Complaints & Resolutions

Complaints & Resolutions is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer. While no-one likes a bad travel experience - these things do happen, and there may well be cause to complain.

Black hole

Podcast #37: Flight Changes, Refunds & Travel Credits

As the coronavirus crisis continues, many airline passengers are still waiting for refunds from cancelled flight bookings. Meanwhile, some passengers have discovered that they would have to pay extra – thousands of dollars, in some cases – to rebook their cancelled flights for a different date. This is exactly what happened recently to a Lufthansa … Continued

Virgin Australia 777 in Abu Dhabi

No Refunds, Only “Conditional Credits” for Virgin Customers

The federal court has approved a proposal by the Virgin Australia administrator to offer restrictive “conditional credits” to Virgin Australia customers instead of refunds. The new policy applies to Virgin Australia, Tigerair and Virgin Australia Holidays bookings made before the airline entered administration on 21 April 2020. Normal refund and travel credit policies – including … Continued

14 May 2020 Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia 737 taxiing

Virgin “Pauses” Refunds, Travel Credits

If you have a cancelled Virgin Australia flight, the airline says that you can still request a travel bank credit. If you bought a refundable ticket, such as a Freedom fare, you can also apply for a refund. But Virgin Australia is not currently processing any new refunds or flight credits. In fact, it hasn’t … Continued

Flight Centre store

Flight Centre Fee Backflip after Legal Action Threats

Flight Centre has reversed its controversial policy of charging $300 per passenger for involuntary flight cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel agency will also refund customers that have already been charged the cancellation fee after the ACCC threatened legal action. As Australian Frequent Flyer reported four weeks ago, many Flight Centre customers were surprised … Continued

Flight Centre

Flight Centre Caps Refund Cancellation Fees

Flight Centre has now capped its controversial cancellation fees at $600 per booking and extended the validity of its credit vouchers. But this may not be enough to stem the enormous customer backlash over the travel agency’s COVID-19 policy. Flight Centre has come under fire for charging $300 per passenger in its own cancellation fees … Continued

Flight Centre

Flight Centre Cancellation Fees Under Fire

Travel agency Flight Centre has drawn criticism for charging $300 per passenger in administration fees for involuntary cancellations. Customers that booked flights that have now been cancelled by the airline, due to the COVID-19 shutdown, are being slugged the hefty Flight Centre cancellation fee – even if the airline itself is providing a full refund. … Continued

Many Qantas flights cancelled

Cancelled Flights: Am I Entitled to a Refund?

If you’ve booked an international flight for travel in April or May, your flight will almost certainly be cancelled. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia are all grounding international flights from the end of this month – as are many other airlines around the world. But if your flight has been cancelled, are you entitled to … Continued

Empty call centre

Airline Call Centres in Meltdown

Airline call centres worldwide are struggling to cope with the current surge in demand, leaving many calls unanswered and others on hold for many hours. Qantas customers, for example, have reported waiting well over 5-6 hours on hold – or simply being hung up on – over recent weeks. Qantas call centre staffing levels were … Continued

17 Mar 2020 Virgin Australia
Qantas 737s Melbourne

Qantas Offers Free Cancellation Vouchers

Qantas yesterday released a new, more generous change & cancellation fee waiver after its previous policy attracted considerable criticism. Jetstar flights are also included in this. If you have an existing Qantas or Jetstar booking for travel until 31 May 2020, you now have the option to change dates or cancel your trip and receive … Continued

16 Mar 2020 Qantas
Qantas Quietly Ends Price Promise

Qantas Website Suffers Meltdown as Double Status Credits Ends

Update: The double status credits promotion has been extended for 24 hours due to the problems experienced on the evening of 25 February. You can now earn double status credits for eligible bookings made by 11.59pm (AEDT) on 26 February 2020. The Qantas website has suffered a major meltdown in the final hours of the … Continued

25 Feb 2020 Qantas