +61 2 9123 6000.

Virgin Australia says all travel credits are in the 'travel bank'.

This is an account to store travel credits, says Virgin.

Customers with credits got an email with their account details.

You can use your credits by booking on the Virgin Australia website.

Select the 'travel bank' option on the payment page.

You can also claim credits by booking over the phone.

If you don't know your travel bank details, visit the website.

Virgin encourages customers to get in touch if they think they have an unused credit.

Call the guest contact centre on 13 67 89.

Monday, 1 June 2026, at 4:51 am

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