Understanding Virgin Australia’s Travel Credit Expiry
Aussies who have unused travel credits from Virgin Australia may be in for a surprise. These credits, issued during the pandemic, are now set to expire, and there is a strict deadline that passengers need to be aware of. The airline has officially announced that all eligible credits must be used before the end of the financial year, giving customers less than a month to act.
Virgin Australia has set an expiry date for all flight credits related to the pandemic. (Credit: Getty/Ryan Fletcher)
The expiry date applies to all flight credits issued between 21 April 2020 and 31 July 2022, which must be redeemed by 30 June 2026. However, simply booking a trip is not enough. To ensure that the credits count, travellers must not only book their trip before the deadline but also complete it.
Credits were originally issued for passengers impacted during the pandemic. (Credit: Getty/Prathaan)
Once known as one of the most passenger-friendly airlines in the country, Virgin Australia is facing criticism over the short redemption window, especially since the airline has refused to offer refunds. This policy does little to account for passengers who had specific reasons for their trips, such as attending weddings or funerals. Additionally, many customers are finding that airfares have increased significantly since their original bookings, leaving them to cover the difference.
Despite these challenges, there is some flexibility when it comes to who can use the credits. Virgin Australia allows eligible credits to be used by passengers not included on the original booking, such as family members or friends.
How to Check and Redeem Your Travel Credit
There is currently an estimated $93 million worth of travel credits that remain unclaimed by customers. If you believe you may be eligible, here’s how to check and redeem your credits before they expire.
Travellers can check their eligibility via Virgin’s website or app. (Credit: Getty/Tippapatt)
The first step is to log in to your Virgin Australia Travel Bank account, either online or through the airline’s app. From there, you can view your credit balance and search for flights you’d like to book. Any fare displayed on the flight selection page can be purchased using a travel credit. Once you’ve decided on your flights, make sure the travel dates occur prior to 30 June.
Most domestic flights operated by Virgin Australia can be booked using travel credits. (Credit: Getty/Ai_Yoshi)
After selecting your flights, enter the passenger’s details, whether that’s yourself or someone else travelling on your behalf. Then, select Travel Bank as your payment method and log in to your account. Once confirmed, your credit will be applied, and you’ll receive a flight confirmation email as normal. If you encounter any issues, contact Virgin on 136789 for assistance.
Other Airlines and Their Policies
When it comes to other major Australian airlines, Qantas and Jetstar have different policies regarding travel credits. Unlike Virgin, eligible credits issued during the pandemic do not expire.
Jetstar and Qantas also providing travel credits to customers impacted by COVID. (Credit: Getty/SCM Jeans)
Qantas introduced a policy in 2023 that led to public backlash, with the airline owing approximately $570 million in travel credits. Since then, the airline has allowed customers to apply for refunds, which could be particularly helpful given the carrier’s ongoing flight cuts. Meanwhile, Jetstar customers can continue using their credits as travel vouchers indefinitely.
Those wanting to check their eligibility for these credits can do so via each airline’s website. With the right approach, your next holiday could be closer—and more affordable—than you think!
