hbo6

I rec'd a free ticket voucher for getting "bumped" on a recent flight. Now that I'm trying to redeem it, it seems like it is going to be an impossible task. Anybody experience this?

yk

Which airline is this?

What do you mean when you say it is "an impossible task"?

I've received vouchers from AA and have used many of them without any problem.

GoTravel

Shouldn't be a problem at all as long as the flight you want isn't sold out.

I don't think it is like trying to redeem miles.

BeachBoi

In my experience, I have only received a "voucher", worth xxx $...I've never had a problem because they take the fare that I have reserved, subtract the amount of the voucher's worth, and charge the difference to my credit card.Would like to hear more about your adventures.

milemarker0

YES! I've had that problem too....US AIR gave me a voucher that turns out, you can't use when booking on-line....(where the cheaper flights are) you have to call or go in person....and the rates are higher.

Southwest has offered vouchers, and I have no problems using them. You can book it online just like you're using a gift card.

Loki

I had this same problem, I believe it was also with USAir. I griped to them about it and they readily exchanged it for a cash coupon for $150 usable on any flight. Try that if you're OK with paying the difference and not having the headache of finding a flight that they'll let you use it on.

hbo6

The airline is US Airways. I was trying to book travel September 2007 as soon as they released their flights (just recently) and there is nothing available to fly to Reno. I have talked to five different people at their 800 reservation number and, no kidding, have gotten five different answers. Even went to the airport and talked to US Airways personnel there and they said they were more-or-less "a joke"!???

Budman

I've used AA vouchers and Continental vouchers. With AA you have to call to make the reservation and mail the voucher to Milton, Florida. They will then issue you an e-ticket.

Continental vouchers have a number on them that you enter into the computer when you make your on-line reservation. They are the most user friendly that I've seen.

Both of the above are like cash. Not sure what type of voucher USAir issues, but sounds like they have conditions attached.

MaureenB

It sounds like a run-around. You've got time, so I suggest you take it higher in USAir customer service management, to see if you can't find a resource to help you. It's ridiculous that they inconvenience you with a 'bump', they act like it's a big deal to give you a voucher, yet they say it's a 'joke' when you try to use it. Definitely make some noise at USAir about this type of treatment.

milemarker0

Even the airlines are admitting that the vouchers are like "monopoly money"

http://tinyurl.com/yaekgj

MerryTravel

Just to give credit where it's due, I booked a flight with a Continental voucher I received last spring for volunteering to be bumped and it worked like a charm. It was for a specific dollar amount ($250 for a 1 1/2 hour delay!) rather than just a free trip, so that might have helped. I just entered the code on the voucher when I booked online and got my flight to Vegas for free.

LoveItaly

Our very good consumer reporter on our local SF station (ABC) recently reported that trying to use airline vouchers have generally become a big headache. His suggestion was to insist on cash. Of course he didn't say what to do if the airline would not give you cash. Well actually he did mention if you are being voluntarily bumped to be bumped ONLY if you can receive cash. Guess if you are being involuntarily bumped you don't have a choice in the matter. Good luck hb06.

craiginowensound

After being bumped on USAir last May, I recently tried to use the "free" flight vouchers we received. No flights were available for a multitude of destinations that I requested, although the dates were just after Christmas and during March Break (since I am a teacher). Finally we were able to book a flight from Buffalo to Jacksonville on March 10/07. The catch was that after we reserved by phone, we had to go to the nearest US Airways ticket agent (a 2 1/2 hour drive away) to pick up the tickets within 3 days or lose our reservation. I find this policy to be outrageous. These free tickets certainly come with their share of headaches.