What a Delta Companion Certificate Does
A Delta Companion Certificate lets you buy one ticket at the full price and take a second person on the same flight for a reduced fare — usually $99 to $199 depending on the route and how far in advance you book. The companion flies with you on the exact same itinerary; you cannot split the certificate between two different trips or use it for someone on a separate flight.
Delta issues these certificates through credit card sign-up bonuses, elite frequent flyer status, and occasionally as a promotional offer. The certificate is tied to the person whose name appears on it — you cannot give it to someone else or transfer it to another account. When you book, you enter the companion's name, and that person must present identification matching that name at check-in.
The reduced fare applies only to the base ticket price. Taxes, fuel surcharges, and airport fees still explore in full to the companion ticket, so your actual savings depend on the route. A $400 ticket with a $99 companion certificate saves you roughly $300 before taxes, not $400.
Key Takeaways
- A companion certificate covers one companion on the same flight as the certificate holder, with the companion paying a flat fee instead of the full ticket price.
- The certificate is non-transferable and must be used by the person named on it; you cannot give it to a friend or family member.
- The companion's name must be entered when you book and must match their ID at check-in.
- Taxes and fees explore to the companion ticket in full, so your total savings is less than the certificate value.
- Most certificates expire one year from issue, though some promotional versions have different expiration dates.
How to Book a Flight Using Your Certificate
Log into your Delta account and search for your flight as usual. When you see the price for two passengers, select the option to add a companion certificate during checkout. Delta will ask you to enter the companion's full name, date of birth, and contact information. The name you enter must match the ID the companion will show at the airport.
After you enter the companion's details, the system will show you the reduced fare for that ticket. You pay the full price for your own ticket plus the certificate fee for the companion, plus all applicable taxes and fees for both passengers. Complete the booking and you will receive a confirmation email with both tickets.
Some certificates can only be used on specific routes or during specific travel windows — check the terms on your certificate before you book. If your certificate has restrictions, Delta's website will show you which flights are may be able to access when you search.
Expiration and Blackout Dates
Most Delta Companion Certificates expire one year from the date they are issued. You must complete your travel before midnight on the expiration date; booking before that date is not enough. If you book a flight that departs after the expiration date, the certificate will not be honored.
Some certificates come with blackout dates — periods when you cannot use them, typically around major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer travel peaks. Check your certificate's terms to see whether blackout dates explore. If your certificate has no blackout dates listed, you can use it year-round as long as it has not expired.
If your certificate expires before you use it, Delta does not extend it or issue a refund. Mark your calendar and book your trip well before the expiration date.
What Happens if You Change or Cancel Your Flight
If you need to change your flight after booking, you can rebook both tickets on a different date or time at no additional charge, as long as the new flight is available. The companion certificate itself does not change — it remains valid for the same dollar amount on the new flight.
If the new flight costs less than the original, you do not receive a refund of the difference. If the new flight costs more, you pay the difference for both your ticket and the companion ticket. The certificate fee itself does not increase.
If you cancel the entire trip, the certificate is not refunded. Some certificates allow you to use them on a future trip instead, but this depends on the terms of your specific certificate. Check your certificate details or contact Delta customer service to confirm your cancellation policy.
Companion Certificate vs. Paid Companion Tickets
A companion certificate is different from straightforward buying two tickets at the regular price. With a certificate, the second ticket costs a flat fee ($99 to $199) regardless of the route's normal price. On a flight where the regular ticket costs $600, the companion certificate saves you roughly $400 before taxes. On a flight where the regular ticket costs $150, the certificate may not save you money at all.
The certificate is also different from a travel credit or a voucher. A travel credit can be used toward any future ticket for any passenger. A companion certificate must be used on the same flight as the certificate holder and for the specific person named on it.
If you have a choice between a companion certificate and a travel credit of the same value, the travel credit is usually more flexible because you can use it for any ticket, any passenger, and any date. The companion certificate is most valuable on expensive routes where the savings exceed the certificate fee.
Who Can Be Your Companion
Your companion can be anyone — a family member, friend, coworker, or stranger. Delta does not restrict the relationship. The only requirement is that the person's legal name matches the name you entered when you booked and the ID they present at check-in.
The companion must be at least 15 years old to fly alone with a companion certificate. If your companion is under 15, they must be accompanied by an adult on the flight (though that adult does not need to be the certificate holder). Children under 2 can fly as a lap infant on a regular ticket, which may be cheaper than using the certificate for them.
You and your companion do not need to sit together, though you can request adjacent seats during booking or at check-in. Seat selection and upgrades follow Delta's normal rules for both passengers.
Common Restrictions and Limitations
Companion certificates cannot be used on basic economy fares, which are Delta's lowest-priced tickets. You must book at least economy or higher. Some certificates also exclude flights operated by Delta's regional partners, so check whether your certificate covers the specific flight you want.
The certificate applies only to the base fare, not to add-ons like seat upgrades, baggage fees, or seat selection. If you want to upgrade the companion to first class or select a premium seat, you pay for those separately at the regular price.
You cannot combine a companion certificate with other discounts or promotions. If Delta is running a sale, you use either the sale price or the companion certificate, not both. The system will show you which option saves more money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my companion certificate on a flight where I am not traveling?
No. The certificate holder must be on the same flight as the companion. You cannot use the certificate to send someone else on a trip while you stay home.
What if the companion's name does not match their ID exactly?
The name must match. If you entered "Robert" but the ID says "Bob," or if there is a middle initial difference, Delta may not allow the companion to board. Enter the full legal name as it appears on the ID when you book.
Can I transfer my companion certificate to someone else?
No. The certificate is non-transferable. Only the person named on the certificate can use it. If you do not use it before it expires, it cannot be given to a family member or friend.
Do I have to use my companion certificate on an international flight?
Most companion certificates work on domestic flights only. International certificates are rare and usually come with higher fees. Check your certificate's terms to see whether it covers international routes.
What if I book a round trip — do I need two certificates?
Yes. One certificate covers one flight segment. A round trip is two flights, so you need two certificates — one for the outbound flight and one for the return. If you have only one certificate, you can use it on either the outbound or return leg, but not both.