Eligible members get a buy one, get one fare free on their card anniversary.
If you’re an eligible Delta cobranded cardmember, you can get Delta’s round-trip companion certificate after each annual card renewal. Unlike some airlines’ competing certificates, the Delta companion certificate is free to redeem on eligible flights aside from fees and taxes. Think of it as a BOGO deal.
That said, be sure to read the fine print before using this certificate.
Our pick for earning Delta companion certificates
What is the Delta companion certificate and how does it work?
The Delta companion certificate is a pass valid for one round-trip first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin fare on eligible purchased flights within the 48 contiguous United States. Both passengers must be booked on the same flight and date at the same time.
The level of your companion certificate determines what class flight you’re able to book. Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express certificates allow for main cabin bookings, while Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express allows for first class, main cabin and Delta Comfort+ bookings.
How to get the Delta companion certificate
Delta awards one companion certificate to your account after each annual card renewal date. Unlike other competing companion certificates, you don’t need to do anything to become eligible for the companion certificate. All you need is a card that currently offers the companion certificate:
How to use a Delta companion certificate: Steps to book
Once issued, your certificate will appear under the credits and certificates section of your account. Simply click on the certificate to search eligible flights.
How to maximize your Delta Companion Pass.
Make the most of your Companion Pass by using it on an otherwise expensive fare. For example, you could save more than $900 on a first class flight from Phoenix to DC when redeeming your certificate
Note that the Delta companion certificate is transferable only before it’s issued to your account.
Delta companion certificate: The fine print
While earning and redeeming your Delta companion certificate is simple, there are quite a few rules to know before you book your flight:
There are two types of passes.
Depending on which credit card you own, you could either end up with the Delta Reserve companion certificate or the Delta Platinum companion certificate. The certificate you have determines your cabin options when you book your flight.
Only certain classes are eligible.
Companion certificate seats are only available in L, U, T, X and V for main cabin flights. You’re limited to I and Z classes for first class travel and only W for Delta Comfort+ travel. This means you might need to plan your trip well ahead of time to find eligible classes for your flight.
Only Delta flights are eligible.
This includes Delta, Delta Connection carrier and Delta Shuttle flights.
You’re responsible for taxes and fees.
This includes any checked bags not waived by your Delta credit card.
You can’t redeem certificates in combination with other offers.
This includes discounts such as web fares, sale fares and eCoupons.
Certificates expire.
You’ll need to book and complete your certificate flight by the date listed on your certificate.
You must book your flights with your Delta credit card.
You’ll need to book both flights on your credit card for eligibility.
No stopovers.
Open-jaws, circle trips and stopovers are not permitted when redeeming your companion certificate.
Blackout dates.
All blackout dates for your companion certificate are subject to the rules of the primary ticket fare.
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Bottom line
Receiving a free Delta companion certificate every year will cover your credit card’s annual fee, making it a worthwhile card even if you don’t use it much.
You’re trading some flexibility for the BOGO nature of the Delta companion certificate, however, so plan ahead when it nears time to redeem it.
If you’re looking for cards that offer more flexible companion pass offerings, compare airline cards to find one that fits your needs.