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

You'll need to spend enough with your card to gain access to this perk.

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Steven Dashiell
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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's in this guide?

  1. What is the American Airlines Companion Certificate and how does it work?
  2. Compare credit cards with companion offers.
  3. How to use an American Airlines Companion Certificate: Steps to book.
  4. American Airlines Companion Certificate: The fine print.
  5. Bottom line
  6. Frequently asked questions

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:

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
3x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year, 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
Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, earn 3X points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
3x points on dining, including takeout and eligible delivery services, for the first year, 2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases
15.99% to 22.99% variable
$69
See offer
View details
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
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 $700, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Terms apply, see rates & fees
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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:

Name Product Filter values Rewards Purchase APR Annual fee
Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard®
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.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
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.
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
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.
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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.

How to maximize your American Airlines Companion Certificate.

The simplest way to make the most of your companion certificate is to use it when booking an expensive fare. Unfortunately, these flights must be within the continental US, so you can’t use this pass on flights to Alaska or Hawaii.

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

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2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    lbleuNovember 25, 2019

    Can i use my companion pass to purchase a flight for someone else? Am thinking to use it for my sons and his wife a trip?

    Reply
      Avatarfinder Customer Care
      nikkiangcoNovember 25, 2019Staff

      Hi Ibleu,

      Thanks for your comment. It’s nice to know that you are looking to share your companion pass with your son and his wife. It’s helpful to know that a companion pass is an airline perk that can be used to get a companion a reduced or waived airline ticket on a flight you’ve purchased for yourself. Given this information, you would need to be part of the trip for them to use your companion pass.

      Hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.

      Best,
      Nikki

      Reply
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