MCOs were traditionally issued by airlines or travel agencies to cover charges not tied directly to a standard flight ticket. Common examples included:
- Seat upgrades (e.g., economy to business class)
- Excess baggage fees
- Lounge access passes
- Rebooking or penalty fees
- Other ancillary airline services
Before electronic ticketing became the norm, MCOs helped streamline payment for these services, especially in managed travel programs where itemized reporting and policy compliance were key.
MCOs and Their Modern Replacement
Today, MCOs have been mostly replaced by Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs), which serve the same purpose but in a fully digital format. Airlines and global distribution systems now issue EMDs to support IATA’s e-ticketing standards.
Why It Still Matters
Although EMDs are the industry standard today, the term “MCO” continues to appear in some back-end systems, legacy platforms, and conversations with long-time industry professionals. Understanding the concept is still valuable for:
- Working with older GDS interfaces
- Reviewing historical travel records
- Auditing legacy travel transactions
- Training new travel management professionals
For corporate travel programs that span multiple regions or airline partnerships, familiarity with both terms ensures clarity across different systems and vendor relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced the Miscellaneous Charge Order?
The MCO has been replaced by the Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD), which allows for fully digital handling of non-ticket charges such as baggage, seat upgrades, or lounge access.
Are MCOs still used?
While the term may still appear in older systems or documentation, most airlines now use EMDs in compliance with modern e-ticketing standards.