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
Jan 7, 2017, 7:27 am
#346
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,576
Just want to clarify
I read this on the page's wiki
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
Jan 7, 2017, 2:33 pm
#347
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
I read this on the page's wiki
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
Jan 7, 2017, 2:47 pm
#348
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
I read this on the page's wiki
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
"Q. How do I apply vouchers to a reservation I have on hold on AA.com?
1) Call Web Services at 1-800-222-2377 or 1-918-832-1384 (6:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m. CT, 7 days a week). In the UK, call 08-45-601-0619, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. UK time, Monday-Friday.
2) Give them the PNR and tell them you would like to apply vouchers.
3) They will give you instructions on how to send the vouchers in.
4) Pay any balance with a credit card.
Is the above ONLY applicable to e-vouchers? I have 2 paper "DG" vouchers that were given to us last Jan 20. Want to use them tomorrow for a later flight. I thought I needed to book the flight online, then call that above number and give the voucher. But I just called that number to clarify and the lady said the only way to apply paper vouchers was over the phone with reservations.
Is that correct or HUACA??
Also, instead of mailing the vouchers, could take the trip to the airport and do it at the counter, right?
You can put the res on hold online and then call to request voucher application, pay any balance, and then mail them in/take them to the airport.
Jan 7, 2017, 9:02 pm
#350
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,576
So I booked and placed the hold online, called that web services number ,and yet again, they said they didn't deal with paper vouchers. So they transferred me to the 800-433-7300 number
The flight is $420 (4 pax) and the taxes are $145.
Base fare $105.11 USD Per person
Tax info is:
TRANSPORTATION TAX (UNITED STATES) $7.89 USD
SEGMENT TAX (UNITED STATES) $8.20 USD
PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE (UNITED STATES) $9.00 USD
US SECURITY FEE (UNITED STATES) $11.20 USD
When you say, appropriate taxes, what shouldn't I be paying? The full $145(~36/per person)?
Im debating forgoing a trip to the airport and simply mailing these in, either with priority mail or with a recipe instead. When mailing in, I assume they correctly address the tax situation?
Also, the hold is only for 24 hours, so...mailing it in is no longer an option, is it? Or is the reservation being held because I called AA and had them note that 2 vouchers were being applied to the PNR?
Base fare $105.11 USD Per person
Tax info is:
TRANSPORTATION TAX (UNITED STATES) $7.89 USD
SEGMENT TAX (UNITED STATES) $8.20 USD
PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE (UNITED STATES) $9.00 USD
US SECURITY FEE (UNITED STATES) $11.20 USD
When you say, appropriate taxes, what shouldn't I be paying? The full $145(~36/per person)?
Im debating forgoing a trip to the airport and simply mailing these in, either with priority mail or with a recipe instead. When mailing in, I assume they correctly address the tax situation?
Also, the hold is only for 24 hours, so...mailing it in is no longer an option, is it? Or is the reservation being held because I called AA and had them note that 2 vouchers were being applied to the PNR?
Jan 7, 2017, 9:29 pm
#351
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
So I booked and placed the hold online, called that web services number ,and yet again, they said they didn't deal with paper vouchers. So they transferred me to the 800-433-7300 number
The flight is $420 (4 pax) and the taxes are $145.
Base fare $105.11 USD Per person
Tax info is:
TRANSPORTATION TAX (UNITED STATES) $7.89 USD
SEGMENT TAX (UNITED STATES) $8.20 USD
PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE (UNITED STATES) $9.00 USD
US SECURITY FEE (UNITED STATES) $11.20 USD
When you say, appropriate taxes, what shouldn't I be paying? The full $145(~36/per person)?
Im debating forgoing a trip to the airport and simply mailing these in, either with priority mail or with a recipe instead. When mailing in, I assume they correctly address the tax situation?
Also, the hold is only for 24 hours, so...mailing it in is no longer an option, is it? Or is the reservation being held because I called AA and had them note that 2 vouchers were being applied to the PNR?
The flight is $420 (4 pax) and the taxes are $145.
Base fare $105.11 USD Per person
Tax info is:
TRANSPORTATION TAX (UNITED STATES) $7.89 USD
SEGMENT TAX (UNITED STATES) $8.20 USD
PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE (UNITED STATES) $9.00 USD
US SECURITY FEE (UNITED STATES) $11.20 USD
When you say, appropriate taxes, what shouldn't I be paying? The full $145(~36/per person)?
Im debating forgoing a trip to the airport and simply mailing these in, either with priority mail or with a recipe instead. When mailing in, I assume they correctly address the tax situation?
Also, the hold is only for 24 hours, so...mailing it in is no longer an option, is it? Or is the reservation being held because I called AA and had them note that 2 vouchers were being applied to the PNR?
Jan 8, 2017, 7:22 pm
#352
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,576
Here is our experience:
1. Booked the flights online last night,
2. Then immediately called Web Services at 1-800-222-2377. They advised that they do not handle paper vouchers. HUACA and got the same answer and was transferred to reservations. Reservations made a note on the reservation and gave me a mail in address.w
3. Rather than mail in, we took the vouchers to the nearest airport with an AA desk.
Initially the AAgent questioned whether we had to TRAVEL by the date of expiry vs BOOK by the date of expiry. He made a quick phone call and verified that tickets only need be BOOKED by date of expiry. Travel can occur at a later date.
4. 24 minutes later, we left the airport with 4 tickets for travel in a few months. Also received a new voucher with $$ left over toward a later flight.
Now, the only tax that we were charged is shown below in BOLD, split into halves.
TRANSPORTATION TAX (UNITED STATES) $7.89 USD
SEGMENT TAX (UNITED STATES) $8.20 USD
[B]PASSENGER FACILITY CHARGE (UNITED STATES) $9.00 USD[/B] (shown as $4.50 per airport)
US SECURITY FEE (UNITED STATES) $11.20 USD
Thanks for the help again. With that tax info in hand, have another $140 in vouchers to contemplate using over the next year.
Last edited by the phoenix; Jan 17, 2017 at 12:50 pm
Jan 16, 2017, 3:22 pm
#353
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 151
From the ancient FlyerGuide version, and I think still accurate.
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.)
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.)
After reading through this thread, this is the most recent post I can find on what specific taxes are supposed to be waived. Can anyone confirm this is an accurate and complete list of taxes that are to be waived when redeeming a DV voucher received for being voluntarily bumped?
There are many references to "some" taxes being waived...but nothing definitive beyond the post quoted above from February of 2016.
Jan 17, 2017, 7:52 am
#354
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
After reading through this thread, this is the most recent post I can find on what specific taxes are supposed to be waived. Can anyone confirm this is an accurate and complete list of taxes that are to be waived when redeeming a DV voucher received for being voluntarily bumped?
There are many references to "some" taxes being waived...but nothing definitive beyond the post quoted above from February of 2016.
There are many references to "some" taxes being waived...but nothing definitive beyond the post quoted above from February of 2016.
Jan 17, 2017, 9:28 am
#355
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Taxes Charged
I previously used my voucher from VDB and was surprised that the amount taken out was less than the price I thought. I then reasearched and found out due to some taxes not being charged.
I now sent in the residual voucher and found that I had to pay the excess, as all taxes were being collected on the tickets.
I emailed AA and of course they said that tickets purchased with vouchers are not tax exempt. They always collect taxes as required by the government. I even called reservations and they had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned that they did not collect taxes on my previous redemption.
Am I due a refund on the taxes? If so how should I proceed and anything I should cite for reference? Unfortunately I threw away my previous receipts where it showed I wasn't charged the tax.
Thanks so much.
I now sent in the residual voucher and found that I had to pay the excess, as all taxes were being collected on the tickets.
I emailed AA and of course they said that tickets purchased with vouchers are not tax exempt. They always collect taxes as required by the government. I even called reservations and they had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned that they did not collect taxes on my previous redemption.
Am I due a refund on the taxes? If so how should I proceed and anything I should cite for reference? Unfortunately I threw away my previous receipts where it showed I wasn't charged the tax.
Thanks so much.
Jan 17, 2017, 11:39 am
#356
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
Res usually quotes like they're charging taxes, then ticketing doesn't.
My last one was a $506 ticket, sent in a $500 voucher, AA Res wanted a credit card for $6. Mailed in the voucher, credit card was not charged, and got a residual voucher back in the mail.
And if they did charge you the taxes did the voucher you sent in cover the full base fare (plus surcharges) of the ticket?
Jan 17, 2017, 2:05 pm
#357
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
Did they actually charge you the taxes or just say they're charging you the taxes?
Res usually quotes like they're charging taxes, then ticketing doesn't.
My last one was a $506 ticket, sent in a $500 voucher, AA Res wanted a credit card for $6. Mailed in the voucher, credit card was not charged, and got a residual voucher back in the mail.
And if they did charge you the taxes did the voucher you sent in cover the full base fare (plus surcharges) of the ticket?
Res usually quotes like they're charging taxes, then ticketing doesn't.
My last one was a $506 ticket, sent in a $500 voucher, AA Res wanted a credit card for $6. Mailed in the voucher, credit card was not charged, and got a residual voucher back in the mail.
And if they did charge you the taxes did the voucher you sent in cover the full base fare (plus surcharges) of the ticket?
Total for each ticket was $169.34 x3 =$508.02. They charged my credit card
the difference of $58.58.
I looked online the ticket is currently $169.45.
Base $144.42
Transportation tax $10.83
Segment tax $4.10
Passenger Facility tax 4.50
US Security fee $5.60
Total $169.45
Found a receipt for a previous ticket I used a voucher for and it has
Base fare -$176
Taxes - $7.50
Carrier imposed fees - $0.
Was I overcharged?
Thanks.
Jan 18, 2017, 9:27 am
#358
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
The voucher was for $449.44. The breakdown on my receipt states base fare was $144.41. Taxes and carrier imposed fees were $24.93. I bought 3 tickets.
Total for each ticket was $169.34 x3 =$508.02. They charged my credit card
the difference of $58.58.
I looked online the ticket is currently $169.45.
Base $144.42
Transportation tax $10.83
Segment tax $4.10
Passenger Facility tax 4.50
US Security fee $5.60
Total $169.45
Found a receipt for a previous ticket I used a voucher for and it has
Base fare -$176
Taxes - $7.50
Carrier imposed fees - $0.
Was I overcharged?
Thanks.
Total for each ticket was $169.34 x3 =$508.02. They charged my credit card
the difference of $58.58.
I looked online the ticket is currently $169.45.
Base $144.42
Transportation tax $10.83
Segment tax $4.10
Passenger Facility tax 4.50
US Security fee $5.60
Total $169.45
Found a receipt for a previous ticket I used a voucher for and it has
Base fare -$176
Taxes - $7.50
Carrier imposed fees - $0.
Was I overcharged?
Thanks.
You might have got caught where the voucher did not cover the full price of all the tickets so they split the voucher three ways and therefore taxes are not waived. Had you bought one or two tickets with the voucher, then some of the taxes should have been waived.
You might be able to get them to rework the numbers so two tickets are fully funded. They are intent upon refunding residuals and it takes special pushups to get them to calculate the net price and apply the voucher for that.
Jan 18, 2017, 10:15 am
#359
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
What are the numbers for the tickets bought?
You might have got caught where the voucher did not cover the full price of all the tickets so they split the voucher three ways and therefore taxes are not waived. Had you bought one or two tickets with the voucher, then some of the taxes should have been waived.
You might be able to get them to rework the numbers so two tickets are fully funded. They are intent upon refunding residuals and it takes special pushups to get them to calculate the net price and apply the voucher for that.
You might have got caught where the voucher did not cover the full price of all the tickets so they split the voucher three ways and therefore taxes are not waived. Had you bought one or two tickets with the voucher, then some of the taxes should have been waived.
You might be able to get them to rework the numbers so two tickets are fully funded. They are intent upon refunding residuals and it takes special pushups to get them to calculate the net price and apply the voucher for that.
The thing that I find more disturbing is that no one that I contacted ever heard about taxes not being charged when using a voucher. The only one who had a clue was the agent I spoke to when I made the reservation. She said that when they ticket it they will calculate what taxes I would owe.
The AA.com customer service was completely clueless as was a 15 year reservation agent as well as his supervisor. They thought I was completely misinformed and "don't believe everything you read on the internet".
Thanks for the help.
Jan 18, 2017, 10:31 am
#360
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
The voucher did not cover the base rate plus taxes of all 3 tickets. It only covered the base rate. So I guess I'm out of luck.
The thing that I find more disturbing is that no one that I contacted ever heard about taxes not being charged when using a voucher. The only one who had a clue was the agent I spoke to when I made the reservation. She said that when they ticket it they will calculate what taxes I would owe.
The AA.com customer service was completely clueless as was a 15 year reservation agent as well as his supervisor. They thought I was completely misinformed and "don't believe everything you read on the internet".
Thanks for the help.
The thing that I find more disturbing is that no one that I contacted ever heard about taxes not being charged when using a voucher. The only one who had a clue was the agent I spoke to when I made the reservation. She said that when they ticket it they will calculate what taxes I would owe.
The AA.com customer service was completely clueless as was a 15 year reservation agent as well as his supervisor. They thought I was completely misinformed and "don't believe everything you read on the internet".
Thanks for the help.
Years ago when my travel was much higher, collecting vouchers was almost a side business. I talked with about a dozen agents (TAs and AC AAngels) around the US, only three were even willing to tackle the task and of those three only one knew how to do it right (the other two had to call the rate desk for instructions and that's only when pressed to do so). I found an AAngel at the ORD AC what was very good about getting it right. I started planning long layovers there when I had vouchers to put through.
I called Dallas about this issue and was assured specific instructions were available to all TAs online, if they would only read them. If time is not an issue (many of mine were), then mailing to FL was a better approach. They would figure out the net due and only charge for the excess if it was due. The TAs seemed to be hell-bent on using the gross price and then you'd get a new voucher for the taxes that were backed off. This would become a game to see how many times you could get a new voucher. I think my best was four. Seemed useless to send in a $1.50 voucher.
