ARC/IAR - Voiding a Ticket

GDS Voids
IAR Voids
Voiding Electronic Tickets (E-tickets)
Void – Modification Schedule Chart

GDS Voids

Currently, when a transaction must be voided, ARC recommends that agents perform that void action directly in their GDS. This ensures both the GDS record and the carriers’ electronic ticket (ET) database are properly updated and voided. The GDS void action must be performed in the GDS by 11:59 PM local time one business day following the date of issue. If a transaction is issued on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, it must be voided in the GDS by 11:59 PM local time on Monday.

The next business day GDS void window applies to all transactions. Straight sale and refund transactions become non-modifiable after the void window closes because that is when those transactions are reported to the carrier.

IAR Voids

Although ARC recommends that agents perform voids directly in their GDS, it is understood that occasionally a void must be performed directly in IAR. When it becomes necessary to void a transaction loaded into IAR from the GDS, that void action must be performed by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the first business day following the issuance of the sale. This is the same void timeframe that applies to voids performed in the GDS. The void of any transaction that was manually entered into IAR must be performed by 11:59 PM Eastern Time of the same day the transaction is manually added into IAR.

Voiding Electronic Tickets (E-tickets)

In most cases, a void of an E-ticket performed directly in IAR updates the carrier's E-ticket database. When an agent voids an E-ticket in IAR, ARC sends a real-time message to the ticketing carrier's E-ticket database requesting permission to void the E-ticket. The carrier determines whether or not the E-ticket can be voided. If the E-ticket can be voided, the carrier sends a confirmation message back to ARC, along with an Electronic Settlement Authorization Code (ESAC), verifying that the E-ticket has been voided in the carrier's database and displays a void confirmation message back to the agent in IAR. If the E-ticket cannot be voided, the carrier denies the request in a response message and a message is displayed back to the agent in IAR that the E-ticket cannot be voided.

This E-ticket void functionality helps maintain synchronization between IAR and the carrier's e-ticket database and decreases the number of debit memos issued by carriers that occur as a result of e-tickets being voided in IAR. ARC recommends that the safest and most effective way to void an e-ticket is to use the void procedures established by your GDS. Voids performed in your GDS will occur in IAR overnight and may be viewed in your IAR sales report the next day.

American recommends checking to make sure the ticket is voided and also voiding the itinerary in the PNR to prevent passenger travel. A maximum of one electronic ticket may be voided at a time. If multiple tickets must be voided, a separate void entry must be entered for each ticket.

Per the IATA Travel Agency Handbook, Resolution 830a, when agencies void a ticket in a PNR, the itinerary should be canceled.

Void – Modification Schedule Chart

Please note – Electronic Ticket Exchanges must be voided on the same date.

Note – transactions including MCO’s, Agent Automated Deductions (AAD), and Adjustment Transactions can be modified by Tuesday, 11:59PM (ET) – the weekly sales report deadline.

·         Refer to your ARC Handbook for details or contact your GDS provider for proper voiding procedures.

To ensure the ticket is properly voided, it should be voided through both your IAR report and GDS. Failure to void in both IAR and the GDS may result in the passenger being charged. American recommends checking to make sure the ticket is voided, and the itinerary is canceled in the PNR to prevent passenger travel. For more information, visit www.arccorp.com and contact your GDS.

For BSP/Canada Void information, refer to BSP Same Day Void

For refund within 24 hours of ticket issuance, see BSP Ticket Refund

Updated: May 2023