[phil21]

Where is this information coming from?

I've received large (not $10k) vouchers from major airlines before, and the only restriction is the expiration date.

They are effectively the same as cash for that airline, and I have yet to see a VDB voucher that is significantly restricted.

Airlines do give away a lot of "good will" certificates during irrops (e.g. weather events) to upset customers, which function more like coupons than traditional vouchers.

I'm happy to be proven wrong, but checking with a few friends who between us fly all the major US carriers - VDB vouchers are effectively airline cash with an expiration date.