American Airlines Companion Certificate: How to get and use this perk

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is the airline’s own spin on the companion fare perk, offering a travel partner of your choice the opportunity to come along for the ride on one round-trip flight.

Here’s how to earn and make the most of the American Airlines Companion Certificate.

What is the American Airlines Companion Certificate and how does it work?

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is a credit card bonus that allows the cardholder to book an additional, identical eligible flight for a travel partner for just $99. If you have the AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®, you’ll earn two passes rather than one.

How to get the American Airlines Companion Certificate

To earn your annual companion certificate, you’ll need to be a CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® or AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard® cardholder and meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Spend at least $30,000 in eligible purchases during each membership year.
• Keep your account open for at least 45 days after your account anniversary date.

Compare credit cards with companion offers.

American Airlines is just one of several airlines to offer a companion fare. Here are some of the other cobranded cards that offer this perk:

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card			2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases	15.99% to 22.99% variable	$149	See offer View details	Huge signup bonus with Companion Pass® through 2/28/2022 plus 30,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card			2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	15.99% to 22.99% variable	$69	See offer View details	The popular Companion Pass® is back through 2/28/2022. Earn it plus 30,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card			3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases	15.74% to 24.74% variable	$250	Apply now View details	This card boasts a welcome offer worth up to $720, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Terms apply, see rates & fees	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How to earn your American Airlines Companion Certificate faster.

You’ll be eligible as long as you reach the spending threshold, but you can make the most of your card by spending on categories that earn you bonus rewards as well. This includes gas, cable and satellite providers, car rentals, telecommunications and American Airlines purchases.

Current cards that can help you earn this certificate include:

Sort by:

Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®			2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, at gas stations and restaurants and 1x miles on all other purchases	15.99% to 24.99% variable	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)	View details	Earn 50,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $2,500 in the first 3 months. All information about this card has been collected independently by Finder.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®			2x miles on American Airlines, gas stations and select business categories and 1x miles on all other purchases	15.99% to 24.99% variable	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)	View details	65,000 AAdvantage® miles after making $4,000 in purchases in first 4 months of account opening. All information about this card has been collected independently by Finder.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®			2x miles on American Airlines purchases and 1x miles on everything else	15.99%, 19.99% or 24.99% variable	$95	View details	Earn 60,000 bonus miles and a companion certificate when you make a purchase in the first 90 days and pay the annual fee.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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How to use an American Airlines Companion Certificate: Steps to book.

1. Receive your companion certificate from American Airlines eight to 10 weeks after you meet your card’s eligibility requirements.
2. Find qualifying round-trip domestic economy fare tickets for you and a companion.
3. Book the flight through American Airlines Meetings Services.
4. Apply the certificate at booking.

American Airlines Companion Certificate: The fine print.

There are a few rules and regulations you’ll need to keep in mind when using your companion certificate:

• You are responsible for taxes and fees associated with your flight.
• You must book your flight through American Airlines Meeting Services.
• Flights must be booked and purchased in Main Cabin inventory.
• You can only use your companion certificate on flights within the 48 continental United States.
• Companion certificates are only valid on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or associated partners.
• Not redeemable on oneworld® carriers or on American Airlines codeshare flights.

Bottom line

If you’re already an eligible American Airlines cardholder or frequently fly with the carrier, you’ll enjoy the value of the companion certificate. It serves as a nice bonus on top of the other rewards available through their cobranded cards.

However, the spending requirements needed to obtain a companion certificate mean this offer falls somewhat short when compared to some of its competitors that don’t require spending, such as the Alaska Famous Companion Pass.

Compare other credit cards that offer companion fares to find one that provides you with the right mix of value and spending power.

Frequently asked questions

• Does the American Airlines Companion Certificate expire?

  Yes. You must redeem your certificate within one year of when American Airlines issues your certificate.

• Can I use my companion certificate if I live in Alaska or Hawaii?

  Yes. Residents of these states can use their pass to travel from home to any of the eligible 48 continental United States.

• What are the blackout dates on my American Airlines Companion Certificate?

  Blackout dates are not currently listed on the American Airlines site. You’ll receive blackout date information when American Airlines issues your companion certificate.