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
Apr 19, 2020, 8:39 am
#751
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 102
Anyone actually receive a paper voucher in the mail from canceled COVID flight? I have 3 reservations canceled mid/late March with supposed paper vouchers issued. I have not received anything and was told I have to wait for the actual voucher before I can redeem the value for future travel. I have a couple trips I want to book, but would prefer to use those vouchers vs new cash.
Apr 25, 2020, 12:07 pm
#752
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: DFW
Posts: 40
AA voucher
To be brief, I canceled a flight, (yes, I realized too late I should have let AA cancel the flight). Anyway, I now have a voucher to use. If I book a new flight and it is more than the amount of the voucher I pay the difference, ok I get that. But since a lot of fares now are cheaper than before COVID-19 what happens if my new booking is less than the amount of the voucher ? Will I get to apply the unused amount to other new bookings until I used up the full voucher amount ?
Apr 25, 2020, 12:07 pm
#753
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,207
To be brief, I canceled a flight, (yes, I realized too late I should have let AA cancel the flight). Anyway, I now have a voucher to use. If I book a new flight and it is more than the amount of the voucher I pay the difference, ok I get that. But since a lot of fares now are cheaper than before COVID-19 what happens if my new booking is less than the amount of the voucher ? Will I get to apply the unused amount to other new bookings until I used up the full voucher amount ?
May 10, 2020, 11:11 am
#755
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,120
How do you check validity? I bought a $25 ticket and the voucher balance went down by the same amount - but it doesn't show an expiry date for the remaining credit.
May 11, 2020, 10:47 am
#756
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Glasgow, UK
Programs: Seigneur des Tarifs Utils First Class Mucci with Honours :) - BA GGL / CCR
Posts: 1,551
Hi All,
I received an email with
Subject:: eTDS Notitfication (PNR NUMBER)
Message: YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE BEING SENT UNDER SEPARATE COVER.
Does anyone know if that means I have a voucher coming in the post?
Thanks
I received an email with
Subject:: eTDS Notitfication (PNR NUMBER)
Message: YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ARE BEING SENT UNDER SEPARATE COVER.
Does anyone know if that means I have a voucher coming in the post?
Thanks
May 21, 2020, 7:36 am
#758
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: AA Executive Platinum/Million Miler, Marriott Titanium Elite-Lifetime, Hilton Gold
Posts: 3,207
Jun 4, 2020, 3:13 pm
#759
Join Date: Dec 2011
Programs: AA EP, DL GM
Posts: 108
Hi all, I have a voucher from a trip I canceled last summer. The voucher expires this coming August. I called AA and they refused to extend the validity of the voucher (the rep was less than stellar and also said that AA stopped offering free changes to new reservations due to Covid 
). Has anyone else had luck with this? HUCA?
Alternatively, if I use the voucher to book a new trip and then cancel it, will the canceled funds then be usable for the next 1-2 years (whatever the flexible Covid timeframe is)? Or will the expiration date of the voucher carry over to the canceled trip?
). Has anyone else had luck with this? HUCA?Alternatively, if I use the voucher to book a new trip and then cancel it, will the canceled funds then be usable for the next 1-2 years (whatever the flexible Covid timeframe is)? Or will the expiration date of the voucher carry over to the canceled trip?
Jun 6, 2020, 4:26 am
#760
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 164
Using Paper Transportation Vouchers in the UK
What is the best/safest way to apply my paper transportation vouchers to my AA flight booking from the UK? I have an itinerary priced up on the AA website but there is no option for me to reserve it and obtain an PNR -- I have to pay for it using my credit card on the spot.
I am based in London, is there an AA ticket counter in LHR that I can just rock up and make the booking with my vouchers?
Thank you
I am based in London, is there an AA ticket counter in LHR that I can just rock up and make the booking with my vouchers?
Thank you
Jun 6, 2020, 8:12 am
#761
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 164
Further to my previous post I have managed to resolve this by calling the UK reservation number: 0207 660 2300
Got put through to a friendly and compentent agent who handled the booking process flawlessly. In the UK the address to post the paper vouchers is:
American Airlines
100 Old Hall Street
The Plaza 7th Floor
Liverpool
L3 9QJ
The vouchers need to be signed and I need to attach a piece of paper to include the PNR that I was given by the agent. Also the vouchers must be with the AA office within 10 days (including weekends).
Got put through to a friendly and compentent agent who handled the booking process flawlessly. In the UK the address to post the paper vouchers is:
American Airlines
100 Old Hall Street
The Plaza 7th Floor
Liverpool
L3 9QJ
The vouchers need to be signed and I need to attach a piece of paper to include the PNR that I was given by the agent. Also the vouchers must be with the AA office within 10 days (including weekends).
Jun 7, 2020, 2:43 pm
#762
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Movieville
Programs: PSA, Air Cal, Tarom Glam Miles (pre-devaluation)
Posts: 228
Keep a copy of the voucher with its number. My voucher sent in February 21st disappeared and it was a much bigger hassle because I hadn't kept a copy. My husband's October flight was pending for several months before they would reissue the voucher (possibly COVID-19 related, of course).
If you didn't keep it, they CAN research and find the number in the reservation. Some agents will tell you no, but make them look.
Once you have the number, they have you email to request the voucher be reissued, which mine was, promptly.
If you didn't keep it, they CAN research and find the number in the reservation. Some agents will tell you no, but make them look.
Once you have the number, they have you email to request the voucher be reissued, which mine was, promptly.
Jun 21, 2020, 4:15 pm
#763
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA
Programs: DL, HH, Bonvoy
Posts: 204
Just to add a solid data point here, I called and spoke with AA Gold regarding a paper voucher I have expiring on 6/23/20. I was told to use the email function on AA's website and they will reissue it as an e-voucher, expiration date one year forward. I just sent the email so no news yet on whether it's really that easy, but if so, I'm very happy.
Also of note there was zero hold time for AA Gold customer service number, which was also very surprising to me.
Also of note there was zero hold time for AA Gold customer service number, which was also very surprising to me.
Jun 22, 2020, 11:09 am
#765
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,905
Question/Advice needed from the experts - my wife and I were each issued a $500 evoucher last September for a trip which we deferred voluntarily by 1 day through the app, by taking AAdvantage of an offer. They have a 1 year expiration, and are set to expire this September. Due to a marked decrease in both business and leisure travel, we have been unable to use them thus far. I was advised by a friendly phone CSR to email Customer Relations directly through the website. They got back to me the next indicating that the expiration dates will not be extended on them, along with a stock apology. Basically SOL. Am I SOL, or is it possible to escalate the matter further? Or is there any other recourse? I appreciate any help or advice, as we'd hate to essentially lose a $1000 credit.
Thanks again
Thanks again