US Airways Dividend Miles - US/HP voluntary bump compensation

I flew PDX-PHX-BWI yesterday and in PHX they were looking for volunteers for the PHX-BWI flight. I went up and asked if I could get a $250 credit voucher instead of the roundtrip voucher and was told no and that the roundtrip voucher was good for travel only in O and X (or whatever award inventory is). I declined the offer and I guess they found others who were willing.

I'm most regularly an NW flyer and they have always been willing to allow me to take a cash voucher instead of the RT ticket when I explain that I want to use it for international travel. Is the HP/US procedure more stringent, i.e. rt vouchers only or did I just come across some gate agents who either didn't know the full extent of what can be offered or didn't want to go to the extra effort?

tom

I have one from April that I have tried to use, but have had ZERO luck using. It's like it is only good on seats that have the equivilent of a "Milage Saver" award seat. The voucher that HP/US giveout for compensation are worthless.

These vouchers book into mileage saver inventory. So I would look at the website as if I were going to book an award roundtrip and try to find some dates that work for mileage saver awards and then call. Contrary to popular belief, there is mileage saver inventory available, but you've gotta hunt for it. I just managed to book a quick roundtrip to Myrtle Beach. I didn't want to pay the nearly 400 dollar fare for such a short flight, and I've got miles to spend. I had to be a bit flexible with dates, but I made it work.

Which for me really devalues a bump certificate. Yes, the value of the roundtrip may be $400 or more, if you can get it. At least with NW, by getting a cash voucher, even for a lesser amount, I know I can use if sometime during the year, when I want to.
If I hadn't asked, and I don't think most people taking these vouchers do, then you get a pretty devalued roundtrip to any US 48 destination.
tom

The airport does not have the authority to give a $$ off voucher. However, if you call CA, they will give you a $200 voucher if you mail in the RTFC.

The airport does not have the authority to give a $$ off voucher. However, if you call CA, they will give you a $200 voucher if you mail in the RTFC.

Really? In my experience most $-off vouchers are airport-issued. Customer Relations issues them as well, but so do the ATO's. If a flight is overbooked and no-one bites at the RTFC's, they will offer dollars. Standard practice. I would always as a pax hold out for the $-off vouchers as they are unrestricted, giving a cash discount on any fare..

it is pretty easy to get around $ 300

The airport does not have the authority to give a $$ off voucher. However, if you call CA, they will give you a $200 voucher if you mail in the RTFC.

This is standard procedure? Thanks, if I'd known, I'd have taken the bump.
tom