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
Sep 13, 2020, 9:09 pm
#796
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Hi,
I have a $150 AA voucher expiring on the 1st of November. AA are refusing to extend its validity and I do not really feel like flying to the States at this time, or even planning it for next year.
What can I do with the voucher? Can I use it to book a flight within Europe? The voucher says "Transportation vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American, American Eagle or any American Airlines marketed codeshare flight."
How would I find European AA codeshare flights? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
I have a $150 AA voucher expiring on the 1st of November. AA are refusing to extend its validity and I do not really feel like flying to the States at this time, or even planning it for next year.
What can I do with the voucher? Can I use it to book a flight within Europe? The voucher says "Transportation vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American, American Eagle or any American Airlines marketed codeshare flight."
How would I find European AA codeshare flights? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Sep 13, 2020, 10:44 pm
#797
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 526
Used a paper voucher at LAS today - received a new paper voucher for the residual value valid for 12 months from today. Took about 30 mins for the whole process. Agent needed to phone reservations to walk him through process as he wasn't a ticketing agent. He was manning the bag drop counter.
It also seems that I lost about $US60 in the transaction - not sure if it was an undisclosed service fee or an undisclosed change fee. Nothing other than the new fare was itemised on the receipt that I received.
Original voucher was $AU1024 = $US745 approx.
New ticket was $US110
Residual voucher $US573
Airport counter agent was extremely helpful/gracious but god the process is archaic
It also seems that I lost about $US60 in the transaction - not sure if it was an undisclosed service fee or an undisclosed change fee. Nothing other than the new fare was itemised on the receipt that I received.
Original voucher was $AU1024 = $US745 approx.
New ticket was $US110
Residual voucher $US573
Airport counter agent was extremely helpful/gracious but god the process is archaic
Sep 14, 2020, 1:54 am
#798
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 255
Yes, you do. I’ve done it multiple times. This is also why when you call to let them know you are mailing it in, they ask for your address. On the date the reservation tickets, they will mail the residual to the address provided. You also should receive an email within minutes of ticketing with a receipt for the residual amount. It also includes the voucher’s document number.
Sep 14, 2020, 4:15 am
#800
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
So it seems as long as it's an AA flight, it's fine for any destination.
Sep 14, 2020, 9:15 am
#801
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Hi,
I have a $150 AA voucher expiring on the 1st of November. AA are refusing to extend its validity and I do not really feel like flying to the States at this time, or even planning it for next year.
What can I do with the voucher? Can I use it to book a flight within Europe? The voucher says "Transportation vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American, American Eagle or any American Airlines marketed codeshare flight."
How would I find European AA codeshare flights? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
I have a $150 AA voucher expiring on the 1st of November. AA are refusing to extend its validity and I do not really feel like flying to the States at this time, or even planning it for next year.
What can I do with the voucher? Can I use it to book a flight within Europe? The voucher says "Transportation vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American, American Eagle or any American Airlines marketed codeshare flight."
How would I find European AA codeshare flights? Any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Sep 14, 2020, 9:20 am
#802
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 526
Yes, you do. I’ve done it multiple times. This is also why when you call to let them know you are mailing it in, they ask for your address. On the date the reservation tickets, they will mail the residual to the address provided. You also should receive an email within minutes of ticketing with a receipt for the residual amount. It also includes the voucher’s document number.
Sep 14, 2020, 10:15 am
#803
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,225
Used a paper voucher at LAS today - received a new paper voucher for the residual value valid for 12 months from today. Took about 30 mins for the whole process. Agent needed to phone reservations to walk him through process as he wasn't a ticketing agent. He was manning the bag drop counter.
It also seems that I lost about $US60 in the transaction - not sure if it was an undisclosed service fee or an undisclosed change fee. Nothing other than the new fare was itemised on the receipt that I received.
Original voucher was $AU1024 = $US745 approx.
New ticket was $US110
Residual voucher $US573
Airport counter agent was extremely helpful/gracious but god the process is archaic
It also seems that I lost about $US60 in the transaction - not sure if it was an undisclosed service fee or an undisclosed change fee. Nothing other than the new fare was itemised on the receipt that I received.
Original voucher was $AU1024 = $US745 approx.
New ticket was $US110
Residual voucher $US573
Airport counter agent was extremely helpful/gracious but god the process is archaic
Sep 14, 2020, 2:09 pm
#804
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
Sep 14, 2020, 2:20 pm
#805
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 44,624
Well, it says: "Transportation vouchers may be used toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American, American Eagle or any American Airlines marketed codeshare flight." and also "The voucher may be used on any of the airlines in our oneworld alliance, provided American Airlines is the international carrier."
So it seems as long as it's an AA flight, it's fine for any destination.
So it seems as long as it's an AA flight, it's fine for any destination.
You will not be able to book AA codeshares for travel within Europe without there being a flight to/from USA in the journey. e.g. AMS-LHR / LHR-JFK would be ok ,, but not AMS-LHR standalone
Sep 15, 2020, 4:00 am
#806
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
FYI, saw this in a thread with a similar question. Appears they will extend by a year if you e-mail customer service... https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32547719-post8.html
Sep 15, 2020, 4:02 am
#807
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
My experience is that vouchers are only useable for departures from the same country as the original ticket regardless of what is written on it , though may be different now
You will not be able to book AA codeshares for travel within Europe without there being a flight to/from USA in the journey. e.g. AMS-LHR / LHR-JFK would be ok ,, but not AMS-LHR standalone
You will not be able to book AA codeshares for travel within Europe without there being a flight to/from USA in the journey. e.g. AMS-LHR / LHR-JFK would be ok ,, but not AMS-LHR standalone
Sep 15, 2020, 3:59 pm
#808
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 23
I had a leftover voucher that was going to expire the 1st week of October. I was prepared to book a cheap same-day round trip flight if they wouldn't let me extend it, but I e-mailed customer service, and they got back to me about 48 hours later with an eVoucher for the same amount, and it expired a year from now as well. Customer service indicated that they're doing this for any voucher dated through the end of December for expiration. If it's a straight voucher, you shouldn't have any issue converting that into an eVoucher.
Sep 15, 2020, 4:11 pm
#809
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: AA LT Gold
Posts: 3,646
Another example JFK-LHR-TXL, where JFK-LHR is on AA and LHR-TXL is on BA but LHR-TXL will be sold with a AA flight number.
But, you won't be able to buy only LHR-TXL as an AA codeshare flight, it will be a BA marketed and operated flight.
So no, I don't think you will be able to buy a AA codeshare originating in Europe and with Europe as final destination.
Last edited by carlosdca; Sep 15, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Sep 16, 2020, 2:58 am
#810
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
I had a leftover voucher that was going to expire the 1st week of October. I was prepared to book a cheap same-day round trip flight if they wouldn't let me extend it, but I e-mailed customer service, and they got back to me about 48 hours later with an eVoucher for the same amount, and it expired a year from now as well. Customer service indicated that they're doing this for any voucher dated through the end of December for expiration. If it's a straight voucher, you shouldn't have any issue converting that into an eVoucher.