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Understanding Delta Air Lines Companion Certificates

Delta Air Lines offers companion certificates as part of certain credit card products and elite frequent flyer status tiers. A companion certificate allows one additional passenger to fly with you on a Delta flight for a reduced fare or, in some cases, for only the cost of taxes and fees. This guide provides information about how these certificates work, what they cover, and how they fit into Delta's broader rewards structure.

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Companion certificates are not the same as free tickets. When you use a companion certificate, the primary passenger (you) must purchase a ticket at the full published fare or use miles to book. The companion then flies for a significantly reduced cost. The exact value of the certificate depends on the route, season, and which Delta products issued the certificate. A cross-country flight might provide greater savings than a short regional flight.

Delta has offered companion certificates through its American Express co-branded credit cards for many years. These cards typically provide one certificate per calendar year after you meet spending thresholds. Additionally, elite members of Delta's SkyMiles frequent flyer program—those who reach certain status levels like Diamond, Platinum, or Gold—may receive companion certificates as part of their annual benefits. Some corporate travel programs and specialized offers also include companion certificates.

The certificates typically come with specific rules about when you can use them. Most companion certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue. They usually apply only to Delta mainline flights, not to flights operated by Delta Connection partners. Round-trip flights, one-way flights, and multi-city itineraries may all be eligible, depending on the terms of your specific certificate.

Practical takeaway: Before using a companion certificate, review the terms that came with yours. Check the expiration date, any blackout dates, and whether it applies to your intended travel dates and routes. Different certificates have different restrictions.

How to Locate Your Companion Certificate Details

If you received a companion certificate as a cardholder benefit, Delta and American Express typically send details through multiple channels. When you first receive the certificate, you should get written information either in your credit card welcome materials or in a separate mailing. This documentation outlines the certificate number, expiration date, any restrictions, and instructions for using it. Keep this information in a safe place—you will need the certificate number when booking.

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You can also find companion certificate information through your Delta SkyMiles account online. Log into your account at delta.com, then look for sections labeled "My Wallet," "Benefits," or "Certificates and Upgrades." Your companion certificate should appear there with its certificate number and expiration date. If you have an active American Express Delta card, you may also see the certificate details on your American Express online account or in the American Express mobile app.

Elite members of the SkyMiles program can view benefits, including companion certificates, by logging into their frequent flyer account. Under the "Account" or "Benefits" section, you should see any active certificates. The display will show the expiration date and basic terms. Some elite certificates may have specific rules—for example, Diamond members might receive a different type of certificate than Gold members.

If you cannot locate your certificate online or in your records, contact Delta customer service or American Express customer service. They can confirm whether a certificate was issued to you, provide the certificate number if it was lost, and explain any restrictions. Keep your confirmation number from these contacts in case you need to reference the conversation later.

It is important to note that companion certificate rules can change based on when it was issued. Certificates issued in 2023 may have different terms than those issued in 2024. The guide you obtain should reflect the rules for the certificate you currently hold.

Practical takeaway: Check your accounts within 30 days of receiving a credit card or achieving elite status. Locate your certificate number and expiration date now, rather than waiting until you need to book a trip.

Booking Process and Restrictions

The process for using a companion certificate begins with booking your own ticket. You cannot book the companion ticket first or separately. You must first select your flight and book a ticket for yourself as the primary passenger. Once you have completed your own booking, you can then add the companion to the same itinerary using your certificate.

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When you book online through delta.com, after you complete your ticket purchase for yourself, you will see an option to add a companion using a certificate. You will enter your certificate number and select the companion passenger from the list of possible companions. The system will calculate the reduced fare for the companion. In most cases, you can book over the phone with a Delta representative, who will guide you through the process and confirm the certificate's validity before completing the booking.

Several important restrictions apply to companion certificates. Most cannot be used on basic economy fares or on flights with special promotional pricing. They typically work with main cabin, first class, or comfort plus seating. Some certificates exclude flights during peak travel periods—for example, the week before Thanksgiving or the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. International flights have their own rules; some certificates work on all Delta international flights, while others apply only to domestic routes.

The passenger using the certificate does not have to be traveling with you on the same reservation or in the same cabin. However, most terms require that both passengers be on the same flight. You cannot book the primary ticket on one flight and the companion on a different flight with a single certificate. The certificate applies to one specific flight for one companion on one occasion.

Companion certificates are not transferable in most cases. The person named as the certificate holder on the credit card must be the one using it. You cannot give your certificate to a friend or family member to use on their own trip. The primary passenger (the one whose ticket you purchase first) must be traveling on the flight as well.

Practical takeaway: Before booking, verify your travel dates against any blackout dates listed in your certificate terms. Call Delta if you are uncertain whether your specific flight is eligible.

Fare Categories and What the Certificate Covers

The financial value of a companion certificate depends on the fare type of the flight you are booking. Delta fares fall into several categories: basic economy, main cabin, comfort plus, first class, and business class. Companion certificates typically apply most broadly to main cabin fares. This means if you book a main cabin ticket for yourself, your companion usually receives a heavily discounted main cabin fare.

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If you book a first-class ticket for yourself, your certificate may or may not allow your companion to fly first class at the companion rate. Some certificates specify that the companion must fly main cabin regardless of what cabin you choose. Others allow the companion to match your cabin but charge a higher companion fare for first class than for main cabin. Premium cabin certificates—those that allow the companion to fly in first or business class—are typically offered only to very high-spending credit card customers or elite frequent flyer members at the highest status levels.

The companion certificate covers the base fare and taxes and fees for the companion passenger. It does not typically cover optional add-ons such as seat selections, checked bag fees (if the companion is not earning bags as a frequent flyer), or in-flight purchases. Baggage policy for the companion depends on the companion's status in the SkyMills program and the ticket type, not on the certificate itself.

The price you pay for the companion ticket is usually fixed rather than variable based on when you book. Some certificates specify an exact dollar amount—for example, "$99 companion fare per segment." Others specify a percentage discount—for example, "75% off the ticket price." A few offer round-trip companion fares at a specific price, such as "$199 round-trip." The terms of your certificate will specify which pricing model applies.

It is important to understand that using a companion certificate does not earn the companion miles or elite qualification miles on their portion of the ticket. The miles and elite credits are tied to the ticket you purchase for yourself. The companion is simply paying a reduced fare; they are not earning frequent flyer benefits from that portion unless they have their own SkyMiles account and you add their number to the reservation.

Practical takeaway: Compare the companion fare quoted during booking against the lowest available economy fares on the same flight. On some routes, the companion rate may not be as good a value as advance-purchase economy fares.

Annual Cycles and Certificate Renewal

Credit card companion certificates typically renew once per year on your card anniversary date. If you received your certificate in January 2024, you would receive another certificate in January

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