Choice Shonky Awards 2026: Virgin, Ticketek & Ticketmaster Named 2026

The Choice Shonky Awards 2026 have named and shamed some of Australia's biggest brands, with Virgin Australia, Ticketmaster, and Ticketek among the dishonour roll for practices that consumer advocates say rip off ordinary Australians. Now in their 21st year, the Shonkys spotlight the worst products and services as decided by consumer group Choice.

This year's winners range from an airline pocketing $75 million in unused flight credits to ticket sellers using "sneaky" pricing tactics, and even a washer-dryer combo that takes 25 hours to complete a single cycle. The awards come amid a broader cost-of-living crisis, making the timing particularly pointed.

Virgin Australia's $75 Million Flight Credit Windfall

Virgin Australia received a Shonky for imposing strict deadlines on customers to use credits issued for cancelled flights between 2020 and 2022, during Covid-19 travel restrictions. Customers had to book their trips by 30 June this year, and the credits had to be used for flights taking off before 27 May 2027.

According to Choice, this resulted in $75 million of credits going unused and then being returned to Virgin's bottom line. That's a significant sum flowing back to the airline simply because customers couldn't or didn't meet the deadlines.

A Virgin Australia spokesperson defended the airline's record: "More than 93% of Covid credits were redeemed by guests, supported by strong bookings over the past four years. Following a number of extensions between 2023 and 2025, we regularly communicated the expiry date and later extended the fly-by date to 27 May 2027, giving guests almost another year to travel."

Choice's criticism centres on the principle that customers who had flights cancelled through no fault of their own should not face a use-it-or-lose-it scenario. The $75 million figure represents real money that travellers paid but never received a service for.

Ticketmaster and Ticketek Slammed for Dynamic Pricing

Ticketmaster and Ticketek both received Shonky awards for using what Choice deemed "sneaky" tactics – dynamic pricing and "in demand" seats – to unfairly inflate prices for live events. Dynamic pricing is common in transport and hotel sectors, but its use for concert tickets has become a flashpoint amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The practice sees ticket prices surge in real time based on demand, meaning fans can pay vastly different amounts for the same seat depending on when they buy. Choice highlighted cases where concert tickets surged to as much as $1,650, pricing many fans out of the market entirely.

"In demand" seating is a related tactic where tickets are labelled as high-demand and sold at a premium, often without clear justification. For consumers already feeling the pinch, these practices add insult to injury when trying to see their favourite artists.

The 25-Hour Laundry Cycle That Made the List

In a category far removed from travel and entertainment, a washer-dryer combo earned a Shonky for a cycle that takes a staggering 25 hours to complete. The absurdity of such a long cycle highlights how some appliances fail to deliver on basic promises of convenience.

For households relying on a single machine to wash and dry clothes, a 25-hour cycle is impractical and defeats the purpose of a combo unit. Choice's award underscores the importance of checking real-world performance before buying.

Why the Shonky Awards Matter for Australian Consumers

The Shonky Awards serve as a powerful consumer advocacy tool, naming and shaming companies whose practices fall short of fair dealing. In their 21st year, they continue to shine a light on issues that affect everyday Australians.

With the cost-of-living crisis putting pressure on household budgets, transparency and fairness in pricing are more important than ever. The awards encourage companies to lift their game and give consumers the information they need to make informed choices.

• Virgin Australia kept $75 million in unused Covid flight credits after strict expiry deadlines.
• Ticketmaster and Ticketek used dynamic pricing and "in demand" seats to inflate ticket costs.
• A washer-dryer combo was shamed for a 25-hour laundry cycle.
• The awards highlight consumer protection issues amid the cost-of-living crisis.
• Choice has run the Shonky Awards for 21 years, holding brands accountable.

How the 2026 Shonky Winners Compare

What This Means for Consumers and What to Watch Next

For consumers, the Shonky Awards are a reminder to read the fine print and be aware of tactics that can cost money. When booking flights, check credit expiry terms carefully; when buying event tickets, be wary of dynamic pricing and consider buying early or through official presales.

The awards also put pressure on regulators and companies to reform. Virgin Australia's defence that most credits were redeemed may not satisfy critics who argue that any unused credit from a cancelled flight should be refunded or extended indefinitely.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues, expect more scrutiny on pricing practices. The Shonkys play a vital role in that conversation, giving consumers a voice and holding brands to account.

For those navigating the property market, similar consumer protection issues arise, as explored in our analysis of Victoria's Reserve Price Law, which changed how buyers and sellers interact at auctions. The background to this story is set out in Australia: latest articles. A related thread runs through Australia Rethinks UK Visa Deal as British Backpackers Surge.

Virgin Australia's customer service record has also faced recent challenges, including the apology to a disability advocate over wheelchair handling, which raised questions about the airline's treatment of passengers with specific needs. Earlier coverage in RBA Rate Hike 2026: Fifth Increase Puts Labor's Election Luck at Risk shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in MPs Grant Lobbyists Unfettered Access to Australia's Parliament.

The airline's handling of sensitive situations was further highlighted in the wheelchair motor incident, showing that reputational damage can compound when service failures occur. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Hidden Fees Probe: Trainline, Virgin Atlantic Under Investigation.

FAQ