Choice Shonky awards 2026: From ticket sellers and Virgin flight credits to a 25-hour laundry cycle
News Source
β’Tue, 03 Nov 2026 22:48:24 GMT
π° What Happened
Consumer group Choice has announced its 2026 Shonky Awards, naming the worst products and companies of the year. Ticket sellers, Virgin Australia's flight credits and a washing machine with a 25-hour cycle were among the targets.
The awards point to confusing pricing, unfair terms and products that fail to do what they promise. Winners are chosen after months of testing and reader complaints.
Choice has run the Shonkys since 2006 to shame companies into fixing problems. The awards get wide coverage, and named firms often respond within days.
π The Backstory
Choice is an independent Australian consumer group funded by members rather than advertisers. Its tests and campaigns have led to recalls and changes in the law.
Past winners include banks, airlines, phone companies and appliance makers. Many respond by changing refund policies, advertising or product design.
Flight credits became a big issue after airlines cancelled huge numbers of bookings during the pandemic, leaving customers with vouchers that expired quickly.
π― Why It Matters
The list is a quick guide to traps that cost households money, from hidden booking fees to credits that expire before they can be used.
Consumer group Choice has announced its 2026 Shonky Awards, naming the worst products and companies of the year. Ticket sellers, Virgin Australia's flight credits and a washing machine with a 25-hour cycle were among the targets.
The awards point to confusing pricing, unfair terms and products that fail to do what they promise. Winners are chosen after months of testing and reader complaints.
Choice has run the Shonkys since 2006 to shame companies into fixing problems. The awards get wide coverage, and named firms often respond within days.
Choice is an independent Australian consumer group funded by members rather than advertisers. Its tests and campaigns have led to recalls and changes in the law.
Past winners include banks, airlines, phone companies and appliance makers. Many respond by changing refund policies, advertising or product design.
Flight credits became a big issue after airlines cancelled huge numbers of bookings during the pandemic, leaving customers with vouchers that expired quickly.
The list is a quick guide to traps that cost households money, from hidden booking fees to credits that expire before they can be used.