Choice Shonky awards 2026: From ticket sellers and Virgin flight credits to a 25-hour laundry cycle

Choice has named Virgin Australia, Ticketmaster, Ticketek and Hisense among the recipients of its 2026 Shonky awards, which highlight products and services it considers poor for consumers. The awards draw attention to concerns including unused flight credits, ticket prices that vary or are labelled “in demand”, and a washer-dryer advertised as energy efficient despite an exceptionally long eco cycle.

Choice says $75m in Virgin flight credits issued for cancellations between 2020 and 2022 went unused after customers faced booking and travel deadlines. Virgin says more than 93% of the credits were redeemed and that it extended the travel deadline. Choice cited John Farnham tribute concert “Ultimate” tickets priced at $1,650 and some NRL seats costing $50 more than nearby seats; Ticketmaster says event organisers set prices and its “in demand” prices do not automatically rise with queue size. Hisense’s cited eco drying cycle takes 13.5 hours, while the headline refers to a 25-hour laundry cycle.