MELBOURNE- Australian flag carrier Qantas (QF) Group has decided to eliminate the expiry date from COVID 19 travel credits that were originally set to expire by the end of this year.
With this change, customers holding Qantas COVID credits will have the option to request a cash refund. While Jetstar (JQ) customers can now utilize their COVID vouchers for flights without any time restrictions.
Qantas COVID Credits No Expiry
This update positions Qantas among the airlines with the most adaptable COVID credit policies globally. This announcement comes after three previous deadline extensions.
In contrast, several other airlines have already seen their travel credits expire, and many more are slated to expire by the close of this year.
Starting from September 4, 2023, Qantas aims to incentivize individuals to utilize their credits by offering double the standard Frequent Flyer Points for flights reserved using Qantas COVID credits before December 31, 2023.
After this date, due to system limitations, the option to convert Qantas COVID credits into travel bookings will no longer be available; however, the credits can still be obtained as refunds at any time.
To ensure customers are well-informed, the Qantas Group will continue its regular communication efforts, including emails, text messages, phone calls, and advertisements, to reach those with outstanding COVID credits.
Additionally, Qantas is collaborating with travel agents to facilitate refunds for bookings that were not directly made through the airline.
CEO Insights
VIDEO MESSAGE SCRIPT TO CUSTOMERS FROM ALAN JOYCE
Greetings, I’m Alan Joyce.
Today, we are eliminating the expiration dates on all travel credits issued during the COVID period. If you possess a Qantas COVID credit, you are now able to request a cash refund whenever it suits you.
Those holding Jetstar COVID vouchers can be utilized for travel indefinitely. Rest assured, these credits and vouchers will remain valid indefinitely.
We are taking this step because we’ve been attentive to your feedback. We acknowledge that the credit system experienced some hiccups and was not as seamless as we intended it to be.
While we have made recent improvements and extended the expiration dates on multiple occasions, we recognize that there was a loss of confidence in the process. We hope that this decision helps regain that trust.
Furthermore, we anticipate that many individuals will apply credit to their upcoming journeys.
In this regard, we’re pleased to announce a special offer: If you use your Qantas COVID credit to book a flight before the end of this year, you will receive double Frequent Flyer Points.
This initiative underscores one of the most adaptable approaches taken by any airline in handling COVID-related credits. It supplements the extensive efforts we’re putting into enhancing our service quality for you on a daily basis.
We will maintain direct communication with all individuals holding COVID credits or vouchers, providing you with information on how to redeem them.
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