Virgin Australia has extended the travel period for its COVID credits program, allowing flights booked with the credits to be used until late May next year.
Customers holding COVID credits still have until 30 June 2026 to redeem them, but any flights booked with those credits can now be taken up to 27 May 2027, adding almost a further year of travel flexibility.
Around 90 per cent of all COVID credits have already been redeemed, with $93 million in credits still outstanding as reported in the airline’s half-year results in February.
What are COVID credits?
COVID credits are standard travel credits issued by Virgin Australia between 21 April 2020 and 31 July 2022, when flying had recommenced but consumers remained uncertain about travelling.
The credits were issued under the airline’s usual travel bank terms and conditions, which carried an expiry date. More than 90 per cent of the remaining credit accounts have had no activity for over three years.
Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the carrier had focused on keeping the credits simple and flexible since they were introduced.
“Over the past four years, more than one billion dollars in COVID credits have been redeemed by our customers, helping them reconnect with family and friends, take long-awaited holidays, and travel for work,” he said.
“Around 90 per cent of all COVID credits have already been redeemed. For customers who still hold a remaining balance, this extension provides additional flexibility to plan and take future travel.
“We’re extending the travel period for COVID credits and stepping up our customer outreach and awareness efforts to encourage customers to check their balances and use any remaining value for a booking before 30 June 2026.”
How to use credits
Credits can be redeemed on all flights operated by Virgin Australia, as well as on its partner airlines, and can be used for passengers not on the original booking, including friends and family members.
For customers who book directly with Virgin Australia, the credits can also be applied to add-on products such as Economy X seating, additional checked baggage, carbon offset fees, unaccompanied minor fees or pet travel.
Virgin Australia chief customer officer Andrew Cleary encouraged customers who needed help to get in touch with the airline or their travel advisor.
“Making COVID credits simple and flexible to use has been a priority for us from the outset,” he said.
“Customers can continue to use their credits to book on Virgin Australia and partner airline flights, for friends and family members, and across a range of travel extras including Economy X seating, extra baggage or pet travel.”
Customers unsure of their balances can check the airline’s Travel Bank website.
The flexibility move comes as the carrier looks to the future of its fleet, having recently confirmed it will take delivery of its first Boeing 737-10 in late 2027.
KARRYON UNPACKS: With $93 million still sitting in dormant accounts and 30 June 2026 fixed as the redemption deadline, advisors who booked Virgin Australia clients during the pandemic are well placed to flag any lingering balances. The extended travel window means a credit redeemed now can fund trips well into 2027, including partner-airline flights and extras.
