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
Oct 18, 2017, 8:45 am
#466
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
Is there a choice not to accept a paper voucher? I had to change a flight (refundable fare) and there was a resulting credit. I was shocked when the phone rep said I would be mailed a paper voucher! I'm still in my 24 hour window, if there's a way to change to an e-voucher.
I don't fly AA often, don't have status with them, and not familiar with their rules. Since I expected to be able to view a credit online right away, how do I use this "paper voucher" if I need to book another trip in just a day or two?
Thanks
I don't fly AA often, don't have status with them, and not familiar with their rules. Since I expected to be able to view a credit online right away, how do I use this "paper voucher" if I need to book another trip in just a day or two?
Thanks
Oct 18, 2017, 8:52 am
#467
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,248
Although it may never happen to an FTer, I suspect there are many paper vouchers that go missing and never get used and therefore saves AA some money. I'm sure that factors into their thinking and sure they actually have numbers to support making it tougher for vouchers to be used. Heaven help them if anyone releases the actual numbers because it is a very anti-consumer tactic.
Oct 19, 2017, 12:26 pm
#468
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida
Programs: EXP 18 years running / 4 Million Miler
Posts: 17
Oct 22, 2017, 9:54 pm
#469
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Bye Delta
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Nat'l Exec Elite, Avis Presidents Club
Posts: 16,273
So it seems you have pretty much forever to send in the voucher - I was told by a reservations agent that as long as it is postmarked by ~3 weeks before your flight, or you present it to an AA ticket counter 12 or more days before travel, you're good.
Until you do so, your reservation remains in "Ticket Pending" status. What if you want to simply cancel your reservation instead of moving forward with ticketing? Can you do so without penalty, since you don't have a ticket yet and thus technically aren't changing or cancelling your ticket?
If you do move forward with ticketing, the Refunds page says you have 24 hours "from the time of ticket purchase". Ticket purchase is when the ticket is issued, yes?
Can either of these methods be used to essentially achieve an extended hold of a reservation?
Until you do so, your reservation remains in "Ticket Pending" status. What if you want to simply cancel your reservation instead of moving forward with ticketing? Can you do so without penalty, since you don't have a ticket yet and thus technically aren't changing or cancelling your ticket?
If you do move forward with ticketing, the Refunds page says you have 24 hours "from the time of ticket purchase". Ticket purchase is when the ticket is issued, yes?
Can either of these methods be used to essentially achieve an extended hold of a reservation?
Oct 23, 2017, 4:02 am
#470
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
So it seems you have pretty much forever to send in the voucher - I was told by a reservations agent that as long as it is postmarked by ~3 weeks before your flight, or you present it to an AA ticket counter 12 or more days before travel, you're good.
Until you do so, your reservation remains in "Ticket Pending" status. What if you want to simply cancel your reservation instead of moving forward with ticketing? Can you do so without penalty, since you don't have a ticket yet and thus technically aren't changing or cancelling your ticket?
If you do move forward with ticketing, the Refunds page says you have 24 hours "from the time of ticket purchase". Ticket purchase is when the ticket is issued, yes?
Can either of these methods be used to essentially achieve an extended hold of a reservation?
Until you do so, your reservation remains in "Ticket Pending" status. What if you want to simply cancel your reservation instead of moving forward with ticketing? Can you do so without penalty, since you don't have a ticket yet and thus technically aren't changing or cancelling your ticket?
If you do move forward with ticketing, the Refunds page says you have 24 hours "from the time of ticket purchase". Ticket purchase is when the ticket is issued, yes?
Can either of these methods be used to essentially achieve an extended hold of a reservation?
And my thoughts exactly, these paper vouchers seem to be a loophole to allow for extended holds.
Oct 25, 2017, 9:27 pm
#471
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Northeast Kansas | Colorado Native
Programs: Amex Gold/Plat, UA *G, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Gold, NEXUS, TSA Disparager Unobtanium
Posts: 21,603
Mailed in a voucher yesterday to cover a trip coming up next month. Though I held the ticket about 35hrs before calling AA today, they repriced the ticket and saved me $175~ from the price which the ticket was locked in at when I called yesterday to advise I was mailing in a voucher.
Oct 27, 2017, 6:51 am
#472
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
I'm looking to redeem a $500 voucher towards a RT fare to Vegas that will probably end up costing around $450. I plan on redeeming at the airport.
Should the ticket agent be able to sink any unused voucher funds into 500 mi upgrades right then at the desk, or do I have to wait for any change to be mailed to me in voucher form? I'd rather not have to go through the hassle of booking at the airport again unless I have to.
Should the ticket agent be able to sink any unused voucher funds into 500 mi upgrades right then at the desk, or do I have to wait for any change to be mailed to me in voucher form? I'd rather not have to go through the hassle of booking at the airport again unless I have to.
Oct 27, 2017, 7:27 am
#473
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
I'm looking to redeem a $500 voucher towards a RT fare to Vegas that will probably end up costing around $450. I plan on redeeming at the airport.
Should the ticket agent be able to sink any unused voucher funds into 500 mi upgrades right then at the desk, or do I have to wait for any change to be mailed to me in voucher form? I'd rather not have to go through the hassle of booking at the airport again unless I have to.
Should the ticket agent be able to sink any unused voucher funds into 500 mi upgrades right then at the desk, or do I have to wait for any change to be mailed to me in voucher form? I'd rather not have to go through the hassle of booking at the airport again unless I have to.
Last edited by RogerD408; Oct 27, 2017 at 7:51 am Reason: Should take my own advice...
Oct 27, 2017, 7:48 am
#474
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
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?
Airfare on American Airlines/Eagle/Connection, 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
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/Eagle/Connection, 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
Oct 27, 2017, 2:47 pm
#475
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DAY
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPLT
Posts: 116
I’ve used a paper voucher for 500 milers at the airport counter, but it took almost a half hour and a couple calls to the help desk for the agent to make it happen. No reason I can see why this couldn’t be in one transaction, although expect confusion and some time commitment on the sticker purchase.
Oct 30, 2017, 6:02 pm
#476
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Florida
Programs: EXP 18 years running / 4 Million Miler
Posts: 17
Oct 30th and still in pending status....Because it's international with 2 cleared outbound DFW-HKG SWU's, I am really stressing that something will go wrong and I will lose these upgrades. Also a bit worried about how this will affect the time stamp of the return SWU requests. Called EXP desk today and they say they cant do anything until t-72. So frustrating.
Last edited by sdultra; Oct 30, 2017 at 6:09 pm
Nov 3, 2017, 2:30 pm
#477
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 106
okay, i've searched and searched and can't find anyone with experience. If i choose to give or sell my eVoucher to a friend, this would be against the T&C, right? but what would happen if caught--AA account deactivated? or just the eVoucher amount lost? The amount of the voucher is just $100, so not enough for a flight for me
Nov 3, 2017, 2:45 pm
#478
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 6
Data Point
I was surprised by the good luck I had with voucher processing...
I booked a flight on October 30th for February 15th, 2018. Sent my voucher to Florida via USPS Priority Mail ($6.65) on October 31st. They received the voucher on November 2nd and processed it on November 3rd. All done within one week!
I don't know why they processed mine so quickly compared to others. Maybe because I sent it in a big, fancy envelope? Perhaps we will never know.
I booked a flight on October 30th for February 15th, 2018. Sent my voucher to Florida via USPS Priority Mail ($6.65) on October 31st. They received the voucher on November 2nd and processed it on November 3rd. All done within one week!
I don't know why they processed mine so quickly compared to others. Maybe because I sent it in a big, fancy envelope? Perhaps we will never know.
Nov 3, 2017, 6:48 pm
#479
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: DAY
Programs: Marriott Platinum, HHonors Diamond, AA ExPLT
Posts: 116
okay, i've searched and searched and can't find anyone with experience. If i choose to give or sell my eVoucher to a friend, this would be against the T&C, right? but what would happen if caught--AA account deactivated? or just the eVoucher amount lost? The amount of the voucher is just $100, so not enough for a flight for me
Account audit / blocked / fraud: award / miles / SWU / sale, barter, etc.
Nov 4, 2017, 4:17 am
#480
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Definitely would not recommend. While not focused on these vouchers, there’s a thread detailing the anger that AA may visit upon a violator:
Account audit / blocked / fraud: award / miles / SWU / sale, barter, etc.
Account audit / blocked / fraud: award / miles / SWU / sale, barter, etc.