In an act of self preservation, we’ve all repressed the memories of cancelled Covid flights and hours spent on the phone with airlines trying to get answers. But, it was recently announced that Qantas and its subsidiary, Jetstar, are holding over $570 million in combined outstanding flight credits. Said credits were due to expire at the end of the year, but due to public backlash that date has been scrapped. So if you thought those forgotten flights were a thing of the past, think again. Here’s how you can claim your Qantas and Jetstar flight credits.
Specifically, Qantas and Jetstar Covid credits, which refer to flights cancelled between the beginning of the pandemic and September 30, 2021. Credits are for future bookings that were cancelled with the amount the ticket was worth held by the airlines and redeemable at a later date.
This depends on how you booked your flight. If you booked directly with Qantas or Jetstar then you can use the Find My Credit tool that is available on the Qantas website. You will need details about the original flight to complete the search, such as the last name of the traveller, email of the traveller/travel arranger and the booking reference or ticket number of the original flight. You can find the booking reference (PNR) on your confirmation email, e-ticket receipt and in the Qantas app at the top of the trips page.
Your travel credit must be redeemed via your original travel agent. If your travel agent has ceased operations, you’ll need to visit the Third Party Assistance page on Qantas.com for options available to you to redeem your travel credit.
Yes, but only for Qantas flights. To request a cash refund you will need to contact Qantas via phone at 1300 668 885. Again, if you booked through a third party they will need to handle this request for you. Jetstar customers are not eligible for refunds, but the credit vouchers can be used indefinitely.
Head to the Qantas website and click through to the Flight Credits page or the Use Flight Credit tab on the homepage. Enter your credit reference and your last name, and then click Find Flights to book a new trip. When it comes to Jetstar credit, you can use Covid vouchers until December 31, 2023, and if you wish to extend that deadline you can contact Jetstar to have your credit extended indefinitely. To book travel on the Jetstar website, simply search for flights, fill in your details, and then select ‘use a voucher or gift card’ as your payment method and enter the voucher number.
Flight credit can be used for domestic or international flights. It does not have to be the initial trip you booked, but if you do want to change the departure country than your initial booking or are planning a multi-city booking, you will need to contact Qantas.
No, Qantas flight credits are non-transferrable and can only be redeemed by the passengers on the original booking. If the initial booking was for a group and you want to split the credit to travel separately you can contact Qantas to split your credit.
Yes, Jetstar vouchers can be used on the website to make bookings for somebody else. You will need to add their names as the passenger and your details as the booking contact.
Qantas and Jetstar credits expiry dates have been scrapped. And to encourage customers to claim their credits, the airline is offering double frequent flyer points for flights booked between September 4 and December 31, 2023.
