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 1, 2017, 12:04 pm
#451
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Anybody have any recent data points on how long it's taking to process paper vouchers?
These things are a PITA, indeed. AA is really letting down the customer by not processing these in a timely manner (i.e. five business days from receipt).
These things are a PITA, indeed. AA is really letting down the customer by not processing these in a timely manner (i.e. five business days from receipt).
Oct 1, 2017, 12:59 pm
#452
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
That's the reason they have you put your travel date as part of the return address, so they can see when it needs to be done without even opening the envelope. Trying to get tricky and not put the date there or use an earlier date may work against you since they will find the date of travel when they pull up the rez. I keep hearing talk of paper vouchers going away, but I'm sure the number that never get presented is substantial and not a hit they want to take.
Oct 1, 2017, 5:53 pm
#453
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Different goals. AA just needs to process the vouchers sometime before your departure (and usually does). The travelling public wants it done now. Inventory can change many times between the two, good or bad.
That's the reason they have you put your travel date as part of the return address, so they can see when it needs to be done without even opening the envelope. Trying to get tricky and not put the date there or use an earlier date may work against you since they will find the date of travel when they pull up the rez. I keep hearing talk of paper vouchers going away, but I'm sure the number that never get presented is substantial and not a hit they want to take.
That's the reason they have you put your travel date as part of the return address, so they can see when it needs to be done without even opening the envelope. Trying to get tricky and not put the date there or use an earlier date may work against you since they will find the date of travel when they pull up the rez. I keep hearing talk of paper vouchers going away, but I'm sure the number that never get presented is substantial and not a hit they want to take.
Interestingly, the EP Agent did not tell me to put the date of departure on the envelope this time. He simply said to list the PNR and the flight number. Was this an omission on his part?
Oct 1, 2017, 5:59 pm
#454
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Plat, IHG Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,933
I sent one last month and it took about 1-2 weeks from receiving to ticket for a reservation a little over 2 months in advance. I pay the extra couple bucks for certified mail so that I know it was received and don't have to worry about it. I figure that I still come out ahead vs. taking it to the counter at an airport since I've always had trouble getting them to remove taxes on DV vouchers.
Oct 4, 2017, 8:17 am
#455
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Data Point:
Mailed MCO voucher from Shreveport, LA on Saturday, 30-Sep. Received email this morning, 4-OCT, at 04:35 that the reservation had been ticketed. Five days (including two weekend days) is pretty impressive!
Mailed MCO voucher from Shreveport, LA on Saturday, 30-Sep. Received email this morning, 4-OCT, at 04:35 that the reservation had been ticketed. Five days (including two weekend days) is pretty impressive!
Oct 4, 2017, 10:21 am
#456
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
Oct 4, 2017, 10:36 am
#457
Moderator: British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: TPA/ABZ
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold. GGL/CCR.
Posts: 13,250
Oct 4, 2017, 3:11 pm
#458
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
Exactly, without the date of travel the report is not terrible helpful. If your travel is coming up in the next couple of weeks then what you experienced is what I would expect. If your travel is several months out then it suggests there weren't many others in the queue in front of you. Either way, this data point has little bearing on what may happen to others.
Oct 6, 2017, 9:04 am
#459
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: Double OWE (AA EXP, QF Plat), FI Gold
Posts: 1,887
I have to say I am very impressed with the (recent?) changes to vouchers/credits. I just canceled a non-refundable itinerary on 04 Oct and expected to be issued a paper voucher. Lo and behold, no - I was told the balance remains as a credit balance attached to my AAdvantage account. Today I booked an itinerary, put it on hold, called, and the agent applied the credit, charged me the difference, and even processed my SWU for the only leg in economy. What a change!
Yes, it does require contacting AA by phone, but that is much preferable to the paper vouchers that used to be sent out.
Yes, it does require contacting AA by phone, but that is much preferable to the paper vouchers that used to be sent out.
Oct 12, 2017, 1:59 pm
#460
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: LAX
Posts: 3,267
Data Point:
Put a reservation on hold on Oct 5 for departure Nov. 3. Called AA to notify them about the paper voucher and got the mailing instructions. Sent it in the same day. Today I happened to check my reservations on AA.com and saw that the reservation was gone.
Called in...first AAgent screwed up and didn't do the hold properly. Fortunately, the second agent was able to recover the reservation at almost the same price ($3 more...they should have paid the difference IMO, but it wasn't worth fighting over). She was also able to apply the voucher, so the flight is ticketed and paid for.
Lessons:
1. Always keep a photocopy of your voucher...it helped that I had all relevant data.
2. Interesting that the AAgent was able to apply the voucher herself over the phone. I assume the processing center scans them? Otherwise, why can't AAgents process vouchers entirely by phone, since they have the ability to look up vouchers by the amount and serial number?
Put a reservation on hold on Oct 5 for departure Nov. 3. Called AA to notify them about the paper voucher and got the mailing instructions. Sent it in the same day. Today I happened to check my reservations on AA.com and saw that the reservation was gone.
Called in...first AAgent screwed up and didn't do the hold properly. Fortunately, the second agent was able to recover the reservation at almost the same price ($3 more...they should have paid the difference IMO, but it wasn't worth fighting over). She was also able to apply the voucher, so the flight is ticketed and paid for.
Lessons:
1. Always keep a photocopy of your voucher...it helped that I had all relevant data.
2. Interesting that the AAgent was able to apply the voucher herself over the phone. I assume the processing center scans them? Otherwise, why can't AAgents process vouchers entirely by phone, since they have the ability to look up vouchers by the amount and serial number?
Oct 14, 2017, 2:08 pm
#461
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Allegiant
Posts: 1
Does anyone know what *exactly* it means to 'encumber' a flight? Is it beginning a travel event, or beginning and completing a travel event? I have two paper vouchers and when I called AA, they didn't know for sure. 
Oct 15, 2017, 7:55 am
#462
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
Loose definition is to commit. So the mere booking of a flight will "encumber" a seat on that flight. Unfortunately the airline will not guarantee a particular seat, they will do what they can to make sure you have one, somewhere.
Oct 16, 2017, 7:05 pm
#463
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: HEL
Programs: AY GOLD, HH GOLD
Posts: 411
Just made a booking where I tried to use the freaking paper voucher(2017 come on). EXP line lady did her best but said that I'm out of luck since my flight is already in 2 days and there's no AA ticketing desk in my country.
Sent in an request to provide me an eVoucher and eliminate the paper voucher, but I'm definitely not holding my breath on that one.
So outside US it's just useless.
AA welcome to 2017, please
Sent in an request to provide me an eVoucher and eliminate the paper voucher, but I'm definitely not holding my breath on that one.
So outside US it's just useless.
AA welcome to 2017, please
Oct 17, 2017, 8:53 pm
#464
Join Date: Mar 2004
Programs: DL PM, DL MM, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, SPG
Posts: 804
The paper vouchers are a PITA, IMO. But supposedly you can take them to the ticket counter (if the airport is close to you) to "redeem" as well.
I've mailed them in twice. Fortunately they actually arrived (postal service you never know). However, one time they took forever to ticket them. I sent them in 6 months in advance. At 2 months prior to departure, the flight changed, and they were unable to change the flight to something I preferred because the tickets hadn't been issued yet. They told me it could be up to 24 hours prior to departure before that happened (so if something went south, you were screwed).
Won't ever accept another paper voucher again.
I've mailed them in twice. Fortunately they actually arrived (postal service you never know). However, one time they took forever to ticket them. I sent them in 6 months in advance. At 2 months prior to departure, the flight changed, and they were unable to change the flight to something I preferred because the tickets hadn't been issued yet. They told me it could be up to 24 hours prior to departure before that happened (so if something went south, you were screwed).
Won't ever accept another paper voucher again.
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, 8:37 am
#465
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,536
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
a) mail it in (but if you're flying say, 2 days later, that isn't going to happen)
b) Go to the airport AA ticket counter and supposedly finish the booking there and give them the paper ticket.
However, I could be wrong on the above.
Why AA still has paper vouchers is beyond me. Delta has e-vouchers that are much easier to use, IMO.