Choice names Virgin Australia, Ticketmaster in 2026 Shonky Awards
Choice's annual awards named six companies. Virgin Australia kept $75m in expired flight credits; Ticketmaster and Ticketek used dynamic pricing.
Choice has revealed its 2026 Shonky Awards, shaming six companies. Virgin Australia tops the list.
Virgin Australia held about 93 million in unused flight credits from COVID cancellations and pocketed $75 million when they expired. Ticketmaster and Ticketek share an award for pricing tactics: dynamic pricing, undisclosed prices and strict time limits when buying tickets.
John Farnham tribute concert tickets cost up to $1,650. Other winners include Sony (digital movies disappearing after licensing expires), Hisense (a washer-dryer taking more than 25 hours to complete eco cycles), Petcover (insurance that shrinks with each renewal), and Quest Protein Chips (886% pricier per gram than Doritos).
Choice CEO Monique Perry said consumers continue to be treated poorly.
- $93 million
- Unused credits held
- $75 million
- Credits expired
- 21st annual
- Award year
- $1,650
- Highest ticket price
Why it mattersThe awards highlight problems Australian consumers face when booking flights, buying tickets and choosing products.
AustraliaAustralians relying on these services or products should know how they're being charged and what protections they lack.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
