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The definitive guide to US VDB vouchers.
Fair warning if you are bumped from a US flight here is what you will get:
1. A cash dollar voucher based upon delay. 2. The voucher is good for ONE US Airways ticket, 3. You can fly on US or US code shares. 4. You have to pay all taxes and fees on the ticket. 5. You have to call in US reservations to book. 6. The ticket books into a non-earning fare class. Have fun. |
Originally Posted by colpuck
(Post 13621643)
6. The ticket books into a non-earning fare class.
Have fun. |
Originally Posted by colpuck
(Post 13621643)
6. The ticket books into a non-earning fare class.
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Plus there are a lot more choices when used as a dollar-amount instead of a free ticket; the inventory controls on those VDB vouchers are pretty rough and you'd have to book weeks in advance if not more to get a seat on a marginally busy route but if used as a dollar-amount you can pretty much pick whatever you want.
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I'm sorry, but if I want to get bumped for a voucher, will it come in the form of "Cactus Cash", or "one free flight"?
And if it is "one free flight", when I take that free flight, it won't count toward Preferred? When do you get Cactus Cash vs. free vouchers? |
Originally Posted by l'avion
(Post 13623682)
I'm sorry, but if I want to get bumped for a voucher, will it come in the form of "Cactus Cash", or "one free flight"?
And if it is "one free flight", when I take that free flight, it won't count toward Preferred? When do you get Cactus Cash vs. free vouchers? |
Originally Posted by vincentvan
(Post 13623750)
As far as I know, US is no longer giving out vouchers good for a free RT in the continental U.S., as they used to do.
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So, just to be absolutely clear, if I book an $80ai ticket with a $100 voucher, then I don't get any miles?
But if I book a $200 ticket with a $100 voucher, then pay the rest with my cc, I get miles for it? |
Regional voucher
Is it correct that one can get Region 2 voucher when bumping in Central America?
Please clarify. |
Originally Posted by vincentvan
(Post 13623750)
As far as I know, US is no longer giving out vouchers good for a free RT in the continental U.S., as they used to do. They are now giving out vouchers good for a specific dollar amount based on length of the flight and the amount of time you will be delayed. There is some wiggle room, if they are unable to find volunteers, but I haven't seen any free RT's handed out in some time. If you receive a voucher for a specific amount of value, it'll only earn miles(or count towards preferred status) if you apply the amount towards a higher cost ticket and pay for the difference yourself.
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Originally Posted by GoodOmens
(Post 13626077)
The dollar off vouchers will earn miles / segments even if the fare is lower then the voucher (And thus you pay nothing). I've done it several times in the past few months.
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I have a questions about the $-off certificates: on the certificate it says its value for one year from date of issue. Does that mean the ticket has to be purchased by one year from when the certificate was issued or does travel have to be complete by that date?
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The ticket must be purchased. Travel can be later than a year IIRC.
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I just got one of the new $-off-only vouchers for $600.
Will there be a residual value if I, say, purchase one $200 ticket with it? |
None at all - It's a use it or lose it thing... As stated by the OP it's good for only ONE ticket as well. I just got back from a trip to Rome using 2 VDB vouchers that me and my partner got from a holiday flight. The miles posted in both of our accounts. I did have to book over the phone and to use 2 vouchers we had to be on separate PNRs.
Originally Posted by SamOF
(Post 13638729)
I just got one of the new $-off-only vouchers for $600.
Will there be a residual value if I, say, purchase one $200 ticket with it? |
Originally Posted by DCAMatt
(Post 13638838)
None at all - It's a use it or lose it thing... As stated by the OP it's good for only ONE ticket as well. I just got back from a trip to Rome using 2 VDB vouchers that me and my partner got from a holiday flight. The miles posted in both of our accounts. I did have to book over the phone and to use 2 vouchers we had to be on separate PNRs.
Do you know if it's valid on codeshare or is it US metal only? |
Originally Posted by SamOF
(Post 13639347)
Wow, that's annoying. Maybe I'll use it for a trip to Europe...
Do you know if it's valid on codeshare or is it US metal only? |
I don't think this thread should be called the "definitive guide"
If we're talking about the new "Take Flight Certificates" I would say NOT TRUE. I've received just under $3,000 in TFCs since December and have used them on codeshare itineraries. I have confirmed use with an intinerary to BCN and a codeshare itinerary on UA metal to HKG. The below terms are printed on boarding pass stock along with the TFC when given to a VDB passenger. I've copied the terms from my latest one below.
Take Flight Certificate Terms and Conditions 1. Dollars Off Travel TFC may be applied towards purchase of one ticket. The original oversold flight segment determines the value. CODESHARE FLIGHTS PERMITTED. 2. TFC is Transferrable with Valid PIN and must be redeemed within one year from issue date. 3. TFC may be exchanged for travel on US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle. Cannot be used towards Re-issue of previously issued ticket or service charge. Cannot be combined with any other documents. TFC transferrable only before ticketing. 4. Taxes, Surcharges, and feed are the responsibility of the user and must be paid at the time of ticketing. 5. Stopovers are not permitted. Co-tetrminals and open jaws permitted. 6. Redeem at any US Airways ticketing office or call reservations. 7. For further information on terms and conditions please visit our website at www.usairways.com
Originally Posted by GoodOmens
(Post 13639463)
US metal only. Should say on the ticket you have.
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Yeah it's very annoying SamOF. I've been fortunate enough to get 6 certificates for almost $3000 worth of credit. That being said they were all larger amounts so I did some MR's to Europe and Anchorage. I'm also in the DC area hit me up if you find a good MR or have one in mind you need a fellow FT'er to go on a run with you.
Originally Posted by SamOF
(Post 13639347)
Wow, that's annoying. Maybe I'll use it for a trip to Europe...
Do you know if it's valid on codeshare or is it US metal only? |
Originally Posted by DCAMatt
(Post 13639722)
Yeah it's very annoying SamOF. I've been fortunate enough to get 6 certificates for almost $3000 worth of credit. That being said they were all larger amounts so I did some MR's to Europe and Anchorage. I'm also in the DC area hit me up if you find a good MR or have one in mind you need a fellow FT'er to go on a run with you.
Same to you—definitely let me know if you find a good mr and need a buddy! |
Firstly, thanks colpuck for creating this thread! In the hopes of updating the first post to improve the "definitiveness" of it, can others with experience or questions summarize those experiences and questions/answers?
It's been too long since I've received VDB vouchers on US :(, but here's what I recall - please let me know what's inaccurate: Regions/Values: 1 - $200 - Contiguous US, Canada 2 - $300 - Alaska, Hawaii, Central America, Caribbean 3 - $400 - Europe I don't know if there's a new region for TLV or where GRU will fall into this. Can you get vouchers greater than $400? I always thought $400 for a forced overnight to/from Europe was ridiculously stingy, but you could usually confirm a business class seat on the next flight so it wasn't quiet as terrible. Codeshares: It seems some vouchers allow redemption on codeshare carriers while others do not. Does anyone have further details on this? Residual Value: US Airways vouchers DO NOT provide residual value. Use it in one booking or lose it. Transferability: US Airways vouchers CAN be transferred to another individual prior to ticketing. There may be language in the vouchers restricting transfer (e.g. not for resale/barter). Combinability: Vouchers cannot be combined (this may be a technical issue as each voucher is associated with a specific PNR). Booking: Vouchers can be used for a "free seat" or as a dollar-off credit on a paid ticket. If used for a free seat, booking class "X" is used and you can verify if seats will be available by looking for a "Low" (green) category award seat on the US website. If used as a dollar-off credit, be aware that vouchers can only be used on a single ticket and no residual value is given (e.g. a $200 voucher used as a dollar-off credit for a $150 ticket will provide $0 back). Also be aware you must pay all taxes and fees, whether the voucher is used for a "free seat" or as a dollar-off credit. Mileage Earning: If used as a dollar-off credit, you will earn miles for the ticket (this may depend on which program you credit to). If used as a "free seat", you will not normally earn miles as the ticket is booked in X class (award coach). Of course, if you are re-routed or your reservation is otherwise modified, it is possible you could earn miles, but this would be a very rare occurrence. What other important notes should be included on the first post? Are the regions/values listed above still current or are they now wildly out of date? |
Originally Posted by vysean
(Post 13643380)
Firstly, thanks colpuck for creating this thread! In the hopes of updating the first post to improve the "definitiveness" of it, can others with experience or questions summarize those experiences and questions/answers?
It's been too long since I've received VDB vouchers on US :(, but here's what I recall - please let me know what's inaccurate: Regions/Values: 1 - $200 - Contiguous US, Canada 2 - $300 - Alaska, Hawaii, Central America, Caribbean 3 - $400 - Europe From my recent experience they are only giving out "Take Flight Certificates". These certificates amounts vary widely based on flight destination / length. Since this past Christmas I have received various amounts 1) 2 x $500 Take Flight Certs for a flight DCA to FLL on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day double bump 2) Flights DCA to PHX $325, $400, $500, $550, $600. The amounts were all computer generated based on loads. The $400 certificate was a bump due to weight restrictions. There are only 3 directs a day DCA to PHX so I think the length between flights may be a factor I don't know if there's a new region for TLV or where GRU will fall into this. Can you get vouchers greater than $400? I always thought $400 for a forced overnight to/from Europe was ridiculously stingy, but you could usually confirm a business class seat on the next flight so it wasn't quiet as terrible. Codeshares: It seems some vouchers allow redemption on codeshare carriers while others do not. Does anyone have further details on this? Every voucher I have received has the same terms and conditions as I posted in an earlier post. Codeshares have been allowed and I have used a TFC on a codeshare flight. Residual Value: US Airways vouchers DO NOT provide residual value. Use it in one booking or lose it. Transferability: US Airways vouchers CAN be transferred to another individual prior to ticketing. There may be language in the vouchers restricting transfer (e.g. not for resale/barter). This is a great feature and seems to be something they quickly disclose when trying to get volunteers. There is a 4 digit PIN number needed to redeem - sometimes they ask you to select a PIN and sometimes they put it to 1234, or the flight number etc. Combinability: Vouchers cannot be combined (this may be a technical issue as each voucher is associated with a specific PNR). Vouchers definitely can't be combined - I got back from a Rome trip using vouchers 2 days ago. I used a voucher for me and my partner - both put on seperate PNR's but somehow linked. I was also able to use my Chairman's Envoy certs on both despite them being on seperate PNRs. Booking: Vouchers can be used for a "free seat" or as a dollar-off credit on a paid ticket. If used for a free seat, booking class "X" is used and you can verify if seats will be available by looking for a "Low" (green) category award seat on the US website. If used as a dollar-off credit, be aware that vouchers can only be used on a single ticket and no residual value is given (e.g. a $200 voucher used as a dollar-off credit for a $150 ticket will provide $0 back). Also be aware you must pay all taxes and fees, whether the voucher is used for a "free seat" or as a dollar-off credit. Something I have noticed is that the taxes seem to be different when using vouchers. My WAS>FCO was taxed at less than $42 RT per ticket after vouchers - base fare was $0. I used a $325 voucher for a last minute fare to MAN - I paid a base fare of about $40 and the rep had to call the "rates" desk to figure the taxes. I used a $600 voucher for a short weekend in ANC and the base far was $0 and I was Charged absolutely nothing - $0 after voucher. Nice surprise. Mileage Earning: If used as a dollar-off credit, you will earn miles for the ticket (this may depend on which program you credit to). If used as a "free seat", you will not normally earn miles as the ticket is booked in X class (award coach). Of course, if you are re-routed or your reservation is otherwise modified, it is possible you could earn miles, but this would be a very rare occurrence. What other important notes should be included on the first post? Are the regions/values listed above still current or are they now wildly out of date? |
Thanks, DCAMatt!
It sounds as if US has gotten far more generous with the voucher amounts. I'll definitely look forward to future bump opportunities. :) I'm very confused on the codeshare thing - I know your included T&C's state in item 1 that "CODESHARES ARE PERMITTED", but in item 3 it states, "TFC may be exchanged for travel on US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle.", which would seem to contradict that. So you mention only dollar-off amounts. Were the vouchers also good for a free seat in the same region as the flight segment you were bumping from? FWIW, I haven't received bump vouchers since 2007 or maybe 2008, and at the time I think these were called RTFC - and if I recall correctly it stood for "Round-Trip Flight Credit". |
I just redeemed a $200 voucher I received from being bumped off a domestic flight. I had to push the agent to keep asking supervisors in order to use the $200 credit for a flight to Mexico, but she finally agreed I was right. It's my understanding that you can use the voucher for either a free flight within the zone you were originally bumped from, or you can use the dollar off amount for any trip, which would include codeshares.
Not only can one collect miles if you use the voucher for dollars off instead of a free round trip, but you are eligible for preferred upgrades as well and there are no blackout restrictions or limited seat inventory. |
I've seen LOWER amounts recently.
100$ for LAS-PHX 150$ for PHL-CLT Not exactly big money... HTSC |
Glad you pushed the agent and got things booked. When did you receive your voucher?
Originally Posted by TRAVELBABE
(Post 13647221)
I just redeemed a $200 voucher I received from being bumped off a domestic flight. I had to push the agent to keep asking supervisors in order to use the $200 credit for a flight to Mexico, but she finally agreed I was right. It's my understanding that you can use the voucher for either a free flight within the zone you were originally bumped from, or you can use the dollar off amount for any trip, which would include codeshares.
Not only can one collect miles if you use the voucher for dollars off instead of a free round trip, but you are eligible for preferred upgrades as well and there are no blackout restrictions or limited seat inventory. |
Originally Posted by vysean
(Post 13646710)
Thanks, DCAMatt!
It sounds as if US has gotten far more generous with the voucher amounts. I'll definitely look forward to future bump opportunities. :) Well It seems to be more generous on some flights / routes, but not so much on others. My flight on Tuesday from FCO to PHL was oversold and they were offering a voucher or CASH for $600US. On a recent flight from CLT I was at a gate next to the last flight of the day to MCO. They were offering either a $100 or $150 and a hotel room... I couldn't believe how low that was but confirmed it while chatting with agents. I'm very confused on the codeshare thing - I know your included T&C's state in item 1 that "CODESHARES ARE PERMITTED", but in item 3 it states, "TFC may be exchanged for travel on US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle.", which would seem to contradict that. I typed the exact wording printed out for me and given along with the voucher in my earlier post. The "Take Flight with US" Pamphlet has slightly different wording: "2. The Dollar-based certificate may be used toward the price of one (1) one-way or roundtrip ticket in any class of service on US Airways, US Airways Express, US Airways Shuttle, as well as their codeshare partners. If price of ticket is more than discount, you pay the difference. If discount exceeds price of ticket, no residual will be given." So you mention only dollar-off amounts. Were the vouchers also good for a free seat in the same region as the flight segment you were bumping from? There doesn't seem to be an offer of free tickets anymore. I'm looking at a small pamphlet they hand out with the VDB voucher called " Take Flight with US. , US Airways take flight" It shows as document 96004 POLO8-2002 dated 6/09. It's my assumption that the VDB vouchers changed after that date. FWIW, I haven't received bump vouchers since 2007 or maybe 2008, and at the time I think these were called RTFC - and if I recall correctly it stood for "Round-Trip Flight Credit". |
Take Flight with US - Take Flight Certificate T&C (copied from pamphlet by DCAMatt)
TAKE FLIGHT CERTIFICATE
TERMS AND CONDITIONS HOW TO USE: 1. May be transferred to another individual prior to redemption. 2. The Dollar-based certificate may be used toward the price of one (1) one-way or roundtrip ticket in any class of service on US Airways, US Airways Express, US Airways Shuttle, as well as their codeshare partners. If price of ticket is more than discount, you pay the difference. If discount exceeds price of ticket, no residual will be given. 3. Roundtrip travel is authorized between any one origin city to any one destination city serviced by the above airlines. Travel must be via the most direct routing available. 4. The original oversold flight segment (origin & destination) determines the value of the dollar amount. 5. Travel dates must be determined prior to ticketing. 6. Call US Airways Reservations if you have any questions about the use of this certificate and/or to make your reservation. Inform them you will be using a Take Flight Certificate. 7. Redeem this certificate at any US Airways ticketing location. 8. You will need picture identification to use this certificate. NOT ALLOWED 1. No stopovers permitted. 2. Prepaid Ticket Service (PTA) not permitted. 3. Not applicable towards US Airways Vacations package. 4. Not applicable toward service or penalty charges. 5. Not applicable toward the reissue of previously issued ticket. 6. Cannot be combined with any other Take Flight Certificate or any other document. |
Originally Posted by DCAMatt
(Post 13648767)
Glad you pushed the agent and got things booked. When did you receive your voucher?
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From my experience and speaking with US employees they are good for travel booked by the expiration date. The voucher should list details from your original ticket and state " Not Valid After- DDMonthYY ".
I was curious as the date you receive your certificate because is seems like they changed the system for VDB'ing around June 2009. Much as I do mileage runs I will often do bump runs booking segments into an itin that I have come to learn to be oversold frequently.
Originally Posted by TRAVELBABE
(Post 13649400)
Received it April 2009. Since you are an expert (!) on these, do you know if the expiration date of 1 year is a "book by" date or a "fly by" date?
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I have one of these vouchers worth $450. Since it's transferable, I assume that I can sell it. I tried craigslist, but all I got were lowball offers. Is there any other place that I could try to sell it? It's valid until March 28, 2011, so I have plenty of time.
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They have definitely changed the vouchers since I got mine back in April 2009. When I recently flew, no mention was made of a free round trip, only a dollar amount voucher to be used on USAirways.
Very interesting that from LAX/PHX outbound, the amount offered was $250, while on the return it was $125. There doesn't seem to be much consistency in the amounts. |
I used a $150 one today, although it took 45 minutes on the phone.
I had selected a one-way itin on the website, three segments (two codeshares on United metal, and one US metal), for $146 I then call reservations and the very nice man who worked very slowly initially told me that the cost of this itin would be $460. I said (more politely than this): "Huh?????" He kept putting me on hold and twice returned from hold to tell me that it was not possible to fare the itin at $146. I asked him to please consult with a supervisor. Finally, he comes back and says "My supervisor did something, I'm not sure what, but now your cost is $146). Then, another ten minutes of typing and typing and typing to actually ticket the itin. This matches my experience with the only other time I've booked a US ticket recently; the phone CSRs couldn't see anything like the fare that the website was quoting (that one finally had to be escalated to Executive Services). Maybe this rigamarole is the way that US ensures a high breakage rate on these Take Flight vouchers, but I surely would think that the costs in staff time are exorbitant compared to a simple system where you could use vouchers on the website! |
So these vouchers cant be used online?
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Per the Take Flight Certificate Terms and Conditions...
6. Call US Airways Reservations if you have any questions about the use of the certificate and/or to make your reservation. Inform them that you will be using a Take Flight Certificate. 7. Redeem this certificate at any US Airways ticketing location. 8. You will need picture identification to use this certificate. I've never had trouble using them over the phone. I've never had to give the 4 digit PIN number unless the booking was for someone other than myself (same as name on the original PNR as referenced on Voucher). I did have to argue last week that "Codeshare Flights Permitted" means just that... I was ticketing a trip to Hawaii and using a voucher that had a end connection on a US Codeshare with Hawaiin Airlines. I had to argue and make the Chairman's agent check. I was right.
Originally Posted by yuel
(Post 14009310)
So these vouchers cant be used online?
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VDB $ Amount for last Flight of the Day
Oh Wise US FTers
Am I to understand that if you accept a VDB on the last flight of the day, the amount is only $125 to $150 ?? Does anyone have any other experience with VDB's on the last flight of the day ? Also, do the amounts differ on the US Express Flights (i.e. planes with less than 50 seats? ?? |
The amounts seem to vary by how badly they need the seats. Last week, they were offering $650 plus hotel to overnight in PHL to deal with an oversell on the last PHL-SJU, and $350 plus hotel for my PHL-DFW, also last of the night (to take a 24 hr delay to the same flight the next day). I actually don't think I've seen an offer under $200 recently.
Last year I took a $400 VDB in BNA (w/out hotel, didn't need one) for an Express 50-seat CRJ on a midafternoon flight, going out the next morning. I don't know if there's a different scale by equipment type, but I suspect that it's much more driven by their need for your seat and how long it will take them to transport you more than anything else. Incidentally, I would say that I'm surprised I'm not seeing more VDB scenarios than I am given how full most flights are. Of the past 8 weeks, flying every Sun eve/Mon AM and Thu/Fri PM, I've only seen 3 offers on my flights. Every seat appeared to be taken on each flight. |
Anyone have experience getting the gate agent to split the voucher into two? that is, if they offer $400, will they issue two $200 vouchers? Many of my commutes these days are pricing $200-$300, so if VDB'd I'd rather not waste the voucher...
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Is selling the voucher permissible?
I never saw a definite answer on the sale of the TFC voucher, but looking at my voucher and looking at the T&Cs on the US website (shown below)... nothing states that selling the voucher is forbidden. Also, they explicitly state that transfers (prior to redemption) are permissible.
So does the FlyerTalk crowd think they're safe to sell on eBay? (Note: Nothing on eBay's T&Cs for travel vouchers prohibits the sale either.) Take Flight Certificate How to use 1.May be transferred to another individual prior to redemption. 2.Exchange for one roundtrip ticket in coach class of service on US Airways, US Airways Express and US Airways Shuttle. 3.Roundtrip travel is authorized between any one origin city and any one destination city served by the above airlines. Travel must be via the most direct routing available. 4.The original oversold flight segment (origin & destination) determines the region in which the Roundtrip Flight Credit may be used. The region divisions are Region 1 (Contiguous 48 states), Region 2 (Canada/Latin America/Mexico/Caribbean plus Region 1) and Region 3 (Europe/Alaska/Hawaii plus region 1 and 2). 5.Travel dates must be determined prior to ticketing. 6.Call Reservations if you have any questions about the use of this voucher and/or to make your reservations. Inform them you will be using this voucher. 7.Redeem this voucher at any US Airways ticketing location. 8.You will need picture identification to use this award. Not allowed 1.No stopovers permitted. 2.Prepaid Ticket Service (PTA) not permitted. 3.Not applicable towards a US Airways Vacations package. 4.Dividend Mileage accrual does not apply. Additional information 1.Travel is subject to availability. Voucher seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. 2.The voucher and subsequent tickets issued against it are non-refundable and have no cash value. 3.Not replaceable if lost, stolen or destroyed. 4.Once the voucher is redeemed, it is non-transferable. 5.Changes are subject to a service charge. All terms and conditions must be met. 6.Once ticketed, travel will be restricted to the region that corresponds to the ticketed city pairs. 7.All applicable taxes, surcharges and fees are the responsibility of the user and must be paid at the time of ticket issuance. 8.Voucher must be redeemed within one year from date of issue. 9.Terms and conditions of this voucher are subject to change without notice. |
Originally Posted by phlwookie
(Post 14244470)
The amounts seem to vary by how badly they need the seats.
As others have suggested, I think it depends on how desperate they are. Across from where we were waiting to board, there was a flight to Manchester, UK which had a series of announcements requesting voluntary bumps. |
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