More than one million Qantas customers are set to receive emails and text messages inviting them to claim compensation after the airline agreed to settle a $105 million class action over COVID-19 flight credits.
The legal action was brought on behalf of passengers whose flights were cancelled between January 1, 2020, and November 1, 2022, and who received flight credits instead of cash refunds. While Qantas has not admitted liability, it agreed to the settlement in March 2026.
After legal fees and litigation costs, approximately $68 million will be distributed among eligible customers. Eligible passengers are expected to receive at least $50, with some receiving significantly more depending on factors such as the number of bookings affected and delays in obtaining refunds.
Echo Law has now started contacting eligible customers using the email addresses and phone numbers originally provided to Qantas when tickets were purchased. The Federal Court’s approval process is still underway, and payments are expected to begin before the end of 2026, subject to final court approval.
Importantly, customers who already used their flight credits or later received refunds may still qualify for compensation if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Qantas also reminded customers that unused COVID-19 flight credits remain refundable, encouraging anyone with outstanding credits to contact the airline and request a refund.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia customers are facing a separate deadline, with remaining COVID travel credits required to be booked by June 30 and used for travel before May 2027.
