Delta Airlines offers companion certificates as a benefit to cardholders of certain Delta SkyMiles credit cards. These certificates allow the cardholder to bring along a companion on a flight for a small fee, providing a great way to take someone along on a trip for a fraction of the normal ticket cost.
What are Delta companion certificates?
A Delta companion certificate allows the primary cardholder to designate a companion to travel with them on a Delta flight within the continental U.S. and between the continental U.S. and Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Canada, Mexico and Central America.
The companion must be booked on the same flight and itinerary as the primary cardholder. Delta charges minimal taxes and fees for the companion’s flight, which are capped at $75 for mainland U.S. flights and $175 for Hawaii/Alaska flights on domestic itineraries.
How do you get a Delta companion certificate?
To earn a Delta companion certificate, you must have one of the following Delta SkyMiles credit cards:
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
The Platinum Delta SkyMiles cards provide one companion certificate upon your account renewal each year. The Reserve Delta SkyMiles cards provide two companion certificates upon your account renewal annually.
When do Delta companion certificates expire?
Delta companion certificates are valid for one year from the date of issue. For example, if your certificate posts to your account on March 1, 2023, it will expire on February 28, 2024.
It’s important to use your companion certificates within the validity period, as they do not roll over to the next year if unused. You also cannot extend the expiration date on a companion certificate.
How do I use a Delta companion certificate?
Using a Delta companion certificate is easy:
- Log into your Delta SkyMiles account and locate your unused companion certificates under “My Wallets.”
- Search for an eligible Delta flight and select your departure. Companion certificates can only be used on Delta-marketed and Delta-operated flights.
- Enter passenger details for yourself and your companion.
- Select your companion certificate at checkout to have the fees and taxes applied.
- Pay the taxes and fees for your companion’s flight.
One thing to note is that companion certificates cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions. The companion fare is subject to availability, so you may need to be flexible with dates and times to find two seats together.
What are the fees for using a Delta companion certificate?
When using a Delta companion certificate, you’ll pay minimal taxes and fees for your companion’s flight. This ranges from $0 to $75 for mainland U.S. itineraries and $0 to $175 for Hawaii/Alaska flights.
For 2022, the Delta companion certificate fees are:
Flight Type | Taxes and Fees |
---|---|
Within the continental U.S. | $75 |
Between mainland U.S. and Hawaii | $175 |
Between mainland U.S. and Alaska | $175 |
Delta reserves the right to change these rates, but historically they have remained steady at $75/$175 for mainland/Hawaii/Alaska flights.
What class of service can I book with a companion certificate?
Delta companion certificates are valid for economy class travel only. You cannot use them to book first class, Comfort+ or Delta One seats. This applies even if the primary cardholder is flying in a premium cabin.
Can I use a companion certificate to upgrade my flight?
Unfortunately, Delta companion certificates cannot be used to upgrade your companion’s flight to a premium cabin like first class. You and your companion must fly in economy seating when using a companion certificate.
However, the primary cardholder can choose to upgrade their own flight using miles or certificates. The companion must fly in economy, while the primary cardholder could sit in first class.
What other Delta SkyMiles credit card perks are available?
In addition to the valuable companion certificates, Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer other benefits like:
- Welcome bonus miles – 10,000-100,000+ miles
- Annual bonus miles – Up to 60,000 miles
- First checked bag free
- Priority boarding
- 20% savings on in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also provide perks like a complimentary Delta Sky Club membership and access to American Express Centurion Lounges when you’re flying Delta.
Tips for maximizing Delta companion certificates
To get the most value from Delta companion certificates, keep these tips in mind:
- Book further out – Find award availability by booking at least 3 months in advance
- Fly during off-peak times – Dates around the holidays fill up fast
- Consider connecting flights – More availability than nonstop routes
- Check alternate airports – Search nearby cities for more options
- Set up flight alerts – Delta will email you when preferred flights open up
Do other airlines offer companion certificates?
While Delta is one of the most popular companion certificate offerings, a few other airlines also provide similar perks including:
- United – Primary cardholder & companion receive two 2-for-1 roundtrip domestic tickets (expires annually)
- Alaska Airlines – Companion fare from $121 (no expiration)
- Hawaiian Airlines – One companion fare from $99 (expires annually)
Most airline credit cards restrict companion certificates to economy flights within the U.S. and Canada. Availability is limited, so flexibility with dates is key when redeeming them.
The bottom line on Delta companion certificates
Delta companion certificates offer significant savings, allowing cardholders to buy one ticket and get a second ticket for just minimal taxes and fees. Keeping track of your certificate expiration dates, planning in advance, and having scheduling flexibility is key to maximizing the value.
For frequent Delta flyers who often travel with a companion, the savings from the certificate benefit can easily offset the annual fee on the Delta SkyMiles credit cards.