World · East Asia & Pacific · 10 hrs ago
CHOICE names Virgin, ticket sellers and Hisense among 2026 Shonky winners
Australia’s consumer group CHOICE has named its 2026 Shonky Award winners, singling out companies it says treat consumers unfairly.
Virgin Australia received an award after CHOICE said $75 million in flight credits went unused and returned to the airline’s bottom line.
Virgin said more than 93% of COVID-era credits were redeemed and that it had extended deadlines and communicated expiry dates.
Ticketek and Ticketmaster were criticised over ticket pricing, including tickets to a John Farnham tribute concert priced at up to $1,650 and some NRL seats costing $50 more than nearby seats.
CHOICE also criticised Hisense’s washer-dryer energy ratings, saying the advertised ratings depended on Eco cycles that take more than 25 hours for washing and drying.
The awards, now in their 21st year, highlight products and services that CHOICE believes can harm consumers.
The government promised to restrict dynamic pricing, but its new unfair-trading laws, due to take effect in 2027, do not prohibit it.
CHOICE named Virgin Australia, Ticketek, Ticketmaster and Hisense among the winners of its 2026 Shonky Awards.
The annual awards highlight products and services the consumer group considers poor for consumers.
CHOICE said Virgin retained $75 million in unused flight credits issued for flights cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ticketek and Ticketmaster were criticised over ticket prices, including $1,650 tickets to a John Farnham tribute concert and seats priced $50 more than nearby seats.
CHOICE said the Hisense Series 8i washer-dryer’s advertised energy ratings required cycles that together take more than 25 hours.
- Who
- CHOICE named Virgin Australia, Ticketek, Ticketmaster and Hisense among the award winners.
- What
- The 2026 Shonky Awards highlighted products and services CHOICE considered poor for consumers.
- When
- The awards were announced on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, according to the SMH.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- CHOICE said the awards spotlight products and services that treat consumers badly and draw attention to consumer concerns.
CHOICE
Virgin Australia
Flight credits
CHOICE
CHOICE said $75 million in credits went unused and called for consumers to get the money back or have unlimited time to use the credits.
Virgin Australia
Virgin said more than 93% of COVID credits were redeemed and that it communicated expiry dates and extended the travel deadline.
Ticket prices
CHOICE
CHOICE said variable pricing and “In Demand” seats unfairly inflated ticket prices.
Virgin Australia
Ticketmaster said event organisers set “In Demand” ticket prices and they do not automatically rise when more fans join a queue; Ticketek said dynamic pricing helps reduce scalping.
Energy ratings
CHOICE
CHOICE said the advertised ratings required specific Eco cycles that most households might not use and could take more than 25 hours together.
Virgin Australia
Hisense said some customers prioritise energy efficiency and lower running costs, while others value speed and capacity.
Virgin issued credits to customers whose flights were cancelled during COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Albanese government promised to restrict dynamic pricing, according to the Guardian.
Virgin said it extended the COVID credit deadlines several times.
CHOICE announced its 21st annual Shonky Awards, according to the SMH.
- Award year
- 2026
- Award history
- 21st year
- Virgin credits
- $75 million went unused, according to CHOICE
- John Farnham tribute tickets
- Up to $1,650
- Ticketmaster seat price difference
- $50
- Hisense Eco wash and dry cycle
- More than 25 hours
3 sources
What people are saying
Unfortunately, consumers continue to be treated badly by businesses across Australia, so there was no shortage of contenders [this year].
It goes without saying that over 13 hours to dry a load of clothes is an unrealistic wait time for most households.
More than 93% of Covid credits were redeemed by guests, supported by strong bookings over the past four years.
These prices do not automatically increase because more fans join a queue.