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
Mar 1, 2016, 9:54 pm
#31
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Chicago
Posts: 887
Cancelled flight credit: when does it expire?
Found a thread from the pre-merger forum that is closed to posts.
Have credits from two non-refundable flights that were not flown.
Credit 1: $400 AA ticket # expires April 19
Credit 2: $300 US ticket # expires May 5
I would like to use this towards a $350 ticket. Is the following possible:
1) Combine credits towards $350 ticket (use $300 first). [Reservations rep says this is possible]
2) $250 residual voucher is issued
What is the expiration of the residual voucher? I'm hoping its 1 year from the VOUCHER issue date. Or would it be the April 19 date (which in that case I'm screwed).
Is the residual voucher transferable to a different pax?
Thanks and sorry if this belongs in another thread.
Have credits from two non-refundable flights that were not flown.
Credit 1: $400 AA ticket # expires April 19
Credit 2: $300 US ticket # expires May 5
I would like to use this towards a $350 ticket. Is the following possible:
1) Combine credits towards $350 ticket (use $300 first). [Reservations rep says this is possible]
2) $250 residual voucher is issued
What is the expiration of the residual voucher? I'm hoping its 1 year from the VOUCHER issue date. Or would it be the April 19 date (which in that case I'm screwed).
Is the residual voucher transferable to a different pax?
Thanks and sorry if this belongs in another thread.
Mar 2, 2016, 3:51 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Park, Metropolis
Programs: AA LT PLT 3MM, Hilton/Marriott/SPG/Club Carlson GLD, IHG PLT
Posts: 4,608
Found a thread from the pre-merger forum that is closed to posts.
Have credits from two non-refundable flights that were not flown.
Credit 1: $400 AA ticket # expires April 19
Credit 2: $300 US ticket # expires May 5
I would like to use this towards a $350 ticket. Is the following possible:
1) Combine credits towards $350 ticket (use $300 first). [Reservations rep says this is possible]
2) $250 residual voucher is issued
What is the expiration of the residual voucher? I'm hoping its 1 year from the VOUCHER issue date. Or would it be the April 19 date (which in that case I'm screwed).
Is the residual voucher transferable to a different pax?
Thanks and sorry if this belongs in another thread.
Have credits from two non-refundable flights that were not flown.
Credit 1: $400 AA ticket # expires April 19
Credit 2: $300 US ticket # expires May 5
I would like to use this towards a $350 ticket. Is the following possible:
1) Combine credits towards $350 ticket (use $300 first). [Reservations rep says this is possible]
2) $250 residual voucher is issued
What is the expiration of the residual voucher? I'm hoping its 1 year from the VOUCHER issue date. Or would it be the April 19 date (which in that case I'm screwed).
Is the residual voucher transferable to a different pax?
Thanks and sorry if this belongs in another thread.
May I suggest you go to airport in order to get immediate ticketing, instead of waiting for ticketing to occur if you opt to mail the vouchers, unfortunately AA does not allow online redemption of paper vouchers.
Mar 2, 2016, 8:43 am
#33
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 329
Yes, both vouchers can be combined for one ticket, the balance can be used for another passenger. Not sure on balance expiration, but I think it is still linked to original expiration.
May I suggest you go to airport in order to get immediate ticketing, instead of waiting for ticketing to occur if you opt to mail the vouchers, unfortunately AA does not allow online redemption of paper vouchers.
May I suggest you go to airport in order to get immediate ticketing, instead of waiting for ticketing to occur if you opt to mail the vouchers, unfortunately AA does not allow online redemption of paper vouchers.
Mar 2, 2016, 3:04 pm
#34
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
Is it OK for codeshares?
Can I ask to extend a voucher?
Mar 2, 2016, 4:11 pm
#35
Join Date: May 2010
Location: DFW
Programs: American - Platinum Pro, Marriott - Platinum
Posts: 479
Or just buy a refundable ticket with the voucher and get the value extended by another year?
If there is a schedule change with the ticket bought, can you just request them to issue the voucher again, with new 1 year validity?
Mar 8, 2016, 5:43 pm
#38
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
Check the Wiki above for some info. As for the phone agents, refer them to their help line or the rate desk for the particulars. If the AAgent isn't willing, then it's time to HUCA. But do get their name first so they can get some new training.
Mar 9, 2016, 5:14 am
#39
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 393
I do see the short description on taxes. The link to AA.com on vouchers is now broken in the wiki. Does anyone know where to find that now. Nothing is coming up on this via google.
Mar 10, 2016, 3:36 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
The residual voucher you'll get will be unattached in any way to whether you fly on the ticket, so you may want to book the cheapest segment you can find (SFO-LAX or BOS-DCA when on sale for $50) so you get almost all the value back as residual.
Yes, other threads suggest this should work to give you another year.
I think the answer is the same as previous -- if the schedule change allows a refund per CoC, it would work.
Or just buy a refundable ticket with the voucher and get the value extended by another year?
If there is a schedule change with the ticket bought, can you just request them to issue the voucher again, with new 1 year validity?
Mar 10, 2016, 3:41 pm
#41
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,373
If the voucher amount is equal to or greater than the base fare amount - the following taxes do not apply: US1, US2, ZP and AY. *
US1 = Federal Excise Tax, 7.5%
US2 = International Transportation Tax (for an arrival/departure in the US, or for a segment to/from AK/HI; both may apply if an international trip stops over in AK/HI)
ZP = US Flight Segment Tax
AY = September 11 Security Fee
If the voucher amount is less than the base fare - all taxes apply except the adjustment of the 7.5% U.S. tax. (That is to say, the US1 tax should be adjusted to reflect 7.5% of the amount actually paid in cash, rather than the full amount.)
XF, the Passenger Facility Charge for most airports, always applies regardless of the voucher.
(A corollary of the above is that all else equal it's better to fully than partially apply since various of these don't prorate.)
Last edited by 21A; Mar 10, 2016 at 3:47 pm Reason: Removed dollar amounts I believe we're outdated
Mar 14, 2016, 6:36 pm
#42
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego US and Brisbane AU
Programs: AA EXP/2MM - DL PM - OZ Diamond - Bonvoy LTT - Hyatt Glob - IHG Plat - National EE - Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,315
Is it taking a lot longer now for vouchers to be mailed?
I vaguely remember getting paper vouchers in about 5-7 days after they were issued for flight changes, etc. On my last itinerary, the refunds department mentioned it would take 4-8 weeks and sure enough, it's about 5 weeks and still no sign of the voucher.
Anyone else seeing these longer delivery times?
I vaguely remember getting paper vouchers in about 5-7 days after they were issued for flight changes, etc. On my last itinerary, the refunds department mentioned it would take 4-8 weeks and sure enough, it's about 5 weeks and still no sign of the voucher.
Anyone else seeing these longer delivery times?
Mar 16, 2016, 2:22 am
#43
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: EWR, SLC, SGN
Posts: 1,113
Is it taking a lot longer now for vouchers to be mailed?
I vaguely remember getting paper vouchers in about 5-7 days after they were issued for flight changes, etc. On my last itinerary, the refunds department mentioned it would take 4-8 weeks and sure enough, it's about 5 weeks and still no sign of the voucher.
Anyone else seeing these longer delivery times?
I vaguely remember getting paper vouchers in about 5-7 days after they were issued for flight changes, etc. On my last itinerary, the refunds department mentioned it would take 4-8 weeks and sure enough, it's about 5 weeks and still no sign of the voucher.
Anyone else seeing these longer delivery times?
Mar 30, 2016, 9:02 pm
#44
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 464
Any speculation as to how the elimination of AA.com holds may impact ticketing with vouchers? I liked the convenience of first putting something on hold to think about it, then calling to set it up for the voucher if I wanted to go ahead and ticket.
I guess I'll no longer have the luxury of holding. I suppose I can just call and put it to ticket pending, and then cancel if I change my mind, but that's of course more time/effort.
I guess I'll no longer have the luxury of holding. I suppose I can just call and put it to ticket pending, and then cancel if I change my mind, but that's of course more time/effort.
Mar 31, 2016, 5:15 am
#45
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 393
We just used the last of our $1,600 in vouchers from 1 ticket initially, and then a second ticket from the leftover funds. Here are the highlights of my experience.
1. The 1st ticket was handled by an agent on the phone that never had done one before. It took 50 minutes to book. She didn't know about not all taxes being applicable and wouldn't take them off.
2. I mailed the voucher to FL. I did make copies beforehand, but did not send it certified.
3. After about 3 weeks, the ticket was issued.
4. Rest of voucher amount was sent back, but was increased as they adjusted for taxes, I believe.
5. Second ticket - agent on phone knew how to do it, but... you can NOT use an AA gift card for the balance.
6. Rather than mailing the voucher to FL, I walked over to Reagan airport which is right next to where I live. It was not easy to get the ticket issued. I waited in line for one hour. Luckily, I got an agent that knew how to do this. However, this was her quote "you are lucky you got me otherwise you would have been stuck!".
In summary, despite the gate agents saying these are good as cash, they are reasonably difficult to use and there are some obscure restrictions (like the one on not being able to use their own AA gift cards for balance payments). I'm still glad we waited in Miami all day for the $1,600. However, I would definitely take into account the effort of using these if you volunteer to be bumped.
1. The 1st ticket was handled by an agent on the phone that never had done one before. It took 50 minutes to book. She didn't know about not all taxes being applicable and wouldn't take them off.
2. I mailed the voucher to FL. I did make copies beforehand, but did not send it certified.
3. After about 3 weeks, the ticket was issued.
4. Rest of voucher amount was sent back, but was increased as they adjusted for taxes, I believe.
5. Second ticket - agent on phone knew how to do it, but... you can NOT use an AA gift card for the balance.
6. Rather than mailing the voucher to FL, I walked over to Reagan airport which is right next to where I live. It was not easy to get the ticket issued. I waited in line for one hour. Luckily, I got an agent that knew how to do this. However, this was her quote "you are lucky you got me otherwise you would have been stuck!".
In summary, despite the gate agents saying these are good as cash, they are reasonably difficult to use and there are some obscure restrictions (like the one on not being able to use their own AA gift cards for balance payments). I'm still glad we waited in Miami all day for the $1,600. However, I would definitely take into account the effort of using these if you volunteer to be bumped.