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 16, 2020, 3:00 am
#811
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
You already got an answer above.
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.
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.
Sep 16, 2020, 3:02 am
#812
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
Sep 17, 2020, 10:41 pm
#813
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA CONCIERGE KEY & 1MM, HILTON DIAMOND
Posts: 11,970
Sep 20, 2020, 1:37 pm
#814
Join Date: May 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, WN A+, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Amb, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,129
I emailed as outlined by asdca above. I have $149 expiring end of October. They responded same day and are extending to December 31, 2021. The agent noted they are removing the $200 change fee since my credit value is less than the old change fee.
I’m Exec Plat through Hyatt and haven’t flown AA this year. Flew them some last year.
I’m Exec Plat through Hyatt and haven’t flown AA this year. Flew them some last year.
Sep 28, 2020, 1:03 pm
#815
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
Well as a datapoint I chatted through the app, they transferred my chat to Customer relations who was able to take the voucher number and extend the credit as an e-voucher all in one step. My voucher expired 10/7, and I am just awaiting the email with the new voucher. Was relatively painless.
Oct 5, 2020, 11:55 am
#816
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 464
I have a paper voucher for roughly $1k from a canceled ticket. It expires next month. Instead of calling and having it swapped for an e-voucher with a fixed 12/31/2021 expiration, I'm thinking I (i) use it to book a cheap ticket, (ii) get the residual on a new paper voucher, and (iii) possibly cancel the ticket I booked in Step 1 at a later date and then have that credit to use as well.
Seems the paper vouchers still have more flexibility (no restriction on where travel commences, can be used on partner metal I believe) and still allow for possible extension beyond 2021 if not fully used (and reissued as residual).
Anything I'm missing here?
Seems the paper vouchers still have more flexibility (no restriction on where travel commences, can be used on partner metal I believe) and still allow for possible extension beyond 2021 if not fully used (and reissued as residual).
Anything I'm missing here?
Oct 13, 2020, 1:08 pm
#817
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ
Programs: AAdvantage, Rapid Rewards, HawaiianMiles
Posts: 136
I booked 2 tickets on the same reservation using 2 eVouchers and a Flight Discount Code last week. I used a credit card to pay for the remaining balance. I mistakenly entered the wrong dollar amount for one of the eVouchers. The next day, I received an email that my reservation was not ticketed because of "insufficient funds". It didn't say where, just gave the reason of "insufficient funds". I called and a very friendly ticketing agent was able to help me and explained what had happened. I admitted to the mistake, no problem, so I thought. She told be everything was taken care of and my payment would now be processed now that she corrected the mistake on the amount I entered for one of the eVouchers. About an hour later, I received an email everything was ticketed. Today, I checked my CC statement and they did not apply the 2 eVouchers Flight Discount Code to the reservation. Instead, they charged me the full fare. I called and spoke to another ticketing agent and he said once ticketed, there is nothing they can do. I admitted to the mistake of entering wrong info, but for them to tell me everything has been taken care of when it clearly wasn't is not my fault. The 2 eVouchers and Flight Discount Code were over $200 that should have been applied to my reservation. Is there any way to get them to refund the amount back to my card? They told me the only thing I could do is use them for a future flight. That is what I was trying to do from the beginning.
Nov 8, 2020, 9:55 am
#818
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
Nov 8, 2020, 10:49 am
#819
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: BER
Programs: BA GGL, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,843
i got a voucher mid July valued less than 50 EUR (60 $). the mailed it via mail from Dallas. it was in my mailbox approx. 10 days later. its printed on the very same paper as a boarding pass. if you want to use it, you have to call AA. the ask for the voucher number and issueing site. after that you have to mail it to Liverpool (at least i had to - maybe its the closest office) and ticket wont be issued until the voucher is there.
Nov 8, 2020, 1:24 pm
#820
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,762
i got a voucher mid July valued less than 50 EUR (60 $). the mailed it via mail from Dallas. it was in my mailbox approx. 10 days later. its printed on the very same paper as a boarding pass. if you want to use it, you have to call AA. the ask for the voucher number and issueing site. after that you have to mail it to Liverpool (at least i had to - maybe its the closest office) and ticket wont be issued until the voucher is there.
Dec 18, 2020, 2:36 pm
#821
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Seattle
Programs: AAdvantage Plat+, FoundersCard, Amex Plat, TR Diamond, Marriott Gold, Wyndham Dia, HH Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 785
I just sent a Twitter DM to @AmericanAir with photos of paper vouchers expiring Dec 22. They quickly replied saying they would extend them, asked for my email and postal addresses. and after I sent those, replied:
We'll reach out to our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out to our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
Dec 22, 2020, 4:17 pm
#822
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Seattle
Programs: AAdvantage Plat+, FoundersCard, Amex Plat, TR Diamond, Marriott Gold, Wyndham Dia, HH Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 785
I just sent a Twitter DM to @AmericanAir with photos of paper vouchers expiring Dec 22. They quickly replied saying they would extend them, asked for my email and postal addresses. and after I sent those, replied:
We'll reach out to our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out to our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
We'll reach out our specialist to have these voided and send out new vouchers with an expiration in 2021. Once we're done, we'll send a quick update to you here in DM.
Jan 6, 2021, 2:41 pm
#823
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 551
Has anyone had luck extending any paper vouchers in 2021 yet? I have a paper voucher from early March that I'm not sure I will use. Would be convenient to get converted into an e-voucher so I can use in combination with another e-voucher.
Jan 7, 2021, 6:55 am
#824
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 21
I initially could not get an extension, but then I tried again, got a different agent, and they sorted it out. Just try again! Good luck.
Jan 7, 2021, 8:23 am
#825
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, AA ExecPlat, Amtrak Select Exec, former WN apologist
Posts: 1,429
With the lack of change fees, it might be easiest to just book a cheap flight with it, as I believe SOP is to send an e-voucher for residual amount. Then just move the flight if it winds up not being the one you want to take.