Qantas announces unclaimed flight credits will no longer have expiry dates
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In response to widespread public criticism, Qantas has announced a significant policy shift—removing expiry dates on unclaimed flight credits by the end of the year.
Customers holding Qantas flight credits will now have the option to claim a cash refund at any time. However, they are restricted to using these credits exclusively for flight bookings until the year's end 'due to a system limitation'.
On the other hand, customers with Jetstar credits will not have the option to opt for a cash refund. Instead, they will enjoy the flexibility to employ these credits for booking new flights 'indefinitely'.
In an official statement, the airline declared: 'Today's announcement makes Qantas' COVID credit policy one of the most flexible of any airline in the world, and it follows three prior deadline extensions.'
'Some airlines have already expired their travel credits, and many more run out completely at the end of this year.'
![Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.16 AM (1).png Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.16 AM (1).png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/28/28840-43d54d2e6408b678cfaa377257c660d8.jpg)
This decision follows a Senate hearing earlier this week, during which CEO Alan Joyce, Jetstar's CEO Stephanie Tully, and Corporate Affairs Head Andrew McGinnes found themselves under intense scrutiny. They revealed that the airline had concealed a staggering $100 million worth of unused Jetstar flight credits.
Coincidentally, this move comes on the same day that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed its legal action against Qantas. The ACCC alleged that the airline engaged in the deceptive practice of selling flight tickets that it had already cancelled.
The allegations also focus on what they deem as false, misleading, and deceptive conduct in Qantas' advertising of flights scheduled between May and July 2022.
During this period, a staggering 15,000 out of 66,000 domestic and international services offered by the airline were abruptly cancelled, leaving passengers in a lurch and raising questions about transparency.
The heart of the ACCC's accusations lies in Qantas' purported continuation of selling around 8,000 tickets on its website, even after the flights were grounded. The aviation giant allegedly maintained this practice for an average of two weeks, with some instances stretching to more than a month after the cancellation.
Moreover, the ACCC asserted that more than 10,000 flights scheduled for the same period in 2022 faced similar issues.
The commission claimed that Qantas neglected to inform existing ticketholders about their disrupted travel plans for an average span of approximately 18 days. There were even some situations where the notifications were delayed up to 48 days, leaving passengers unaware and stranded.
Qantas CEO Joyce announced that the airline's decision to eliminate the expiry date on flight credits was due to the company's dedication to listening to customer opinions.
'We know the credit system was not as smooth as it should have been. People lost faith in the process…' he said.
'We hope this helps change that. We also hope that a lot of people still choose to put their credit towards their next journey.'
![Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.40 AM.png Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.40 AM.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/28/28841-ef41e3f821d409b0e52e940a66a8249c.jpg)
Currently, Qantas holds a whopping sum of approximately $500 million in unused flight credits stemming from flight cancellations induced by the pandemic.
This substantial sum is distributed among various customer categories: roughly $370 million earmarked for loyal Australian Qantas customers, an additional $100 million tailored for Jetstar customers, and approximately $50 million designated for overseas Qantas patrons.
The previous deadline for these credits, set for December 31, would have compelled Qantas to absorb the unutilised credits' value by the year's close.
This news brings added relief to those with unclaimed airline credits. Now, they can breathe even more easily, reassured by the expanded range of options available for utilising these flight credits. After all, these credits are essentially their own money to use.
What are your thoughts on this announcement, members? Are you among those who have unclaimed flight credits? What are your plans now? Share them with us in the comments below!
Customers holding Qantas flight credits will now have the option to claim a cash refund at any time. However, they are restricted to using these credits exclusively for flight bookings until the year's end 'due to a system limitation'.
On the other hand, customers with Jetstar credits will not have the option to opt for a cash refund. Instead, they will enjoy the flexibility to employ these credits for booking new flights 'indefinitely'.
In an official statement, the airline declared: 'Today's announcement makes Qantas' COVID credit policy one of the most flexible of any airline in the world, and it follows three prior deadline extensions.'
'Some airlines have already expired their travel credits, and many more run out completely at the end of this year.'
![Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.16 AM (1).png Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.16 AM (1).png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/28/28840-43d54d2e6408b678cfaa377257c660d8.jpg)
Qantas will no longer require customers to use their unclaimed flight credits by the end of the year. Credit: Shutterstock.
This decision follows a Senate hearing earlier this week, during which CEO Alan Joyce, Jetstar's CEO Stephanie Tully, and Corporate Affairs Head Andrew McGinnes found themselves under intense scrutiny. They revealed that the airline had concealed a staggering $100 million worth of unused Jetstar flight credits.
Coincidentally, this move comes on the same day that the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealed its legal action against Qantas. The ACCC alleged that the airline engaged in the deceptive practice of selling flight tickets that it had already cancelled.
The allegations also focus on what they deem as false, misleading, and deceptive conduct in Qantas' advertising of flights scheduled between May and July 2022.
During this period, a staggering 15,000 out of 66,000 domestic and international services offered by the airline were abruptly cancelled, leaving passengers in a lurch and raising questions about transparency.
The heart of the ACCC's accusations lies in Qantas' purported continuation of selling around 8,000 tickets on its website, even after the flights were grounded. The aviation giant allegedly maintained this practice for an average of two weeks, with some instances stretching to more than a month after the cancellation.
Moreover, the ACCC asserted that more than 10,000 flights scheduled for the same period in 2022 faced similar issues.
The commission claimed that Qantas neglected to inform existing ticketholders about their disrupted travel plans for an average span of approximately 18 days. There were even some situations where the notifications were delayed up to 48 days, leaving passengers unaware and stranded.
Qantas CEO Joyce announced that the airline's decision to eliminate the expiry date on flight credits was due to the company's dedication to listening to customer opinions.
'We know the credit system was not as smooth as it should have been. People lost faith in the process…' he said.
'We hope this helps change that. We also hope that a lot of people still choose to put their credit towards their next journey.'
![Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.40 AM.png Screen Shot 2023-09-01 at 8.57.40 AM.png](https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/data/attachments/28/28841-ef41e3f821d409b0e52e940a66a8249c.jpg)
The airline currently holds approximately $500 million in unused flight credits stemming from flight cancellations induced by the pandemic. Credit: Instagram/heavier.than.air.
Currently, Qantas holds a whopping sum of approximately $500 million in unused flight credits stemming from flight cancellations induced by the pandemic.
This substantial sum is distributed among various customer categories: roughly $370 million earmarked for loyal Australian Qantas customers, an additional $100 million tailored for Jetstar customers, and approximately $50 million designated for overseas Qantas patrons.
The previous deadline for these credits, set for December 31, would have compelled Qantas to absorb the unutilised credits' value by the year's close.
Key Takeaways
- Qantas has announced that they will be removing expiry dates on unclaimed flight credits by the end of the year.
- The airline currently holds approximately $500 million in unused flight credits stemming from flight cancellations induced by the pandemic.
- This move comes after Qantas, Jetstar, and corporate heads admitted to holding $100 million in unused Jetstar flight credits at a Senate hearing.
- This announcement also coincides with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) revealing its legal action against Qantas. The ACCC alleges that the airline engaged in the deceptive practice of selling flight tickets that it had already cancelled.
This news brings added relief to those with unclaimed airline credits. Now, they can breathe even more easily, reassured by the expanded range of options available for utilising these flight credits. After all, these credits are essentially their own money to use.
What are your thoughts on this announcement, members? Are you among those who have unclaimed flight credits? What are your plans now? Share them with us in the comments below!