Managing Money In A Crisis
Weekly tips sent straight to your inbox
Travel Credit Card Guides
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn how we make money.
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.
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?
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:
{"niche":"USCCF"}
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:
{"niche":"USCCF"}
How to use an American Airlines Companion Certificate: Steps to book.
- Receive your companion certificate from American Airlines eight to 10 weeks after you meet your card’s eligibility requirements.
- Find qualifying round-trip domestic economy fare tickets for you and a companion.
- Book the flight through American Airlines Meetings Services.
- 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
More guides on Finder
-
Hawaiian Airlines Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals in 2020
Dreamy Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to take you to the beach.
-
Singapore Airlines Black Friday deals 2020
Cheap flights from Singapore Airlines to celebrate Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
-
Here’s when your American Airlines miles will expire
Learn when your American Airlines points will expire.
-
Chase credit cards with no foreign transaction fee
Find out which Chase credit cards have no foreign transaction fee.
-
Coronavirus: How to manage your credit card
Learn about coronavirus financial support options, complimentary insurance and other credit card details you may be wondering about.
-
How to get your money back for travel during the coronavirus
Refund or credit your trip’s costs even if your travel insurance is restricting coverage.
-
Coronavirus coverage: Can I use my credit card travel insurance?
You’ll need a doctor’s confirmation to use your travel insurance.
-
How to recover miles and points if you cancel your trip
Need to cancel a rewards trip? Here’s how to retrieve your points
-
Credit card rewards and perks during coronavirus
It depends on your situation and what type of rewards you have.
-
Best credit card perks
Credit cards often come with many perks you might not even know about.
Ask an Expert
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?
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