Delta Companion Certificate: How to get and use this perk

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.

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. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card certificates allow for main cabin bookings, while Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card 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:

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Name	Product	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee	Filter values
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card		40,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases	$250		This card boasts a welcome offer worth up to $720, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card		40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$550		Delta's luxury offering shines with access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, an annual companion certificate and more valuable travel perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card		45,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	3x miles on direct Delta and hotel purchases, 1.5x miles on single purchases over $5,000 up to 50,000 miles per year, and 1x miles on all other purchases	$250		Earn 45,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 statement credit after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe. Rates & fees	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card		45,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases on up to $150,000 in a calendar year, then 1.5x miles on non-Delta purchases the rest of the year	$550		Earn 45,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months. Rates & fees	View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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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.

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.

Compare airline credit cards

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Name	Product	Welcome offer	Rewards	Annual fee	Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card		60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	$95		Earn a signup bonus worth $750 with this popular travel card. Combine with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards for even greater value.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®		50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases	$550		Get a generous $300 in annual travel credits, 3x points on travel and dining, and a 50% bonus on point redemptions with Chase's premier card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card		35,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)		With a welcome offer worth up to $600, up to 2x miles on select purchases, and assorted Delta perks, this is a strong choice for Delta fans. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card		10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months	2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$0		Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining with this simple, entry-level Delta card, and pay no annual fee. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi		N/A	4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases	$0		Get 3% back on your travel and dining purchases with no foreign transaction fees and use the card for your Costco membership.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases	$149		Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$69		Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card		40,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases	$250		This card boasts a welcome offer worth up to $720, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card		40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	$550		Delta's luxury offering shines with access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, an annual companion certificate and more valuable travel perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card		40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	$99		Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com		See terms	See terms	See terms		Use the CardMatch tool to find cards you're likely to qualify for with your credit score, without a hard pull on your credit.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card		50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	3x Avios on British Airways and partner airlines, 2x on hotels and 1x on all other purchases	$95		50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United Gateway℠ Card		Earn a signup bonus of 20,000 miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on United Airlines, gas stations, local transit and commuting, and 3x miles at grocery stores on up to $1,500 per month through 9/30/2021. After that and on all other purchases you'll earn 1x miles	$0		Earn a signup bonus of 20,000 miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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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 rarely use it.

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.

Frequently asked questions

• Can a Delta companion certificate be upgraded?

  Yes, though only on eligible flights and when seating is available. Read your Card Member Agreement for more information.

• Do I earn miles on a Delta companion ticket?

  No. Only the primary ticket on a companion reservation will accrue Delta miles.

• Can you use a Delta companion certificate with miles?

  Yes. You can use the companion fare on tickets booked with miles.