Virgin Australia and Qantas are appealing to travel advisors who have clients with covid travel credits to use them before the final June 2026 deadline to avoid their value being lost.
In its 2026 financial year outlook, Virgin Australia revealed that it holds $93 million worth of outstanding COVID-19 flight credits, which are set to expire at the end of June. As at 30 June 2025, Qantas and Jetstar held $358 million in customer balances remaining in COVID Credits ($251m Qantas, $107m Jetstar). Qantas and Jetstar scrapped expiry dates in March with passengers able to use them whenever they like.
Virgin Australia passengers with travel credits will need to not only book but also fly before the end of June 2026, or they can be used by family and friends.
“From the beginning, Virgin Australia has made these credits very easy to use, offering customers the ability to use their credits on all flights operated by Virgin Australia, as well as flights on its partner airlines,” a spokesperson said. “Additionally, these credits could be used for passengers not on the original booking, such as friends and family members.
“To ensure customers had ample time to use their credits, we extended the expiry date four times, over a four-year period.”
Virgin Australia has undertaken extensive direct outreach and provided customers with multiple reminders to encourage redemption and further reminders will be sent out in the lead up to 30 June.
“More than 90 per cent of this type of travel credit has now been redeemed by guests, reflecting strong uptake over the past four years,” Virgin Australia said. “Despite extensive efforts and regular reminders to our customers, the remaining credit balances are seeing almost no usage.
“Over 90 per cent of remaining accounts with COVID credits have had no activity for over three years.”
