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 EagleŽ are valid for travel on American Airlines, American Eagle and American Airlines codeshare flights (AA*).
These vouchers are also valid for travel on oneworldŽ 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
May 4, 2017, 8:43 pm
#421
Join Date: May 2015
Programs: All the programs!
Posts: 1,006
Any consensus on this? I'm in the same situation and want to use a paper voucher then pay down the balance with gift cards.
May 17, 2017, 5:16 pm
#422
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 3
Fraudulent use of voucher..any recourse?
I was issued a voucher after complaining about dangerous cabin crew behaviour on a SYD-LAX flight last year.
I couldn't find it (and frankly can't recall receiving it in mail, I live in Australia), so I ask if they can re-issue it.
Customer relations tell me the voucher was used for a flight on 28 April MIA-DSM. I was in Australia, and have certainly not used it to buy flight for friend or family.
I have now written to customer relations, and to senior customer relations executives.
Anyone else had this happen recently, and what was outcome?
I couldn't find it (and frankly can't recall receiving it in mail, I live in Australia), so I ask if they can re-issue it.
Customer relations tell me the voucher was used for a flight on 28 April MIA-DSM. I was in Australia, and have certainly not used it to buy flight for friend or family.
I have now written to customer relations, and to senior customer relations executives.
Anyone else had this happen recently, and what was outcome?
Jun 20, 2017, 6:13 am
#425
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
If you're close or anxious, take your voucher to the airport or ticket office to be processed.
Jun 21, 2017, 5:47 am
#428
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
Call AA to see what options they have available. Since they can check to see if the voucher has been used they should be able to take the number over the phone to complete the processing. Some AAgents are not as accommodating as others you may need to HUCA.
Jun 21, 2017, 11:05 am
#429
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 179
I'll HUCA as needed just wanna make sure its possible for competent a phone agent to complete it?
Jul 4, 2017, 4:18 pm
#430
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 7
AA transportation voucher - use for BA flights?
Hi
I recently posted (and received very helpful responses) about a recent 28.5 hour delay from the US into the UK following which I received an email from AA offering 20,000 AAdvantage points. As I'm not a AAdvantage member and I'm not familiar with the use of airmiles, I asked AA to convert these airmiles into a monetary amount.
They said no to a monetary amount (as expected) but have offered to convert the points to a $300 transportation voucher. As I have no further recourse (US airline operating out of US) apart from legal action (don't really want to go there) I'm thinking of accepting this offer.
Before I do, I have a couple of questions if anyone would be good enough to advise;
1) Could I use the transportation voucher to book a flight with a partner, eg book direct with AA but for a flight operated by say BA? Or would I only be able to redeem against flights sold and operated by AA?
2) It is possible (still not sure) that I may have an EC 261/2004 claim against BA for a re-routed flight operated by BA that I was booked on that was also delayed.
I didn't take this flight as the delay was 32 hours so was re-routed again, ending up at my final destination 4.5 hours later than I would have if the BA flight had operated on time, ie if I had taken the BA flight, I would have only been 24 hours late as opposed to 28.5. I am awaiting a response regarding this from BA - would the AA offer jeopardise any potential BA compensation or is it totally separate?
Thanks in advance for any info.
ps I realise a $300 dollar transportation voucher is probably comparable to 20,000 AAdvantage points but it's easier for me thinking in monetary terms as opposed to points or airmiles that I'm not au fait with
I recently posted (and received very helpful responses) about a recent 28.5 hour delay from the US into the UK following which I received an email from AA offering 20,000 AAdvantage points. As I'm not a AAdvantage member and I'm not familiar with the use of airmiles, I asked AA to convert these airmiles into a monetary amount.
They said no to a monetary amount (as expected) but have offered to convert the points to a $300 transportation voucher. As I have no further recourse (US airline operating out of US) apart from legal action (don't really want to go there) I'm thinking of accepting this offer.
Before I do, I have a couple of questions if anyone would be good enough to advise;
1) Could I use the transportation voucher to book a flight with a partner, eg book direct with AA but for a flight operated by say BA? Or would I only be able to redeem against flights sold and operated by AA?
2) It is possible (still not sure) that I may have an EC 261/2004 claim against BA for a re-routed flight operated by BA that I was booked on that was also delayed.
I didn't take this flight as the delay was 32 hours so was re-routed again, ending up at my final destination 4.5 hours later than I would have if the BA flight had operated on time, ie if I had taken the BA flight, I would have only been 24 hours late as opposed to 28.5. I am awaiting a response regarding this from BA - would the AA offer jeopardise any potential BA compensation or is it totally separate?
Thanks in advance for any info.
ps I realise a $300 dollar transportation voucher is probably comparable to 20,000 AAdvantage points but it's easier for me thinking in monetary terms as opposed to points or airmiles that I'm not au fait with
Jul 4, 2017, 4:54 pm
#431
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,819
You may want to look at this thread and review the wiki there:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html
Jul 11, 2017, 7:39 pm
#432
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: NYC/BOS
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 54
leftover balance?
Hello,
I have 2 questions:
1) Can I put a reservation on hold online, call AA and tell them I want to use a paper voucher and then go to the airport to have it ticketed? I want to put something on hold tomorrow, and then while I am at JFK next week have it applied then, would that be ok?
2) If I don't use the entire value, what happens? Am I issued a new one? Or do I use the same one, and it only shows the available balance to the agent?
Thank you!
I have 2 questions:
1) Can I put a reservation on hold online, call AA and tell them I want to use a paper voucher and then go to the airport to have it ticketed? I want to put something on hold tomorrow, and then while I am at JFK next week have it applied then, would that be ok?
2) If I don't use the entire value, what happens? Am I issued a new one? Or do I use the same one, and it only shows the available balance to the agent?
Thank you!
Jul 11, 2017, 7:56 pm
#433
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,250
Answers to both your questions are in the Wiki at the top of this thread. I've reproduced the relevant parts for you below.
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.
In your case, make a booking and put it on hold then follow step 1 and 2 above. Then instead of mailing the voucher go to a ticketing office. You may be charged a fee if you're not EXP. If you're not in a rush mailing in the voucher is fine.
"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."
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.
In your case, make a booking and put it on hold then follow step 1 and 2 above. Then instead of mailing the voucher go to a ticketing office. You may be charged a fee if you're not EXP. If you're not in a rush mailing in the voucher is fine.
"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."
Aug 2, 2017, 5:43 am
#434
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 6
A few days ago I put a flight on hold, called up AA, and told them I wanted to use a voucher to pay the fare. The value of the flight was about $5 more than the voucher, so they asked me to put a credit card down to pay the balance. I was told to send in the voucher within 12 days. On the AA site it now says "ticket pending" in the status category.
I was checking prices again today, though, and noticed that prices have dropped a bit for a flight at a better time for me than the one I had originally booked. What will happen if I try to cancel the trip and rebook with the voucher? Will I lose the voucher (I never gave the number to them but I believe its under my name so they may have it in their system)? Will they charge me the full fare on my credit card that I gave them originally only to pay the balance?
I was checking prices again today, though, and noticed that prices have dropped a bit for a flight at a better time for me than the one I had originally booked. What will happen if I try to cancel the trip and rebook with the voucher? Will I lose the voucher (I never gave the number to them but I believe its under my name so they may have it in their system)? Will they charge me the full fare on my credit card that I gave them originally only to pay the balance?
Aug 5, 2017, 3:17 am
#435
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 11
I live in UK and have $400 AA transportation vouchers (paper) to use by April 2018. Would someone please confirm what is meant by this paragraph:
"These vouchers are also valid for travel on oneworldŽ 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."
Does this mean that I can book on any flight with an AA codeshare number - or does the transatlantic section need to be AA metal. I've read conflicting advice online, and although I've skimmed through some of this thread, I haven't found a definitive answer.
I assume I need to book via AA (which often adds a bit to the cost, compared with the same flight booked via BA/IB, etc). Given the relatively low value of the vouchers I'm considering a Premium Economy trip from EU (DUB, ARN, etc) to East US (PHI, ORD, etc). I'd only consider West US if I could use Avios to upgrade to Business.
Thanks for any advice.
"These vouchers are also valid for travel on oneworldŽ 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."
Does this mean that I can book on any flight with an AA codeshare number - or does the transatlantic section need to be AA metal. I've read conflicting advice online, and although I've skimmed through some of this thread, I haven't found a definitive answer.
I assume I need to book via AA (which often adds a bit to the cost, compared with the same flight booked via BA/IB, etc). Given the relatively low value of the vouchers I'm considering a Premium Economy trip from EU (DUB, ARN, etc) to East US (PHI, ORD, etc). I'd only consider West US if I could use Avios to upgrade to Business.
Thanks for any advice.