I occasionally hear about people’s Delta Companion Certificates expiring because they didn’t get to use them. Maybe they forgot to book a trip with them. Perhaps they couldn’t find any availability (which can be a real issue and I wish Delta would get better about that). There’s a chance that none of their friends or family were available to travel with them. (Based on some of the people I see on social media and in blog comments, I wouldn’t be surprised if a few don’t have friends or family who want to spend time with them. 🙂 )
But it’s really a shame to let them expire. (I know. It’s happened to me once or twice.)
So what are some out-of-the-box ideas to make sure someone enjoys the Companion Certificates?
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Which Delta Amexes Give Cardholders a Companion Certificate?
Four Delta American Express give cardholders a Companion Certificate starting the second year of membership:
The Reserve Cards’ Companion Certificates are valid for select First Class, Comfort+, and Main Cabin trips. Meanwhile, the Platinum cards’ Companion Certificates are good only for some Main Cabin trips. (Read our post that dives into Companion Certificates details.)
With that out of the way, let’s look at a few out-of-the-box ways to use your Delta Amex Companion Certificate!
Help Out Family or Friends (Especially With Holidays Coming Up)
A few years ago, two of our close friends wanted to come visit with their teenage sons. But airfares were horribly expensive. This couple is largely responsible for helping get my start in the entertainment business (and they’re just good people!), so we were happy to give them two Companion Certificates to help make their trip possible.
Plus, they don’t hold an American Express card (which is required to make the purchase). So, I bought the tickets with my The Platinum Card® from American Express, earned 5X Membership Rewards® points and they paid me back. (The The Platinum Card® from American Express earns 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through Amex Travel on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.)
Here’s another example: when a family friend died several years ago, his grandsons in the eastern US wanted to come to Los Angeles for Christmas So, I offered their parents one of my Companion Certificates to help cut down on costs.
I honestly don’t even remember their names. And, yes, I technically didn’t recoup my annual fee for the card in travel for myself or my family. (The Delta Platinum Amex’s annual fee then was $195. It’s $350 now. See rates and fees.) But meh. Chuck’s grandsons needed a little help and I was happy to do what I could.
Keep in mind that winter holidays will be here before we know it. If you want to bring your family to you, the Companion Certificate might be helpful. You can always book the now and get alerts if the price changes.
So if you hear of friends or family members needing help getting somewhere but money may be an issue, consider “donating” it to them.
Reward a Kid’s Milestone
I love this opportunity and am excited to use it with my daughter when she’s older.
The idea came from a fellow Chicago Seminars attendee that my wife and I met during breakfast one morning.
She and her husband use the Companion Certificates to reward their kids’ various achievements. For example, her daughter was allowed to choose a vacation destination after finishing third grade with satisfactory grades. The child and her mom took a Mommy-and-Daughter trip — with the youngster’s base airfare covered by the Companion Certificate. (This can also create a fun redemption for anniversary night certificates that come with various hotel credit cards.)
How’s that for motivation to earn good grades?!
They repeat the process for the dad and son. They also take turns going on “milestone trips” with their kids.
Employee Rewards or Prizes
This is along the lines of the “reward a kid” example above. And it’s geared toward business owners who have a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or a Delta SkyMiles® Business Platinum American Express Card.
Perhaps there are sales quotas or other goals your staff needs to meet. You could award a trip to your highest earner — and end up paying for only one airfare in the process! Or maybe you have some sort of company party involving a raffle or other avenue for offering prizes. You could offer the Companion Certificate as one of the prizes (and whether or not you foot the bill for the paid airfare is up to you, of course).
I met a reader who used a Companion Certificate to pay an employee’s honeymoon roundtrip.
Final Approach
The Companion Certificate is a great way to save money on Delta trips. But not using it is a waste of money. Remember there are some ways you — and others — might still get helpful benefits from the certificate while making it worth your time and money.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please visit this link.
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Business Platinum American Express Card, please visit this link.
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