Jun 13, 2013, 6:55 am
Last edit by: Prospero
Transportation Voucher, "MCO" FAQ
Transportation eVouchers
Link to aa.com eVouchers Terms and Conditions page
Link to aa.com eVoucher page
General Information
Glossary: MCO - Miscellaneous Charges Order
AA issues e-vouchers to those in US 50 states, US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico as of 28 Nov 2019. Printed green vouchers are still used for those residing elsewhere at this time.
Transportation vouchers issued by American Airlines or American Eagle® are valid for travel on American Airlines, American Eagle and American Airlines codeshare flights (AA*).
These vouchers are also valid for travel on oneworld® itineraries (including oneworld affiliates that must be booked as a codeshare flight marketed by a oneworld carrier) where American Airlines or American Airlines codeshare flights (AA*) is the international carrier.
Note: For oneworld itineraries, international flights are defined as transatlantic, transpacific and flights to and from South America. Flights to and from Alaska, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, or Central America are not included.
Travel agents may accept American Airlines vouchers (042/043) for full or partial payment for a ticket as an "exchange" document/ticket. If the voucher is less than the ticket the additional monies are collected. If the voucher exceeds the ticket cost an MCO will be issued for the difference as a residual indicating non-refundable and for American Airlines transportation only. Valid one year from date of issue ((you must encumber the voucher before one year has expired since issuance*). There is no change fee / ASC associated with using a voucher. Updated 18 Feb 2015.)
The original post, provided by member IceTrojan, has been placed here so members can edit and update as necessary. Information below has not necessarily been updated; be aware.
FAQ: AA Vouchers
Q. How do vouchers work on AA?
They are treated just like cash towards valid purchases.
Q. What can I use the vouchers on?
Yes, travel vouchers can be used toward the American Airlines and American Eagle flight portion of your trip, but may not be used to purchase any of the non-flight components of your trip such as hotels, rental cars, transfers, activities or insurance. Travel vouchers are not currently accepted online, but may be redeemed by calling AAVacations at 1-800-489-4810.
Q. Can I use the vouchers for ANYTHING else?
No.
Q. Really?
Yes, really.
Q. Are there restrictions on purchasing airfare?
Unlike other airlines that place restrictions on certain fares/dates/times/routes, AA vouchers are just like cash, so you can use them to buy all fares that are available for purchase.
Q. How long do I have to use the vouchers?
One (1) year from date of issuance.
Q. I can't use my voucher in time. How can I extend the expiration date?
AA automatically extended the expiration of some vouchers in 2021. If your expiration date was between January 1, 2021 and May 31, 2021, the new expiration is March 31, 2022.
If you still need to extend the expiration, spend at least part it on any of its valid uses listed above. For example, pay for a cheap throwaway ticket, a speculative ticket, or a 500-mile upgrade certificate. Any unused amount will be sent to you as a new voucher with a new 1-year expiration date.
Q. What if I lose a voucher?
Sorry, you're out of luck. Treat your vouchers like cash.
Q. Can I use the vouchers to buy tickets for someone else?
While vouchers are non-transferable, you may buy a ticket in someone else's name, so long as you are the one presenting the voucher (either by phone or personally at a ticket counter/office). If someone else presents the voucher, the ticket MUST be issued in the name of that on the voucher.
Q. Is there a fee for using the vouchers?
It appears that ticketing at an airport ticket office is still subject to a charge of $30, unless you are EXP.
Note that if you are EXP, these "booking" fees are waived (and any Agent that tells you otherwise is wrong). (thanks SquareDanceGuy)
Note that if you have booked the ticket online and go to the airport to apply a voucher, there are no fees either, regardless of status. (thanks RogerD408)
Q. What happens to the taxes?
This depends on the type of voucher. The following voucher codes are exempt from some of the taxes: Basically, if you use these vouchers to pay for the whole cost of your fare, you will lower the overall costs as some of the taxes do not apply. (thanks uncle wiggly) If you make a partial payment with vouchers, then the associated taxes will likewise be reduced by the same proportional amount. (thanks marshall)
OU is the only voucher taxable, as it's issued against the unused portion of a ticket that has been exchanged (amongst other things). (thanks hillrider)
Q. What if the value of my vouchers exceed the value of my fare? Do I lose it? (thanks ffay005)
Unlike some* other airlines, you do NOT lose the residual value of your vouchers. If the residual value is more than $5, AA will mail you another voucher back as change, and this voucher is valid for one (1) year after its issuance. (thanks whynotfly) *golfmad added the word "some" based on post #440.
Q. How many vouchers can I use at one time?
According to one AAgent, nine (9) was the maximum number of vouchers accepted by the system.
Q. I bought AA tickets from a 3rd party (e.g., travel agent, internet travel site, Priceline/Hotwire). Can I use the vouchers retroactively?
No.
Q. How long does it take to process the vouchers?
After they receive the vouchers, AA will process them within 1-3 days, so it's really dependent on how long it takes the mail to arrive to Florida. AA reservations will accept the vouchers for a phone booking, if the reservation made is at least 12 days prior to departure. It's recommended that if you need to ticket within 2 weeks that you go directly to an Airport Ticket Office, which can process your voucher/s immediately.
Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
US: up-to-date in March 2021, UK: up-to-date in January 2022
American Airlines
M.D. 8A701
Fort Worth, TX 76155
USA
The return address for those in the UK and the rest of Europe, who have agreed to send their voucher(s) to AA in the UK, is:
American Airlines
100 Old Hall Street
The Plaza, 7th floor
Liverpool L3 9QJ
United Kingdom
On the envelope under the return address, write:
<Date of first flight, in DD Month format (e.g. 01 Jan)>
Attach a sticky note to the vouchers with the following details:
<First flight number, e.g. AA1234>
<Last name>
<Booking record locator, AKA booking reference>
(Notice: vouchers are not processed sequentially based on date of the voucher/s being received by AA, but rather on flight dates. Flights may show as "Ticket Pending" once the voucher has been applied, and at some time prior to flight (two weeks is usual) it will show "Ticketed" and you should be able to see your ticket number, beginning with "001", in your receipt from your itinerary at aa.com or in your e-Ticket. Also notice that you should photocopy your voucher/s prior to mailing them.)
Q. What if I entered a Business Extra number?
You will have to contact Business Extra to apply the vouchers. Their number is 1-800-433-1790, and they are available 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, CT, 7 days a week.
Q. What if I live outside the United States and I want to use vouchers?
As the vouchers are in US Dollars, it's probably most convenient to call the US reservations number for a new booking denoted in US Dollars, thus avoiding any currency conversion, except any associated with your credit card. You can call your local reservations number or visit a local Airport Ticket Office (ATO). Beware that there's not a large network of ATOs.
In all likelihood, you will be asked to mail your voucher(s) to AA, so if time is of the essence, you should consider going directly to an ATO, who can process it/them immediately.
Q. How do vouchers work on AA?
They are treated just like cash towards valid purchases.
Q. What can I use the vouchers on?
- Airfare on American Airlines (inc. American Eagle), codeshares, and oneworld itineraries where AA is the international/"governing" carrier.
- 500-mile domestic upgrade stickers (at the airport only).
- Co-payments for upgrades or reduced mileage awards.
- Excess baggage fees.
- Special handling fees (e.g. checked pets), with a traveling passenger (i.e. not cargo).
- Change fees, provided an additional collection of the fare is also being made.
- In the UK, Belgium, Germany and France, vouchers are accepted for Net fares.
- In Switzerland, vouchers are accepted on Q and L class Net fares only.
- In Ireland, vouchers are accepted in Q, O and L class Net fares only.
Yes, travel vouchers can be used toward the American Airlines and American Eagle flight portion of your trip, but may not be used to purchase any of the non-flight components of your trip such as hotels, rental cars, transfers, activities or insurance. Travel vouchers are not currently accepted online, but may be redeemed by calling AAVacations at 1-800-489-4810.
Q. Can I use the vouchers for ANYTHING else?
No.
Q. Really?
Yes, really.
Q. Are there restrictions on purchasing airfare?
Unlike other airlines that place restrictions on certain fares/dates/times/routes, AA vouchers are just like cash, so you can use them to buy all fares that are available for purchase.
Q. How long do I have to use the vouchers?
One (1) year from date of issuance.
Q. I can't use my voucher in time. How can I extend the expiration date?
AA automatically extended the expiration of some vouchers in 2021. If your expiration date was between January 1, 2021 and May 31, 2021, the new expiration is March 31, 2022.
If you still need to extend the expiration, spend at least part it on any of its valid uses listed above. For example, pay for a cheap throwaway ticket, a speculative ticket, or a 500-mile upgrade certificate. Any unused amount will be sent to you as a new voucher with a new 1-year expiration date.
Q. What if I lose a voucher?
Sorry, you're out of luck. Treat your vouchers like cash.
Q. Can I use the vouchers to buy tickets for someone else?
While vouchers are non-transferable, you may buy a ticket in someone else's name, so long as you are the one presenting the voucher (either by phone or personally at a ticket counter/office). If someone else presents the voucher, the ticket MUST be issued in the name of that on the voucher.
Q. Is there a fee for using the vouchers?
It appears that ticketing at an airport ticket office is still subject to a charge of $30, unless you are EXP.
Note that if you are EXP, these "booking" fees are waived (and any Agent that tells you otherwise is wrong). (thanks SquareDanceGuy)
Note that if you have booked the ticket online and go to the airport to apply a voucher, there are no fees either, regardless of status. (thanks RogerD408)
Q. What happens to the taxes?
This depends on the type of voucher. The following voucher codes are exempt from some of the taxes: Basically, if you use these vouchers to pay for the whole cost of your fare, you will lower the overall costs as some of the taxes do not apply. (thanks uncle wiggly) If you make a partial payment with vouchers, then the associated taxes will likewise be reduced by the same proportional amount. (thanks marshall)
OU is the only voucher taxable, as it's issued against the unused portion of a ticket that has been exchanged (amongst other things). (thanks hillrider)
Q. What if the value of my vouchers exceed the value of my fare? Do I lose it? (thanks ffay005)
Unlike some* other airlines, you do NOT lose the residual value of your vouchers. If the residual value is more than $5, AA will mail you another voucher back as change, and this voucher is valid for one (1) year after its issuance. (thanks whynotfly) *golfmad added the word "some" based on post #440.
Q. How many vouchers can I use at one time?
According to one AAgent, nine (9) was the maximum number of vouchers accepted by the system.
Q. I bought AA tickets from a 3rd party (e.g., travel agent, internet travel site, Priceline/Hotwire). Can I use the vouchers retroactively?
No.
Q. How long does it take to process the vouchers?
After they receive the vouchers, AA will process them within 1-3 days, so it's really dependent on how long it takes the mail to arrive to Florida. AA reservations will accept the vouchers for a phone booking, if the reservation made is at least 12 days prior to departure. It's recommended that if you need to ticket within 2 weeks that you go directly to an Airport Ticket Office, which can process your voucher/s immediately.
Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
- Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 AM - 2:00 AM CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619 (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM UK time, Monday-Friday).
- Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
- They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
- Pay any balance with a credit card.
US: up-to-date in March 2021, UK: up-to-date in January 2022
American Airlines
M.D. 8A701
Fort Worth, TX 76155
USA
The return address for those in the UK and the rest of Europe, who have agreed to send their voucher(s) to AA in the UK, is:
American Airlines
100 Old Hall Street
The Plaza, 7th floor
Liverpool L3 9QJ
United Kingdom
On the envelope under the return address, write:
<Date of first flight, in DD Month format (e.g. 01 Jan)>
Attach a sticky note to the vouchers with the following details:
<First flight number, e.g. AA1234>
<Last name>
<Booking record locator, AKA booking reference>
(Notice: vouchers are not processed sequentially based on date of the voucher/s being received by AA, but rather on flight dates. Flights may show as "Ticket Pending" once the voucher has been applied, and at some time prior to flight (two weeks is usual) it will show "Ticketed" and you should be able to see your ticket number, beginning with "001", in your receipt from your itinerary at aa.com or in your e-Ticket. Also notice that you should photocopy your voucher/s prior to mailing them.)
Q. What if I entered a Business Extra number?
You will have to contact Business Extra to apply the vouchers. Their number is 1-800-433-1790, and they are available 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, CT, 7 days a week.
Q. What if I live outside the United States and I want to use vouchers?
As the vouchers are in US Dollars, it's probably most convenient to call the US reservations number for a new booking denoted in US Dollars, thus avoiding any currency conversion, except any associated with your credit card. You can call your local reservations number or visit a local Airport Ticket Office (ATO). Beware that there's not a large network of ATOs.
In all likelihood, you will be asked to mail your voucher(s) to AA, so if time is of the essence, you should consider going directly to an ATO, who can process it/them immediately.
Obsolete posts from 2014-2015 have been archived to: ARCHIVE: Transportation Voucher / vouchers / "MCO" FAQ and master thread.
Older obsolete posts from 2013 and before, can be read in: ARCHIVE: Transportation Voucher / vouchers / "MCO" FAQ and master thread (consol.).
Transportation e- and paper Voucher / vouchers / "MCO" FAQ and master thread
Feb 8, 2016, 1:19 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,713
The voucher can be used to buy AA codeshare flights on other airlines. But it can't be used as currency for products offered by other airlines, like upgrades, seat assignments etc.
One thing though are you really sure you aren't on an AA operated flight? I didn't think AS flew MIA-LAX.
One thing though are you really sure you aren't on an AA operated flight? I didn't think AS flew MIA-LAX.
Feb 16, 2016, 10:00 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,959
I had a $1,000 VDB voucher...used it for a partial ticket of around $100 and was sent another paper voucher for the residual (so archaic). Tried to call to use the remainder for another ticket and agent said it is showing USED (well, it was used partially, but has $900 left) which she cannot see. I have the paper voucher showing the residual amount, and it is only five months after the VDB so it is not expired. Twitter and EXP desk can't seem to figure out what to do...anyone else been in a situation where the residual amount no longer appears to be usable? I don't want to give up the $900 AA owes me! A little concerned, wish there was an experienced AAngel I can call since the EXP desk doesnt seem to know what to do.
Feb 16, 2016, 11:27 am
#19
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
I had a $1,000 VDB voucher...used it for a partial ticket of around $100 and was sent another paper voucher for the residual (so archaic). Tried to call to use the remainder for another ticket and agent said it is showing USED (well, it was used partially, but has $900 left) which she cannot see. I have the paper voucher showing the residual amount, and it is only five months after the VDB so it is not expired. Twitter and EXP desk can't seem to figure out what to do...anyone else been in a situation where the residual amount no longer appears to be usable? I don't want to give up the $900 AA owes me! A little concerned, wish there was an experienced AAngel I can call since the EXP desk doesnt seem to know what to do.
I wonder if they made an error with the exchange history for that original IDB- forgetting to document the 900/100 split.
You might also go to a ticket counter with all the documents- original IDB; ticket that you used 100 on, etc
Feb 16, 2016, 11:53 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,959
I had an issue with a paper voucher. Had to send in the paper to an address in Florida. travel Agent handled this. TA was able to ticket, then when they received and verified the paper it was OK. Had to be done quickly as they couldn't hold the ticketing process open. his agency help desk assisted.
I wonder if they made an error with the exchange history for that original IDB- forgetting to document the 900/100 split.
You might also go to a ticket counter with all the documents- original IDB; ticket that you used 100 on, etc
I wonder if they made an error with the exchange history for that original IDB- forgetting to document the 900/100 split.
You might also go to a ticket counter with all the documents- original IDB; ticket that you used 100 on, etc
Feb 17, 2016, 11:21 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,746
Choice Plus voucher for price drop on same flight?
I bought a Choice Plus fare a few months ago. Today the price was briefly lower on the flight, and I called for a voucher. The agent was a HUACA type but for some dumb reason I didn't, and while going 3 rounds with her the price went back up:
Me: I'd like a voucher for the difference
Her: You'd have to pick a new flight
Me: OK, so what if we changed to another flight then back to this one
Her: You'd have to buy Choice Plus again which would be more than the difference
Me: That's clearly not true. I've already made one change on this reservation and the website is offering me another one without a change fee
Her: Please hold
5 minutes later price jumped back up.
Question for those in the know or with direct experience: does AA give voucher if the price drops on a Choice Plus fare? Wouldn't they do the same thing on a normal non-refundable fare if the difference was more than the $200 change fee?
I shot CR a note explaining and requesting a voucher for the amount but I'm not holding my breath.
Me: I'd like a voucher for the difference
Her: You'd have to pick a new flight
Me: OK, so what if we changed to another flight then back to this one
Her: You'd have to buy Choice Plus again which would be more than the difference
Me: That's clearly not true. I've already made one change on this reservation and the website is offering me another one without a change fee
Her: Please hold
5 minutes later price jumped back up.
Question for those in the know or with direct experience: does AA give voucher if the price drops on a Choice Plus fare? Wouldn't they do the same thing on a normal non-refundable fare if the difference was more than the $200 change fee?
I shot CR a note explaining and requesting a voucher for the amount but I'm not holding my breath.
Feb 17, 2016, 11:28 am
#22
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 1,746
Sidebar: I got a response within minutes saying no because the fare difference wasn't greater than the change fee (they're obviously ignoring the Choice Plus bit, but that's not surprising). But: 1) they responded quickly 2) you can now reply to CR e-mails again! This was probably covered elsewhere, but news to me.
Feb 24, 2016, 8:47 am
#25
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
I had a $1,000 VDB voucher...used it for a partial ticket of around $100 and was sent another paper voucher for the residual (so archaic). Tried to call to use the remainder for another ticket and agent said it is showing USED (well, it was used partially, but has $900 left) which she cannot see. I have the paper voucher showing the residual amount, and it is only five months after the VDB so it is not expired. Twitter and EXP desk can't seem to figure out what to do...anyone else been in a situation where the residual amount no longer appears to be usable? I don't want to give up the $900 AA owes me! A little concerned, wish there was an experienced AAngel I can call since the EXP desk doesnt seem to know what to do.
Feb 28, 2016, 1:58 pm
#27
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
/Moderator
Feb 29, 2016, 8:34 am
#28
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: PHX
Programs: AA Ex Platinum & 1MM, DL PLT, Marriott Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,490
Haven't had one of these for a long time, but called the EXP desk yesterday to use a paper voucher for a trip I have in Sept.
AAgent was adamant I had to mail the voucher vs. bringing it w/me to the airport next week & having the ticketing done in person.
I seem to recall the last time I had a paper voucher I brought it w/me to the airport & the TA took care of it, no issues.
Has something changed or was this just an ill-informed AAgent?
AAgent was adamant I had to mail the voucher vs. bringing it w/me to the airport next week & having the ticketing done in person.
I seem to recall the last time I had a paper voucher I brought it w/me to the airport & the TA took care of it, no issues.
Has something changed or was this just an ill-informed AAgent?
Feb 29, 2016, 10:29 am
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Haven't had one of these for a long time, but called the EXP desk yesterday to use a paper voucher for a trip I have in Sept.
AAgent was adamant I had to mail the voucher vs. bringing it w/me to the airport next week & having the ticketing done in person.
I seem to recall the last time I had a paper voucher I brought it w/me to the airport & the TA took care of it, no issues.
Has something changed or was this just an ill-informed AAgent?
AAgent was adamant I had to mail the voucher vs. bringing it w/me to the airport next week & having the ticketing done in person.
I seem to recall the last time I had a paper voucher I brought it w/me to the airport & the TA took care of it, no issues.
Has something changed or was this just an ill-informed AAgent?
I suspect it will be a year or two before things level out and the untrained either get trained or move on and the new additions will get the proper initiation. Merging two organizations that did things differently is always a frustrating situation for the customers. Especially since even some of the customers need retraining too.
Feb 29, 2016, 4:35 pm
#30
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: LHR GVA HKG TLV PVG JFK
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,940
The Wiki is referred to often here. I think it is missing clarity on:
1. Do you have to fly or enough to purchase ticket within one year validity
2. ways to extend the validity (a few threads have mentioned buy a very cheap ticket the delta will be refunded with a new voucher)
1. Do you have to fly or enough to purchase ticket within one year validity
2. ways to extend the validity (a few threads have mentioned buy a very cheap ticket the delta will be refunded with a new voucher)
