How to use Delta Companion Certificate: step-by-step guide

If you hold a Delta credit card that includes a Companion Certificate, this guide explains exactly how to use the Delta Companion Certificate to book a discounted second seat. I walk through eligibility, the booking flow, examples of pricing mechanics, and common pitfalls so you can redeem yours with confidence.

✈️ What a Companion Certificate is and who gets one

A Delta Companion Certificate is a benefit offered by select Delta SkyMiles® American Express credit cards that lets you bring a companion on a round‑trip Delta flight for the cost of taxes and fees only (typically starting around $80–$100 for domestic travel).

The certificate allows you to book two tickets for the price of one:

• Primary traveler: Pays the regular airfare
• Companion traveler: Pays only taxes and government fees

You must use the certificate when booking—it's not applied after purchase. 💳 Which Delta Credit Cards Offer It

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum AmEx - Main Cabin (Shown in the video)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve AmEx - First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin

YouTube Video - Delta Companion Certificate

🧾 Key rules and limits you must know

Before learning how to use the Delta Companion Certificate, check these common restrictions. Exact terms vary by card and year, so review the certificate terms before booking.

• Eligible travel: Usually round-trip within the contiguous United States.
• Fare class: Most certificates require Main Cabin fares. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve AmEx cards allow First Class or Delta Comfort+ on select certificates.
• Expiration: Certificates expire—note the expiration date and redeem before it lapses. If the certificate expires, it is gone!
• Payment requirement: The ticket must be purchased with the card that issued the certificate.
• Passenger count: Book two passengers on the same reservation; the certificate covers the companion only when booked together.
• You book directly at delta.com while logged into your SkyMiles account

🛠️ Step-by-step: How to use the Delta Companion Certificate

I break down the practical steps I use when redeeming a certificate. Follow this checklist to avoid common mistakes.

1. Sign in to your Delta account. Use the SkyMiles account tied to the card that issued the certificate.
2. Open Certificates, e-credits, and vouchers. Locate your companion certificate and read the terms.
3. Click Redeem. This attaches the certificate to the booking flow, so eligible fares display companion pricing.

Pay with the issuing card. The booking must be completed using the card associated with the companion certificate. 

Select seats and add passenger details. Enter both passenger names and choose seats. You can often change seats later, but confirm before final purchase.

Choose eligible flights and fares. Not every flight or fare bucket allows the certificate. Look for pricing that reflects the companion reduction or confirm eligibility details on the checkout page.

Search for round-trip flights. Select the origin and destination within the permitted area. Select two passengers in the search to ensure companion pricing is displayed.

💡 Pricing example and what to expect

When I explain how to use the Delta Companion Certificate, people often ask, "How is it priced?" The usual pattern is:

• You pay the full fare for the primary passenger.
• The companion ticket is charged only the government taxes and carrier-imposed fees, usually between $5 and $200, depending on the route.
• If the fare bucket for the primary ticket changes or you upgrade the primary, you may owe a fare difference for the companion as well.

Example: if the round-trip Main Cabin fare is $400, you will pay $400 for Passenger A and roughly $20-150 in taxes/fees for Passenger B. The total is generally just above the single-fare price, making the certificate a substantial savings.

⚠️ Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid

I see the same errors repeatedly when people try to redeem certificates. Avoid these:

• Not reading the certificate terms: Restrictions on routes, cabin class, and blackouts can invalidate the booking if ignored.
• Using a different credit card: If you do not charge the booking to the issuing card, the certificate may not apply.
• Searching for one passenger: The companion price only appears when two passengers are selected during booking.
• Assuming awards or upgrades are allowed: Many certificates cannot be used on award tickets, partner flights, or some promotional fares.
• Waiting too long to select seats: While you can usually change seats, selecting early ensures you sit together and avoids complications.

🔁Companion Certificate Changes and Cancellations

Changing a Trip Booked with a Companion Certificate

If you need to change a trip booked with a Delta Companion Certificate, there’s an important rule to know: both tickets are always treated as a pair.

If either the primary ticket or the companion ticket is changed:

• Both tickets will be changed together
• The Companion Certificate is automatically applied to the new itinerary

The primary ticket will be reissued at the current fare, and you’ll be responsible for:

• Any fare difference
• Any applicable change fees

⏰ Important: Companion Certificates and any resulting eCredits are valid for one year from the original issue date, not from the date you make the change.

🧳 Practical tips I use when redeeming

• Book early: Companion-eligible seats are capacity-controlled, so earlier booking gives better options and lower fares.
• Verify the itinerary and names: booking errors can be costly to fix later.
• Take screenshots or save confirmations: Keep proof of the certificate and the final price in case of discrepancies.
• Consider the Reserve card if you need upgrades: Some higher-tier Delta cards issue certificates that allow access to premium cabins; check your card benefits.

📌 Quick checklist: Redeem companion certificate

1. Sign in to the SkyMiles account that has the certificate.
2. Open Certificates, e-credits, and vouchers, and click Redeem.
3. Search for round-trip flights with two passengers selected.
4. Pick eligible Main Cabin (or permitted cabin) fares.
5. Pay with the card that issued the certificate and complete booking.
6. Save confirmation and review the certificate expiration and rules.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Can I use the companion certificate on international flights?

No. Most companion certificates are limited to travel within the contiguous United States. Some card versions and promotions may allow select Alaska or Canada routes, but you must confirm the terms for your specific certificate before booking.

Do I need to specify the companion when redeeming the certificate?

Yes. Both passenger names must be added during booking. The companion can be anyone, but the reservation must include both travelers at the time of purchase.

What happens if I change flights after using the certificate?

If you make a change to either the primary ticket or the companion ticket, both tickets must be changed together. The Companion Certificate will automatically carry over to the new itinerary.

The primary ticket will be reissued, and any applicable fare difference and fees will apply.

✅ Final takeaway

Knowing how to use a Delta Companion Certificate turns a costly second ticket into a taxes-and-fees-only expense in many cases. The key is to read your certificate terms, redeem it before expiration, select eligible two-passenger fares, and pay with the issuing card. Follow the checklist in this guide, and you should be able to lock in significant savings on domestic round-trips.