Ticket sellers, Virgin flight credits and a 25-hour laundry cycle: meet Choice’s 2026 Shonky award winners
Consumer advocacy group Choice has announced the winners of its 2026 Shonky awards, naming the country’s worst products and services for the year.
Consumer advocacy group Choice has announced the winners of its 2026 Shonky awards, naming the country’s worst products and services for the year. The Guardian reported that concert tickets have surged to as much as $1,650, while an airline has retained $75 million in unused flight credits. A washer‑dryer combo that requires a 25‑hour cycle also made the dishonour roll.
The awards, now in their 21st year, aim to spotlight products and services that fall short of consumer expectations. Choice’s annual list highlights issues ranging from inflated pricing to inefficient design, drawing public attention to areas where consumers may be overpaying or dealing with substandard performance.
The Guardian noted that the Shonky awards serve as a barometer for consumer dissatisfaction across Australia, flagging the most egregious examples of poor value and inconvenience.
Why it matters
The list draws public attention to overpriced tickets, unused airline credits and inefficient appliances, pressuring providers to improve value for Australian consumers.
Key details
- Location
- Australia · Oceania
- Reported by
- The Guardian
- First reported
- Key names
- Shonky, Choice Get, Virgin, Choice
- Section
- Business
Sources
This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:
Read the full story at The GuardianSpotted an error? Request a correction · How this summary was produced
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