Planning a trip can be exciting, but the costs of flights often put a damper on those travel dreams. What if you could bring someone along for almost free? That's where the American Express Companion Ticket comes in! It's a fantastic perk offered on certain American Express co-branded credit cards, primarily with airlines like Delta and British Airways, that can significantly reduce the cost of traveling with a companion. Think of it as a "buy one, get one" deal for airfare, where you pay for one ticket and your companion's base fare is covered – you just handle their taxes and fees. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how this valuable benefit works.
Understanding the American Express Companion Ticket
The American Express Companion Ticket isn't a universal benefit across all Amex cards. It's specifically tied to certain airline co-branded credit cards. The most prominent examples are:
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Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards: These are the most common in the US to offer a companion certificate. Eligibility varies by card level (Platinum, Reserve).
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British Airways American Express Cards (UK-focused): These cards offer a Companion Voucher, which functions similarly but with British Airways flights and Avios redemption.
While the core idea is the same – get a second ticket for your companion when you purchase one – the terms and conditions, eligible fare classes, and redemption process can differ greatly between airline partners and even between different tiers of the same airline's card.
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| How Does The American Express Companion Ticket Work |
Step 1: Discover If You're Eligible and What You've Earned! ✈️
The first and most crucial step is to confirm if your American Express card offers a companion ticket and, if so, what kind you've earned. Don't assume – check your card's benefits!
Sub-heading: Which Cards Offer Companion Tickets?
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Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Typically offers a Companion Certificate valid for a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.
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Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Generally provides a Companion Certificate that can be used for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flights within the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.
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British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card (UK): Earns a Companion Voucher valid for a 2-for-1 Avios redemption in any cabin (including Club World/Business and First Class) on British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus flights.
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British Airways American Express® Credit Card (UK): Earns a Companion Voucher valid for a 2-for-1 Avios redemption in economy (World Traveller) on British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus flights.
How to Earn It: For Delta cards, the Companion Certificate is typically issued annually after your card renewal and payment of the annual fee. For British Airways cards, you usually need to meet a specific spending threshold within a 12-month period.
Sub-heading: Finding Your Companion Ticket
Once you're eligible and have earned it, you'll need to locate your certificate.
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
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For Delta Companion Certificates:
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Log in to your SkyMiles account on Delta.com.
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Navigate to your Profile.
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Look for "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers" or a similar section. Your Companion Certificate should be listed there.
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You might also receive an email with an 8-character certificate code. You can use this code directly on Delta's redemption page (
delta.com/redeem
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For British Airways Companion Vouchers:
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Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account.
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Your Companion Voucher will usually appear in your "Vouchers" or "My account" section.
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It's crucial to note the expiration date of your certificate/voucher! They typically have a validity period (e.g., 12 or 24 months from issue), and travel must be booked and completed by that date.
Step 2: Understanding the Rules and Restrictions
This is where many people get tripped up. Companion tickets come with a specific set of rules that can affect their usability. Ignoring these can lead to frustration!
Sub-heading: Key Restrictions for Delta Companion Certificates
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Round-Trip Travel Only: Certificates are valid for round-trip flights.
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Same Itinerary: Both the primary cardholder and the companion must be booked on the same flights and dates, on the same reservation.
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Eligible Fare Classes: This is often the biggest hurdle. Companion Certificates are typically limited to specific, often lower-priced fare classes within Main Cabin, Comfort+, or First Class (depending on your card). These fare classes are not always available on every flight, especially popular routes or peak travel dates.
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For Main Cabin, you might be looking for fare codes like L, U, T, X, or V.
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For First Class, it could be I or Z.
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You cannot use them on Basic Economy (E) fares.
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Origin and Destination: For Delta, flights must typically originate from the U.S. and travel to destinations within the U.S. (including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.
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Delta-Operated Flights: Flights must be marketed and operated by Delta or Delta Connection carriers. Code-share flights operated by other airlines are usually not eligible.
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Taxes and Fees: While the base fare for the companion is covered, you are responsible for paying the government-imposed taxes and fees for both tickets. These can be up to $80 for domestic round-trip flights and up to $250 for international flights (to eligible destinations).
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Payment Method: The full cost of the primary ticket and all taxes/fees for both tickets must be paid using your eligible American Express Delta SkyMiles card.
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No Blackout Dates (but limited availability): While there aren't official "blackout dates" listed, the limited availability of eligible fare classes can feel like blackout dates. Flights during peak travel times (holidays, spring break) are less likely to have these lower fare classes available.
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Primary Traveler Earns Miles: Only the primary ticket typically earns SkyMiles and any associated Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) or Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs).
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Transferability: While the certificate itself might be transferable before booking, once tickets are issued, they are not transferable. The primary cardholder does not necessarily have to be one of the travelers.
Sub-heading: Key Restrictions for British Airways Companion Vouchers
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Avios Redemption: Companion Vouchers are used in conjunction with Avios points. You pay the Avios for one ticket, and the companion's Avios fare is free.
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Taxes, Fees, and Carrier Charges: You are responsible for paying all applicable taxes, fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges for both passengers. These can sometimes be substantial, particularly on long-haul routes.
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British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus: Vouchers are valid on flights operated by these airlines.
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Cabin Class: Depends on your specific card. The Premium Plus Card voucher allows any cabin, while the standard Credit Card voucher is usually restricted to economy.
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Availability: Reward Flight availability can be limited, especially in premium cabins. Booking well in advance is often necessary.
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Origin: Vouchers earned from September 2021 onwards can be used for bookings departing from outside the UK as well.
Step 3: The Search for Availability and Booking Process
This is arguably the most challenging part of using a companion ticket, especially for Delta certificates. Flexibility is your best friend here!
Sub-heading: For Delta Companion Certificates: The Search & Book Dance
QuickTip: Slow down when you hit numbers or data.
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Start Your Search on Delta.com:
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Crucially, begin by searching for two passengers, even if you're technically only paying for one.
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Log in to your SkyMiles account.
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Go to the "Book a Trip" section.
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Select "SkyMiles Program" or "Use Miles" (even though you're paying cash for the primary ticket, this often helps in the initial search interface, or you can look specifically for "Companion Certificates" under your profile).
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Enter your desired origin, destination, and dates.
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Important: Select the "Companion Certificate" checkbox if available during the search process, or apply it later from your "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers" section.
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Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations:
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If your initial search doesn't show eligible flights, don't give up immediately.
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Try different dates: Weekdays, off-peak seasons, or mid-day flights often have better availability.
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Consider alternative airports: If your primary destination has multiple airports, check all of them.
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Use the "Fare Class" filter (if available): Some advanced search tools or even Delta's website might allow you to filter by specific fare classes (L, U, T, X, V for Main Cabin; I, Z for First Class). This can save you a lot of time. Tools like Google Flights or ITA Matrix can also help identify flights with these fare classes, though you'll still need to book on Delta.com.
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Applying the Certificate:
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Once you find an eligible flight, proceed to the booking page.
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Ensure the Companion Certificate is applied to the reservation. The system should automatically recognize it if you've selected it.
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You'll see the base fare for the companion zeroed out, and you'll be charged only the taxes and fees for both passengers, plus the full fare for the primary passenger.
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Complete the Booking:
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Review all flight details, passenger names, and the total cost.
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Pay with your eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express card. This is a strict requirement.
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Confirm your booking. You'll receive a confirmation email with both tickets issued.
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Sub-heading: For British Airways Companion Vouchers: Avios Redemption
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Log in to your British Airways Executive Club account.
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Go to the "Book a Reward Flight" section.
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Enter your desired origin, destination, and dates.
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Select the "Use a Companion Voucher" option during the search process.
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Search for flights. The system will display flights where the Companion Voucher can be applied, showing you the required Avios for one person and the taxes/fees for both.
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Be flexible: Just like with Delta, Reward Flight availability, especially in premium cabins, can be limited. Being flexible with dates and even routes can increase your chances.
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Select your flights and proceed to payment. You'll pay the Avios for one person and the taxes, fees, and carrier charges for both.
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Pay with your British Airways American Express card (or another eligible Amex card if allowed by BA's terms).
Step 4: Maximizing the Value of Your Companion Ticket
A companion ticket can be incredibly valuable, but its true worth depends on how you use it.
Sub-heading: Strategic Usage Tips
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Aim for Expensive Fares: The companion ticket waives the base fare of the second ticket. This means its value is highest when applied to flights that would otherwise have a very high cash price. Think long-haul flights, international trips, or last-minute bookings (if eligible fare classes are available).
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Be Flexible with Travel Dates: We cannot stress this enough! School holidays, major events, and popular travel times will have limited, if any, eligible companion ticket availability. If you can travel during the off-season or on less popular days of the week, your chances of finding a usable flight dramatically increase.
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Book in Advance: Companion ticket availability, especially for desirable routes and times, tends to disappear quickly. The earlier you plan and book, the better your odds.
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Consider Upgrades (if allowed): For Delta, once you've booked with a Companion Certificate, your companion might be eligible for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades if the primary cardholder has Medallion status. However, paid upgrades or upgrades with miles might also be an option later.
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Understand the "Sweet Spots": Research common routes where others have successfully used their companion certificates. This often involves understanding which fare classes are most frequently available on certain routes.
Sub-heading: What if You Can't Find Availability?
It's a common complaint, but it doesn't mean the benefit is worthless.
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Don't force it: If you're struggling to find a flight that makes sense for your travel plans and the value isn't there, sometimes it's better to let the certificate expire than to book a trip you don't really want just to use it.
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Consider less popular destinations: If your heart is set on a specific date, try looking at less common destinations that might have better availability.
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Call the airline: Sometimes, an agent might be able to find availability that the online system doesn't display clearly, though this is becoming less common.
FAQs: Your Companion Ticket Questions Answered!
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How to check my American Express Companion Ticket balance?
Your companion ticket isn't a "balance" in the monetary sense. For Delta, you'll find your earned certificates under "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers" in your SkyMiles profile. For British Airways, it's in your Executive Club account under "Vouchers."
How to use my American Express Companion Ticket if I'm a solo traveler?
For Delta, the Companion Certificate is strictly for a companion traveling with you on the same itinerary. You cannot use it for a solo trip. For British Airways, some Companion Vouchers earned after September 1, 2021, can offer a 50% reduction on the Avios fare for a solo Reward Flight booking.
How to transfer my American Express Companion Ticket to someone else?
For Delta, the Companion Certificate itself can be transferred to someone else before it's applied to a booking. However, once the tickets are issued, they are generally not transferable. Always check the specific terms. For British Airways, Companion Vouchers are usually tied to the account and cannot be transferred.
How to upgrade a flight booked with an American Express Companion Ticket?
For Delta, if the primary traveler has Medallion status, both travelers may be eligible for complimentary Medallion upgrades on eligible fare classes. Paid upgrades might also be available at check-in or through Delta's website. For British Airways, upgrades generally require additional Avios and availability.
How to combine an American Express Companion Ticket with other offers or eCredits?
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
For Delta, Companion Certificates can sometimes be combined with Delta eCredits in the same transaction. Apply your Companion Certificate first, then any eCredits at checkout. Always check the specific terms and conditions of both benefits.
How to know if a specific flight is eligible for my American Express Companion Ticket?
The best way is to search directly on Delta.com (or BritishAirways.com) while logged into your account and selecting the option to use your Companion Certificate/Voucher. The system will only show flights that meet the eligibility criteria for your specific certificate.
How to cancel a flight booked with an American Express Companion Ticket?
If you cancel a Delta flight booked with a Companion Certificate, the certificate will generally be reissued with its original expiration date. However, there might be cancellation fees or changes to the terms. Always review the cancellation policy when booking. British Airways Avios bookings also typically allow changes or cancellations, with potential fees and redeposit of Avios and voucher.
How to get another American Express Companion Ticket if I've used mine?
For Delta SkyMiles cards, you generally receive one Companion Certificate annually after your card renewal and payment of the annual fee. For British Airways, you earn a new Companion Voucher once you meet the required spending threshold within each 12-month cardmember year.
How to find the best value for my American Express Companion Ticket?
To find the best value, try to use your ticket on routes that are expensive for cash fares and where the eligible fare classes are available. International flights (where eligible) or long-haul domestic flights often offer the most significant savings. Be flexible with your dates and book well in advance.
How to avoid common pitfalls when using an American Express Companion Ticket?
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Read the terms and conditions carefully for your specific card and certificate.
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Be flexible with dates and times.
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Understand eligible fare classes and don't try to book Basic Economy.
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Book well in advance for the best availability.
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Don't assume all flights will have companion ticket availability.
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