Unclaimed Qantas COVID-19 Travel Credits Waiting to be Redeemed

Qantas is encouraging Australians to make use of their unclaimed COVID-19 travel credits, which amount to more than $400 million.

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted travel plans for many people around the world. As airlines faced unprecedented challenges, they offered travel credits to passengers who had to cancel or reschedule their flights. If you find yourself in possession of unclaimed airline credits, particularly from Australian flag carrier QANTAS, now is the time to seize the day and make the most of them.

In this article, we will explore the rationale behind claiming travel credits, how to best utilise them, and how to prepare for your post-pandemic travel in Australia.

$400 Million in Travel Credits

The QANTAS Group announced in June 2023 that there were still $400m in travel credits yet to be claimed, and must be used in a booking before the end of this year or they can ask for a refund. The tranche includes $250m for bookings made directly through QANTAS channels and $150m filed with a travel or third-party booking service.

The company originally laid down over $2 billion in travel credits as Australia closed borders when COVID19 lockdowns were activated in March 2020.

The credits can cover flight bookings between now and 19 December 2024. As an added bonus, QANTAS customers in Australia who make their bookings with the travel credits before 31 July 2023 can land double Frequent Flyer points on their accounts.

To facilitate easier bookings with the credits, QANTAS also introduced Find My Credit, a new tool where customers can check their original pre-pandemic bookings if they still have valid credits.     

QANTAS chief customer officer Markus Svensson said the latest announcement is the third and last time the grace period will be extended. 

“We know the credits system has been challenging because of the sheer complexity of putting millions of bookings in a holding pattern for up to three years…

“QANTAS has one of the most flexible COVID credit policies of any airline, including among our global peers, and we’ve extended the booking expiry date three times.

“The majority of the COVID credits we hold can be converted into refunds but we can’t do it automatically as the credit cards used for the purchase as far back as 2019 may have expired. 

“We’d obviously like customers to use their COVID credit to fly with us, but if they’d prefer a refund, we’re putting additional processes in place to help with that,” he stressed.

Why Claim your Travel Credits?

Redeeming your unclaimed airline credits offers flexibility in planning your future travel. It allows you to choose suitable dates and destinations without being tied down to a specific flight or timeframe. This added convenience can make your travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

By using your travel credits, you can save money on future flights. Instead of purchasing new tickets, you can use the credits towards the cost of your next trip. This can be particularly beneficial if you have already paid for the original flights and are looking to reduce additional expenses.

Claiming and using your travel credits can help support the airlines during these challenging times. Using your credits can contribute to their recovery and ensure the continuation of services in the future.

Taking Full Advantage of your Travel Credits

• Research and planning. Start by researching and planning your upcoming trips. Consider the destinations you’ve always wanted to visit or explore new places within Australia. Check the availability of flights and any travel restrictions in place.
• Full value. Take advantage of the full value of your travel credits. If you have a partial balance remaining after booking a flight, consider using the remaining credits for other travel-related expenses such as accommodation, car rentals, or upgrades. This will allow you to maximise the value of your credits and enhance your travel experience.
• Group travel. If you are planning a trip with family or friends, coordinate with them to redeem the travel credits together. Pooling your credits can help cover the costs of multiple tickets or upgrade options, making it more affordable and enjoyable for everyone.
• Flexibility in travel dates. Remain flexible with your travel dates to increase the chances of finding the best flights available. Off-peak seasons or mid-week departures may offer better value for your travel credits.
  
  

Preparing for Post-Pandemic Travel

Keep yourself informed about the latest travel guidelines and restrictions imposed by authorities in Australia. Stay connected with official sources and follow health and safety protocols to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances or disruptions that may affect your travel plans. Check the policy coverage, including protection for COVID-19-related incidents.

As travel demand increases post-pandemic, it’s advisable to plan and book your flights and accommodations well in advance. This will help secure the best options and ensure availability for your preferred dates and destinations.

While planning is important, it’s equally crucial to stay flexible. Keep in mind that the situation can change rapidly, and travel plans may need to be adjusted. Stay open to alternative destinations or travel dates to adapt to any unforeseen circumstances.

Prepare for your trips and seize the day by embarking on new adventures across Australia.

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DISCLAIMER:  This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. UBOMI has no working relationships with QANTAS or any other airline.