What rights do travellers have during the COVID pandemic?

A deserted arrivals area at Sydney airport due to flight cancellations Source: AAP

Australian airlines are still preparing to launch half-price flights to encourage domestic tourism despite COVID-19 outbreaks in Queensland and New South Wales. But while cheap flights are available, thousands are rushing to cancel travel plans over the Easter break, leaving some worried about consumer rights during virus outbreaks.

Qantas has cancelled about 45 Brisbane services due to an outbreak in Queensland, while Virgin scrapped another 31.
Qantas and Virgin say if flights are cancelled, they try to rebook customers on the next available flight if possible, but the next options are credit or a refund altogether.
If passengers cancel their own tickets because of COVID concerns and the flight goes ahead, a refund won't be forthcoming

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