Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: Companion Certificate & Travel Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card includes an annual Companion Certificate that lets you bring a guest on a round-trip flight for the price of taxes and fees, plus a set of travel benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag. This article explains exactly how the certificate works, how to use it, and what other travel perks come with the card.

What Is the Companion Certificate?

The Companion Certificate is a benefit that renews each year after your card anniversary. When you use it, you pay only the taxes and fees for the second ticket (typically $50–$150 for domestic flights), while the primary ticket is purchased at the current fare. The certificate can be used on flights operated by Delta or Delta Connection carriers, and it covers a round-trip for both travelers on the same itinerary.

Key facts about the certificate:

• It is valid for travel within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands (excluding flights to/from Alaska and Hawaii on certain routes).
• You must book both tickets at the same time, and the companion must travel on the same flights as you.
• The certificate is non-transferable and can only be used by the cardholder and one companion.
• It expires 12 months after issuance, and you cannot extend it.

How to Redeem the Companion Certificate

To use your certificate, you must book through Delta’s dedicated companion certificate portal (available at delta.com/companioncertificate). You cannot use it through a travel agency or the Delta app in the standard booking flow. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Log in to your Delta SkyMiles account and go to the companion certificate page.
2. Enter your certificate number and the names of the two travelers (you and your companion).
3. Search for available flights. The certificate is only valid on certain fare classes (usually L, U, T, X, and V), which are the lower-priced economy fares.
4. Select your outbound and return flights. Both must be on Delta or Delta Connection.
5. Pay for the primary ticket and the taxes/fees for the companion ticket.

If you don’t see available flights, it’s often because the fare class is sold out. You can try different dates or use the “flexible dates� search to find availability.

Travel Benefits That Come with the Card

Beyond the companion certificate, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex provides several travel perks that can save you money and time:

• First checked bag free: The cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation get their first bag checked free (up to 50 lbs). This saves $30 per person per flight.
• Priority boarding: You board in Zone 5 (Main Cabin 1) on Delta flights, which is after First Class and Comfort+ but before most other Main Cabin passengers.
• Main Cabin 1 boarding is included, but you do not get complimentary upgrades to First Class (that’s a benefit of the Reserve card).
• No foreign transaction fees: Use the card abroad without extra charges.
• Travel protections: Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage insurance, and secondary rental car collision damage waiver (when you decline the rental company’s coverage).

You also earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants, and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x on everything else. Miles never expire as long as your account is active.

Costs and Fees to Keep in Mind

The card has an annual fee of $250 (as of 2025). The companion certificate can easily offset that fee if you use it on a flight that would cost more than $250, but you still have to pay taxes and fees, which are non-refundable. Other costs to watch:

• If you cancel a trip booked with the companion certificate, you’ll get a credit for the primary ticket (minus a cancellation fee if you’re not on a refundable fare), but the companion certificate is not refunded—it’s used up.
• If you change your flight, you may pay a change fee (unless the fare type allows free changes, which many Delta fares now do). The certificate remains tied to the original booking.
• You must keep your card open and in good standing to use the certificate. If you cancel the card, you lose any unused certificate.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Many cardholders run into issues when trying to use the companion certificate. Here are the most frequent pitfalls and solutions:

• No availability: The certificate only works on specific fare classes (L, U, T, X, V). If you search on popular dates, those classes may be sold out. Try searching a few weeks out or on off-peak days (Tuesday/Wednesday).
• Can’t use it on basic economy: The certificate is not valid for Basic Economy fares. You must book Main Cabin or higher.
• Companion must be different person: You cannot use the certificate for yourself—it must be for a second traveler.
• International flights not included: The certificate is only for domestic routes (including Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). You cannot use it to fly to Canada, Mexico, or overseas.

How It Compares to Other Delta Cards

The Platinum card sits between the Delta SkyMiles Gold (which has a $99 annual fee and no companion certificate) and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve (which has a $550 annual fee and offers a companion certificate that is valid for first class, Delta One, or Main Cabin). The Platinum’s certificate is only for Main Cabin, but the annual fee is lower. If you fly mostly in economy, the Platinum is a good value. If you want upgrades and premium cabin access, the Reserve might be worth the higher fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the companion certificate for a one-way flight? No, the certificate is only valid for round-trip travel. You cannot use it for one-way or multi-city itineraries.

Does the companion certificate work on flights to Hawaii or Alaska? Yes, it works on flights to Hawaii and Alaska, but only on nonstop Delta flights. You cannot use it on connecting itineraries that involve a stopover.

What taxes and fees do I pay for the companion? You pay the government taxes and fees, which typically range from $50 to $150 for domestic flights. For Hawaii, it can be higher due to state taxes.

Can I use the companion certificate if I book through a travel agent? No, you must book directly through Delta’s companion certificate portal. Travel agents cannot access it.

What happens if I cancel the card before using the certificate? You lose the certificate immediately. It is tied to the card account, and closing the card voids any unused benefits.

Is the companion certificate good for international flights? No, it’s only for domestic routes within the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

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