American Airlines eVoucher Compensation and eVoucher Rules

American Airlines just issued me a $100 AA eVoucher, over 2 months after I complained about paying a Preferred Seat fee yet getting a seat without a working tray table (see American Airlines: “Preferred” Seat Doesn't Work But No Refund of Fee). Here's the response:

Dear Ms. Stockton:

We received your correspondence to our Social Media Team via Twitter. We consider it a privilege to respond. You are a good and valued customer, and your feedback is especially meaningful.

We understand you're disappointed the seat purchased isn't refundable. As more tangible evidence of our concern and regret for your disappointing experience, we've made arrangements for an eVoucher (via a separate email). It may be redeemed within one year of the issue date toward the purchase of a ticket for future travel on American Airlines, American Eagle or flights operated by US Airways.

Ms. Stockton, we look forward to seeing you again really soon.”

Frankly, I'd given up on ever getting a response, so on the one hand the AA eVoucher was a welcome surprise. On the other, it's disappointing to get an eVoucher instead of miles. I would have preferred 5000 or even 2500 AAdvantage miles over the $100 eVoucher, or a simple refund of the fee I paid, since my experiences on those two AA domestic flights (on the outbound the IFE didn't work) doesn't exactly have me wanting to fly AA again, if I can help it. And while it's possible to use an eVoucher on an AA codeshare or oneworld partner flight, these flights are ones I'd be redeeming miles for.

But back to the topic: if AA also works through its backlog and gets back to your complaint a few months later with an eVoucher, what can you use it for, and how do you redeem your AA eVoucher?

AA eVoucher Terms

AA eVouchers:

Are valid for 1 year from date of issue
Will NOT be replaced if lost or stolen, so you'll want to treat your AA eVoucher like cash
May not be redeemed for cash; only for a flight
May NOT be bought, sold or bartered; doing so voids the eVoucher

What You Can Use Your AA eVoucher For

An AA eVoucher can be used on an American Airlines, American Eagle, US Airways, AA codeshare or oneworld partner flight originating in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands.

What You Can't Use Your AA eVoucher For

Other than the above, you can't use your AA eVoucher for anything else. For example, you can't use your eVoucher for any of the following:

Upgrades
Preferred Seat fees
Excess baggage fees
Admirals Club membership or one-day passes
Pet fees
Unaccompanied minor fees
AAdvantage award travel taxes/fees

Redeeming Your AA eVoucher

You can redeem your eVoucher either online, at aa.com, or by calling AA Reservations; you can't redeem it at an airport ticket counter. Fortunately, you are NOT charged for calling AA Reservations.

If redeeming online, you'll see the option to enter an AA Gift Card / eVoucher on the payment screen; enter your eVoucher number and the 4 digit PIN.