Vouchers with a (big) catch
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: YUL
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 107
Vouchers with a (big) catch
We have known for years about the problem with huge YQ on AC award tickets but I'm surprised by the experience of this couple:
http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.co...hina-this.html
They got bumped of an AC flight, they got a voucher. Good for them. But now they want to use it on a ticket to PVG, the voucher can't be used toward taxes and YQ ... on a 660$ ticket that's 460$.
I can somehow understand the YQ situation because it's between AC and Aeroplan but here we are talking about a voucher from AC redeeming on an AC ticket... You know you fixed a problem by giving people a voucher but after they realized they can't really used. After you are going to complain that people don't like you...
http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.co...hina-this.html
They got bumped of an AC flight, they got a voucher. Good for them. But now they want to use it on a ticket to PVG, the voucher can't be used toward taxes and YQ ... on a 660$ ticket that's 460$.
I can somehow understand the YQ situation because it's between AC and Aeroplan but here we are talking about a voucher from AC redeeming on an AC ticket... You know you fixed a problem by giving people a voucher but after they realized they can't really used. After you are going to complain that people don't like you...
Last edited by matthieugd; Jun 6, 2017 at 6:03 pm
#2
We have known for years about the problem with huge YQ on AC award tickets but I'm surprised by the experience of this couple:
http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.co...hina-this.html
They got bumped of an AC flight, they got a voucher. Good for them. But now they want to use it on a ticket to PVG, the voucher can't be used toward taxes and YQ ... on a 660$ ticket that's 460$.
I can somehow understand the YQ situation because it's between AC and Aeroplan but here we are talking about a voucher from AC redeeming on an AC ticket...
http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.co...hina-this.html
They got bumped of an AC flight, they got a voucher. Good for them. But now they want to use it on a ticket to PVG, the voucher can't be used toward taxes and YQ ... on a 660$ ticket that's 460$.
I can somehow understand the YQ situation because it's between AC and Aeroplan but here we are talking about a voucher from AC redeeming on an AC ticket...
If we allow AC's strict interpretation of what can or cannot be covered by one of those vouchers, then where can an average traveler expect to use a $600 voucher if a flight from Canada to China is way under that limit? The voucher itself then became a scam or misleading advertising or dealing with the public in bad faith, however you want to call it.
I don't know how else to describe this, such behavior is simply despicable. And here I thought I have seen a lot after almost 17 years on FT.
The bottom line is this is an unethical company who believes it can get away with a lot of things because most people won't complain or won't bother with the hassle. The best course of action here is to take AC to Court over the unreasonable restrictions on these vouchers designed to undermine their stated value. Since this can potentially affect a lot of people, hundred or thousands of travellers each year, AC should not be allowed to scam people with these quasi useless vouchers worth far less than the stated value. I believe this has potential as a class action lawsuit.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,274
This has been discussed everytime people get excited about a 5% off code - which really ends up 1% off.
Good to see it go out into the public
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz Presidents Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,061
Other airlines allow vouchers to be used for everything, incl. taxes. I believe the AC voucher terms and conditions do say not usable for fuel surcharges - a total scam that should be announced when they are offered as this is a huge "asterix"
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Da Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,472
This is incorrect. UA compensation vouchers can be applied to taxes, fees, etc, so you can have a zero balance owing.
#6
#7
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: Southwest, Alaska, United, American Airlines
Posts: 994
For US residents, it's possible to have the voucher applied to YQ. I've had it done before. Best bet is to reach an agent in Tampa who either knows the process, or can get a supervisor in that office to liaise with ticketing agents for proper handling.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,274
I expect $300 off on my 10% certificate I got for a 12 hour delay last time.
to my surprise, the voucher only takes off $180, because $1000 is surcharge and $200 is taxes.
Yes, I definitely got value out of my 10% voucher.... all 6% of it.
#10
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,333
I can understand not being able to use a voucher towards taxes or airport improvement fees, but the YQ or carrier surcharge is effectively a part of the ticket price that the airline charges. It's definitely disappointing if vouchers can't be applied towards the YQ component of the ticket price.
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,274
99% of people have no idea AC vouchers are a scam. They dont know 10% is 2% in real life!
With EU261, AC offers 900 euro in vouchers or 600 in cash.
Until I read online I didnt know about the uselessness of those vouchers, I learned:
*you pay the whole thing, then get a refund AFTER flying (maybe?)
*cannot be split, no residual
*do not apply to surcharge
*cover only one pax on the itinerary
So basically I would have had to find a ticket with $1300 base fare just for me, and still pay AC hundreds of dollars on top of that for 'surcharges'.
With EU261, AC offers 900 euro in vouchers or 600 in cash.
Until I read online I didnt know about the uselessness of those vouchers, I learned:
*you pay the whole thing, then get a refund AFTER flying (maybe?)
*cannot be split, no residual
*do not apply to surcharge
*cover only one pax on the itinerary
So basically I would have had to find a ticket with $1300 base fare just for me, and still pay AC hundreds of dollars on top of that for 'surcharges'.
#14
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,405
For VDB you do not have to accept anything, hence the voluntary. You can tell them the amount you will accept and whether in cheque or voucher. Then again the airline does not have to accept your offer if they can get away with a lesser offer with another passenger. Max I have been offered by UA for a 24 hr delay was USD $1500 plus hotel, plus food, plus business class the next day. For a 4 hour flight.
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 56,417
It seems once again the topic at hand has taken a detour so let's bring it back on track as the voucher in the OP is a dollar amount and not a discount percent off compensation voucher. Please focus on the matter at hand.
tcook052
AC forum Mod.
tcook052
AC forum Mod.