Although the Platinum version of the card has a higher annual fee then the Gold version, there are some added benefits that you’ll receive on an annual. One benefit is being to use a companion certificate on a a yearly basis. I’ve received many questions regarding this companion certificate, so I wanted to detail out some FAQs for you.
Delta Companion Certificate FAQs
- Do I receive the companion certificate immediately upon applying for the card? Unfortunately, you only receive the companion certificate upon account renewal. So you will have to wait about a year after receiving the card to take advantage of this benefit.
- What routes are the companion certificates good for? The companion certificate will allow another person to fly with you on the exact same itinerary. It is valid for all Delta, Delta Connection, and Delta Shuttle flights within the continental US. That means flights to/from Alaska and Hawaii are not eligible. Although, if you are a resident of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, you can use the companion certificate, but only to fly from home to the continental US and back.
- What are the limitations with the companion certificate? To use the companion certificate you need to purchase your ticket at least 14 days in advance with a minimum 3-night stay. Although, even though you are limited to just coach tickets, you are even more limited to the fare class. Eligible flights must be booked with fare class L, U, or T. Also, if you need to cancel a flight booked using the companion certificate, you will not get the certificate back to use on a future flight.
- Can someone really fly for free by using the companion certificate? Sorta. While the base fare is free, you’ll still be on the hook to pay the required taxes and fees which can vary depending on the route. The cost, however, will never be more than $75 roundtrip (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Keep in mind though that the person booked using the companion ticket (i.e., the free ticket) will not earn miles for their flight.
- How do I redeem the companion certificate? You can redeem the companion certificate quite easily. It is tied to your Delta SkyMiles account, so all you have to do is log in, go to “My Delta” and you’ll see it in the “Credits and Certificates” section under “My Wallet”. Or, if you know your 8-digit companion certificate number, you can redeem directly here. You also must use your Platinum Delta SkyMiles credit card to pay for the tickets.
- Can I gift the companion certificate to someone else? Yes! You are not required to be flying to use the companion ticket. You are able to give the certificate to anyone you desire so they can book a flight and have any one of their friends/family members use the certificate.
In theory, the companion certificate can save you money if you are a Delta flier and can offset the annual fee. However, some folks have complained about the difficult usage of the certificate due to the requirement of the flight being booked in that L, U, or T fare class. While these are the discount coach fare classes, it might not be your desired route. However, if you are one to plan in advance and have flexibility, you will most likely be able to get your moneys worth.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
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I’ve stayed away from Delta Cards since I live in Hawaii but if this means I can use the companion certificate for flights from HAwaii, then this is a great deal.
I had no idea you could gift the certificate. Any idea where to find out more?
@Christina – Yup! The terms state: “The Companion Certificate is transferable, Primary ticket and Companion ticket are not transferable once issued. Companion Certificate may not be bartered or sold. Companion Certificates or Companion tickets acquired through prohibited sale/barter transactions are void and will not be honored for travel.”
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/planning-a-trip/booking-information/online-booking/companion-certificates.html
@Presley – I live on Oahu and have had the Delta card for years. The Gold used to have a companion cert for $100, and when they got rid of that I upgraded to Platinum for the free companion cert.
If your flight originates from Hawaii, you can use the cert to fly RT to the mainland. We’ve flown to the west coast for super cheap, and found $600 flights to the east. Book early and be flexible. There is value for Hawaii travelers, even with the annual fee factored in.
@Chrisitian – Yes, someone else can use your certificate. You need to go to your account to book for them and charge on your Platinum card. They can pay you back. That’s the only way I’ve done it. I don’t think you can give your code since it’s linked to your personal account.
I know it says they’re not eligible for upgrades, but say you’re a Diamond, and there’s space up front, will they really not upgrade you? (Sometimes policies say things, and it’s a different story at the airport.) Any experience with this aspect? Thanks!
@JT – Most of the airlines follow the strict guidelines these days, so chances are slim, but you never know.
Good morning,
I know people who never use their certificates. I didn’t begin to understand until I started using mine. Delta has so many restrictions to use this certificate. To lose normal travel benefits, as a frequent flyer that is, like the ability to be upgraded or if the trip is cancelled you lose the ability to use the certificate for another trip. This makes zero sense to me, other than the company wanting customers to spend more money to upgrade or pay for another ticket.
Know don’t get me wrong, I’ve used my companion certificates and it’s been a nice savings in cost for my kids or friends who couldn’t otherwise afford to buy a ticket. On the flip side, it’s disappointing or perhaps more confusing when you’re on a flight that has several empty first class seats and there are only two names on the upgrade list and yours isn’t one of them. What can I say, I enjoy the perks of first class, especially on long and full flights.
On another, somewhat related topic. I went on a trip this past weekend and booked my boyfriend’s ticket with mine (paid ticket, not a certificate) and upgraded our seats the Delta Comfort when I booked our flights. I didn’t notice until after the fact that I was not upgrade eligible. Do you know why? I found this a bit annoying and confusing as well.
Any light you can shed regarding the loss/limitation of benefits would be appreciated.
BTW- I didn’t know you could gift the companion certificate and that the original owner of the certificate didn’t have to travel! That’s awesome. 🙂
Thanks,
Regina
“Plan your trip” is the key here. I have DELTA Skymile PLTNM card since last 12 years, only used Companion Cert once. Most of time; even if I have tried to plan; the fare class was not available. Also DELTA chews off 14 days from the validity of certificate (e.g. Certificate expiring on Dec 31; you got to have ducks in row by Dec 16th — 14 days ahead of time). Nevertheless – after using this card for a decade, I can safely say that this benefit is almost useless, difficult to use and with DELTA’s inflexible attitude; i have known a lot of users who can’t just use the companion certificate.
Where have you been flying to/from? If you have only been able to use the companion pass sparingly, why do you have the card?
I had the platinum card for three years. I just got the gold card again. The fellow told me I was due for the companion ticket and he thought I should get it right away. That is what I’m asking about, Thank you.
What is your question? Is part of your post missing?
Are we allowed to use SkyMiles when purchasing the flight we are planning to use our companion certificate with?
No.
Tried to use the companion ticket 65 days our following all rules to Newark. While many of the class section were available when I looked online they were not available when using a “companion” ticket (to Newark???). The delta agents comment was “you can be deceived looking online.” Maybe that is their intent!
I would not consider this a “real” benefit if you get this card.