Booking an American Express Companion Ticket can be an incredible way to save on airfare and travel with a loved one, but the process can sometimes feel a bit like navigating a maze. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through every step, ensuring you maximize this valuable benefit!
Ready to embark on a journey of savings and shared experiences? Let's dive in!
Unlocking Your Amex Companion Ticket: A Step-by-Step Guide
American Express offers various companion ticket benefits, primarily through co-branded airline cards like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve American Express Cards, and also through their International Airline Program for Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members. The exact steps and terms will vary slightly depending on which Amex card you hold and which companion benefit you're trying to use. This guide will cover the general process and highlight key differences.
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| How To Book American Express Companion Ticket |
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility and Understand the Benefit
Before you even think about searching for flights, it's crucial to understand the specifics of your American Express Companion Ticket.
Sub-heading 1.1: Identify Your Card's Companion Benefit
Are you a Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Member, a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Member, or a Platinum/Business Platinum Card Member using the International Airline Program? Each card offers a distinct companion benefit with its own set of rules.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Typically offers a Companion Certificate for a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the contiguous U.S. and to select international destinations (Mexico, Caribbean, Central America).
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Often provides a Companion Certificate for a First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight within the contiguous U.S. and to select international destinations. This is a highly sought-after benefit due to the potential for premium cabin travel.
The Platinum Card® from American Express / The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: These cards typically offer access to the International Airline Program (IAP), which provides preferential fares for you and up to seven companions when booking select First, Business, or Premium Economy class international tickets through Amex Travel. This is not a "free" companion ticket, but a discounted fare.
Sub-heading 1.2: Review the Terms and Conditions (Seriously, Do It!)
This is arguably the most important step. Do not skip this! The terms and conditions dictate everything:
Issuance: When is your certificate issued? For Delta cards, it's usually upon card renewal.
Validity Period: How long is your certificate valid for? Companion certificates often have an expiration date that is also the "fly by" date, not just the "book by" date.
Fare Class Restrictions: This is a big one. For Delta Companion Certificates, flights are often restricted to specific, lower fare classes (e.g., L, U, T, X, V for Main Cabin, and I, Z for First Class on Reserve cards). Availability in these fare classes can be limited, especially on popular routes and dates.
Origin and Destination: Are there geographical limitations? For example, Delta certificates are typically for round-trip flights within the contiguous U.S., or to specific international regions.
Airline Restrictions: Generally, Delta Companion Certificates are only valid on Delta and Delta Connection carrier flights. The International Airline Program works with a specific list of participating airlines.
Taxes and Fees: While the base fare for the companion ticket might be "free" or heavily discounted, you are still responsible for government-imposed taxes and fees, which can range from $22 to $250+ depending on the itinerary. Baggage fees are also extra.
Booking Channel: Most companion tickets must be booked directly through American Express Travel or the airline's dedicated companion certificate redemption portal (e.g.,
delta.com/companioncertificate Passenger Requirements: Both the primary ticket holder and the companion must be on the same flights, dates, and in the same class of service.
Non-Transferability: Companion certificates themselves are generally non-transferable, meaning the primary cardholder must be one of the travelers. Once tickets are issued, they are typically non-transferable as well.
Where to find these terms:
Log in to your American Express online account and navigate to your card benefits.
For Delta cards, check the "Certificates, eCredits, & Vouchers" section of your SkyMiles account on delta.com.
Refer to the welcome brochure or benefit guide that came with your card.
Step 2: Preparing for Your Search
Reminder: Save this article to read offline later.
With a clear understanding of your benefit, it's time to get ready to search for flights.
Sub-heading 2.1: Be Flexible!
This is the golden rule for successfully using companion tickets, especially for Delta. Because companion certificates often restrict you to specific fare classes, availability can be limited.
Dates: If possible, be flexible with your travel dates. Mid-week travel, off-peak seasons, and avoiding holidays will significantly increase your chances of finding eligible flights.
Destinations: If you're open to different destinations, you'll have more options.
Advance Booking: Booking well in advance (3-6 months out, or even longer for popular times) often yields the best availability for companion ticket eligible fares.
Sub-heading 2.2: Gather Necessary Information
Have the following ready:
Your American Express Card details.
Your American Express online account login credentials.
Your Delta SkyMiles account number (for Delta co-branded cards).
The full names and birth dates of both the primary traveler and the companion, exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs.
Step 3: The Booking Process (Delta Co-Branded Cards)
This section focuses on booking with Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Companion Certificates, as this is where most users encounter questions.
Sub-heading 3.1: Access Your Companion Certificate Online
Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com or through the Fly Delta app.
Navigate to your "Profile" or "My SkyMiles" section.
Look for a section titled "Certificates, eCredits, & Vouchers." Your available Companion Certificate should be listed here.
Click on the Companion Certificate. You'll usually see a button or link that says "Redeem" or "Search Flights."
Sub-heading 3.2: Initiate the Flight Search
When prompted, indicate that you are searching for a flight using a Companion Certificate.
Enter your desired origin, destination, and travel dates.
Crucially, ensure you select 2 passengers (yourself and your companion). The system will recognize that you're trying to use a companion certificate.
If you have flexibility, look for options like "Flexible Dates" or a calendar view that shows availability across different dates. This is where you can often spot dates with eligible fare classes.
Sub-heading 3.3: Select Your Flights
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
The search results will display flights that are eligible for companion certificate redemption. Be aware that many flights may appear, but only those meeting the specific fare class requirements for the companion ticket will be highlighted or selectable with the certificate.
Pay close attention to the fare class displayed. If the system doesn't explicitly show "Companion Certificate eligible," double-check the terms or try different dates.
Choose your outbound and return flights. Ensure both legs of the journey for both passengers meet the certificate's criteria.
Review the itinerary carefully, including the times and layovers.
Sub-heading 3.4: Complete the Booking and Payment
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Once you've selected your flights, proceed to the checkout page.
You will see a breakdown of the costs. The "companion fare" will likely be listed as $0 or a nominal amount, but you will see the required taxes and fees for both tickets.
Ensure you pay with your eligible American Express Delta SkyMiles Card. This is a strict requirement.
Confirm all passenger details are accurate.
Before final confirmation, review all terms, especially the cancellation and change policies. Companion tickets often have stricter rules and may not be easily changeable or refundable.
Confirm your booking. You will receive an email confirmation with your ticket numbers.
Step 4: The Booking Process (International Airline Program for Platinum/Business Platinum Cards)
This section details how Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members can leverage the International Airline Program.
Sub-heading 4.1: Log in to AmexTravel.com
Go to AmexTravel.com and log in using your American Express Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card account credentials.
It's essential to be logged in to access the preferential IAP fares.
Sub-heading 4.2: Search for International Flights
Use the flight search tool on AmexTravel.com.
Select your origin, international destination, and travel dates.
Crucially, select "First Class," "Business Class," or "Premium Economy" for your cabin preference. The IAP is only valid for these premium cabins.
Enter the number of travelers (you plus your companions, up to seven).
Sub-heading 4.3: Identify IAP Fares
In your search results, look for flights highlighted with an "International Airline Program" banner or indicator. These are the flights eligible for the preferential fares.
Compare the IAP fares with standard published fares to see your savings.
Sub-heading 4.4: Book and Pay
Select your desired IAP-eligible flights.
Proceed to the payment page.
You must pay for the tickets using your eligible American Express Platinum or Business Platinum Card.
Review all details and confirm your booking.
Final Considerations and Tips
Calling the Airline/Amex: If you're having trouble finding availability online for Delta Companion Certificates, it can sometimes be worthwhile to call Delta Reservations or the American Express travel desk (for Platinum/Business Platinum cards). Agents might have access to inventory not always visible online, or be able to troubleshoot specific issues.
Upgrade Eligibility: For Delta Companion Tickets, the primary ticket will accrue miles, but the companion ticket generally will not. Medallion Complimentary Upgrades are often eligible for both tickets, but this is subject to availability and specific fare rules.
Changes/Cancellations: Be extremely mindful of the change and cancellation policies for companion tickets. They are often more restrictive and may result in the loss of the certificate or significant fees.
Expiry Dates: Set a reminder for your certificate's expiration date! These benefits are "use it or lose it."
Tip: Scroll slowly when the content gets detailed.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if my American Express card has a companion ticket benefit?
To check if your American Express card has a companion ticket benefit, log in to your American Express online account, navigate to your specific card's benefits section, or refer to the welcome kit and benefits guide that came with your card. For co-branded airline cards like Delta SkyMiles, also check your frequent flyer account (e.g., delta.com under "Certificates, eCredits, & Vouchers").
How to find eligible flights for my Delta American Express Companion Certificate?
To find eligible flights for your Delta Amex Companion Certificate, log in to your Delta SkyMiles account on delta.com, go to "Certificates, eCredits, & Vouchers," select your certificate, and then use the "Search Flights" tool, ensuring you specify 2 passengers. Look for flights highlighted as eligible, keeping in mind fare class and date restrictions.
How to use the American Express International Airline Program?
To use the American Express International Airline Program, log in to AmexTravel.com with your Platinum or Business Platinum Card, search for international flights in First, Business, or Premium Economy class, and look for fares marked with the "International Airline Program" banner. Book and pay with your eligible Amex card.
How to ensure my companion ticket isn't wasted if I can't find flights?
To avoid wasting your companion ticket, be flexible with your travel dates and destinations, book as far in advance as possible, and consider calling the airline or Amex Travel if online availability is limited. Some certificates are transferable, allowing a friend or family member to use it if you can't, but check your specific terms.
How to determine the taxes and fees for an American Express Companion Ticket?
The taxes and fees for an American Express Companion Ticket are typically displayed on the checkout page before you finalize your booking. These are government-imposed taxes and airport fees, and they vary by itinerary but are usually capped at a certain amount (e.g., $80 for domestic Delta flights, up to $250 for international).
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
How to upgrade a flight booked with an American Express Companion Ticket?
Upgrading a flight booked with an American Express Companion Ticket is generally subject to the airline's upgrade policies. For Delta, the primary ticket might be eligible for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, and sometimes the companion ticket is too, but this depends on fare class availability and your elite status. Mileage upgrades might not be permitted for companion tickets.
How to cancel or change a flight booked with an Amex Companion Ticket?
To cancel or change a flight booked with an Amex Companion Ticket, you'll need to contact the airline directly (for Delta certificates) or American Express Travel (for IAP bookings). Be aware that companion ticket bookings often have stricter, non-refundable, and non-changeable terms, and you may forfeit the certificate or incur significant fees.
How to transfer an American Express Companion Certificate to another person?
American Express Companion Certificates are generally non-transferable, meaning the primary cardholder must be one of the travelers on the itinerary. However, specific Delta co-branded certificates might allow for the certificate itself to be transferred to another SkyMiles member, who then books their own flight using it, provided they meet certain criteria (e.g., owning an eligible Delta Amex card). Always check the exact terms of your certificate.
How to know when my American Express Companion Certificate expires?
Your American Express Companion Certificate's expiration date will be clearly stated on the certificate itself, which you can usually find in your online American Express account under card benefits, or in your Delta SkyMiles account under "Certificates, eCredits, & Vouchers." This date is typically the "fly by" date, meaning travel must be completed by then.
How to maximize the value of my American Express Companion Ticket?
To maximize the value of your American Express Companion Ticket, aim to use it on longer, more expensive routes where the "buy one, get one (almost) free" benefit provides the greatest savings. Be highly flexible with your travel dates and book well in advance to increase the chances of finding eligible fare classes. For Delta Reserve cardholders, using it for a First Class companion ticket offers significant value.
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