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
Dec 19, 2016, 1:26 pm
#331
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,250
Sadly not. If it's a paper transportation voucher then it cannot be used at AA.com. The only options are to mail it in, use it at an AA ticket office or airport. It says on the voucher that if the intended travel is 12 days or more from the ticketing date then call 800-433-7300 to book. That will result in them then requesting you to mail it in.
Dec 19, 2016, 3:51 pm
#332
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: DFW
Posts: 675
I just redeemed an AA voucher with AA vacations and I had to mail it to their office. I even offered to drop it off since I actually drive by their office to and from work, but they said no. So treat those vouchers like cash and don't lose them. And book 2 weeks in advance.
Dec 20, 2016, 8:26 am
#333
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,576
You are asking us to figure out where you should go? ...Europe is pretty big, AA flies to LHR, ZRH, DUB (I think) MXP (I think) and EDI (not sure if the route is still there) non stop from JFK.
Once you determine it, I suggest you put the ticket on hold and go to the airport and redeemed the vouchers ASAP, the last thing you want is for the voucher to be lost in the mail since you need to use them by January. If you redeem by mail, please make photocopies of them.
Once you determine it, I suggest you put the ticket on hold and go to the airport and redeemed the vouchers ASAP, the last thing you want is for the voucher to be lost in the mail since you need to use them by January. If you redeem by mail, please make photocopies of them.
Think about it....2 nights alone in over 2 years, anywhere, even in Newark without kids, is paradise
!! But just to clear confusion. We have til Jan to redeem them but the trip can be later, right?
Dec 20, 2016, 8:36 am
#334
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: DFW
Posts: 675
Dec 20, 2016, 8:39 am
#335
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Programs: AAdvantage Exec Platinum, Hertz #1 Club Gold Five Star, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,039
YES! We were being totally open minded and just threw it out there. We're 40ish parents who just want 2 nights away from the kids and a nonstop.
Think about it....2 nights alone in over 2 years, anywhere, even in Newark without kids, is paradise !!
But just to clear confusion. We have til Jan to redeem them but the trip can be later, right?
Think about it....2 nights alone in over 2 years, anywhere, even in Newark without kids, is paradise
!! But just to clear confusion. We have til Jan to redeem them but the trip can be later, right?
Dec 20, 2016, 1:55 pm
#337
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: West Palm Beach
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 791
For Europe, I'd suggested CDG. You can fly direct from JFK, it's "near" Europe so not a horribly long flight, transportation from CDG into the city is plentiful and easy....and of course it's Paris. Bear in mind that the weather will be similar to NYC - chilly and dark - but I actually enjoy Paris that time of year. I also find it more manageable than London in terms of size.
Dec 20, 2016, 3:05 pm
#338
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 591
I think its important to mention:
These only remove some taxes if the voucher is for MORE then the plane ticket. Again its SOME not all taxes.
On one domestic ticket for example IMHO you are much better to visit an airport ticket office guarantee the voucher cant get lost in the mail, guarantee you get it ticketed before your flight, and be guaranteed to get your balance back on a new voucher. I used one in the airport yeah i paid an extra $14 credit but this was free in the first place, and i took no risk. I usually pay tax at the airport as they never know how to remove that but its worth it to me. Mailing it in and waiting weeks is crazy, the turn around time on these is not super fast either!
Its not tax free, its less tax.
These only remove some taxes if the voucher is for MORE then the plane ticket. Again its SOME not all taxes.
On one domestic ticket for example IMHO you are much better to visit an airport ticket office guarantee the voucher cant get lost in the mail, guarantee you get it ticketed before your flight, and be guaranteed to get your balance back on a new voucher. I used one in the airport yeah i paid an extra $14 credit but this was free in the first place, and i took no risk. I usually pay tax at the airport as they never know how to remove that but its worth it to me. Mailing it in and waiting weeks is crazy, the turn around time on these is not super fast either!
Its not tax free, its less tax.
Dec 21, 2016, 6:43 am
#339
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: Kettle Class
Posts: 798
Dec 22, 2016, 10:50 pm
#340
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Everywhere you wanna be
Programs: AA EP | UA 1K
Posts: 1,657
So technically the vouchers can only be used by the person whos name is on the voucher (unless they book u the flight) but can another person put a flight on hold online and have said person with voucher call in and have it applied? Or does said person with voucher have to do the entire booking themselves?
Dec 23, 2016, 11:05 am
#341
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
So technically the vouchers can only be used by the person whos name is on the voucher (unless they book u the flight) but can another person put a flight on hold online and have said person with voucher call in and have it applied? Or does said person with voucher have to do the entire booking themselves?
I've been other people from time to time (at their request) just so I don't have to jump through many hoops.
Dec 29, 2016, 7:21 pm
#342
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 606
I have a question how the voucher would work with AAdvantage bonus miles based on Elite Qualifying Dollars EQD?
Let's say, the total price of ticket with all taxes is $300, without some of taxes it would be some $270.
When I pay with a DV transportation voucher- a $270 voucher would be sufficient.
How does it look like with EQDs? Will I get $270x depends on my status? Or AA won't give me any bonus miles because I've actually paid by voucher, not by real money?
Let's say, the total price of ticket with all taxes is $300, without some of taxes it would be some $270.
When I pay with a DV transportation voucher- a $270 voucher would be sufficient.
How does it look like with EQDs? Will I get $270x depends on my status? Or AA won't give me any bonus miles because I've actually paid by voucher, not by real money?
Jan 2, 2017, 2:04 pm
#344
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 486
What does the receipt look like when (part) payment is with a DV voucher? I have some travel coming up for which my employer will reimburse me. Obviously I would want to be reimbursed for the full cost of the flight, not just the amount in excess of the voucher.
Jan 5, 2017, 4:11 am
#345
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Dorset, UK
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 635
Hello folks. I have a CI voucher issued a few weeks ago and I'm likely to redeem it on a transatlantic itinerary. It seems that I /can/, but I'd just like to check if anyone has experience of using it against an ex-mainland EU itinerary connecting via LHR on BA metal to the US (all on AA codes)?