Imagine cutting your family's airfare costs in half while still flying on one of America's premier airlines. With Delta's companion ticket benefit, this isn't just a dream—it's a realistic way to make family travel more affordable. One family saved around $900 on a single trip using Delta companion vouchers from their Amex cards, turning what could have been an expensive vacation into an affordable adventure.

The Delta companion ticket might be one of the most underutilized travel benefits available to families today. While many focus on earning miles or chasing elite status, smart travelers are discovering that a well-timed companion ticket can deliver more immediate value than thousands of frequent flyer miles.

What Is a Delta Companion Ticket?

The Delta Companion Certificate allows you to book select domestic or international round-trip tickets for a companion traveling with you on the same itinerary and pay just the taxes and fees. These max out at $80 for domestic and $250 for international flights.

Think of it as the ultimate buy-one-get-one deal for airline tickets. When you purchase a full-price ticket for yourself, your companion flies for just the cost of taxes and fees—typically between $22 and $80 for domestic flights.

Real Savings Examples

The savings potential is substantial, especially when ticket prices are high. A round-trip ticket that cost $466 allowed a second ticket to be reserved for only an additional $20 in taxes and fees when using the companion certificate. Traveling from Houston to Salt Lake City for two passengers for $486 with the companion voucher was a much better deal than one ticket for $466.

For families with multiple eligible cards, the savings multiply quickly. The same family was able to use two companion vouchers on a single trip, effectively getting four tickets for the price of two—saving around $900 total.

Which Cards Offer Delta Companion Tickets?

Only four Delta credit cards include the annual companion ticket benefit: the Platinum and Reserve versions, both personal and business.

Key differences by card type:

• Platinum cards: Main Cabin companion ticket only
• Reserve cards: First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin companion ticket

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card holders receive more flexible companion tickets that can be used across multiple cabin classes, while Platinum cardholders are limited to economy.

Important timing note: These companion tickets are not granted in the first year. You'll receive your first companion certificate after your card anniversary when you pay the annual fee for the second year.

Smart Family Strategies to Maximize Value

The Multi-Card Approach

Since this companion voucher benefit is extended to both the consumer and small-business versions of the card, you can earn more than one companion voucher if you have multiple eligible Delta cards.

Savvy families where both parents hold Delta cards could potentially get two companion tickets per year, effectively allowing a family of four to travel with only two paid tickets. For business owners looking to maximize travel rewards, the business versions offer identical benefits.

Target High-Value Routes

The companion ticket becomes more valuable as base ticket prices increase. Focus your certificates on:

• Peak season travel (summer holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
• High-demand business routes (New York to Los Angeles, Chicago to Miami)
• Last-minute bookings when prices are typically highest

Consider using flight search tools like Google Flights to identify the most expensive routes where your companion ticket delivers maximum savings.

Understanding the Key Restrictions

Where You Can Use It

Companion Certificate is valid for roundtrip flights originating within the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands to destinations including the United States, Puerto Rico, USVI, Mexico, Caribbean islands like Aruba and Jamaica, and Central American countries like Costa Rica and Belize.

Important Booking Rules

Both passengers must be booked at the same time, in the same class of service and in the same record. Tickets are only available in specific fare classes (L, U, T, X, and V for Main Cabin travel). Most fares require an advance purchase of up to 14 days, a 3-night minimum stay and a 30-day maximum stay.

What you can't do:

• Use basic economy fares
• Book one-way tickets
• Combine with other discounts
• Use frequent flyer miles for the primary ticket

How to Book Your Companion Ticket

Step 1: Find Your Certificate

Log into your Delta SkyMiles account and navigate to "Profile" → "Certificates, eCredits & Vouchers." Your companion certificate will be listed with its expiration date.

Step 2: Search Smart

Visit Delta.com and search for flights as normal. The system automatically filters results to show only flights eligible for companion certificates when you're logged in.

Step 3: Complete the Booking

During checkout, apply your companion certificate and enter your companion's information. Pay for the primary ticket and companion taxes/fees using an American Express card.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Limited Availability Solutions

Many travelers struggle with availability, especially during peak times. Book at least three months in advance, being flexible with your travel dates, and using the right tools to find eligible flights dramatically improves your success rate.

Consider booking flexible travel arrangements that allow changes if better options become available.

Maximizing Before Expiration

Companion Certificates are valid for 1 year from the original date of issue. Set a calendar reminder six months before expiration to start planning. Even if you can't travel immediately, you can book future flights as long as the booking is completed before the certificate expires.

For last-minute travel needs, check out tips for finding cheap holiday flights to maximize your certificate's value during peak periods.

Is the Annual Fee Worth It?

The math is straightforward: if your companion ticket saves you more than the card's annual fee, you're ahead.

• Delta Platinum cards: $350 annual fee
• Delta Reserve cards: $650 annual fee

If you use the Delta companion ticket strategically, it can easily be worth more than the annual fee for keeping the Delta Platinum Amex in your wallet.

Consider that a typical domestic round-trip ticket costs $300-500. Even saving $300 on a companion ticket makes the annual fee worthwhile, while additional benefits like free checked bags provide extra value.

Additional Family Benefits

Beyond the companion ticket, Delta credit cards offer valuable family perks:

• First checked bag free (saves $30-35 per bag each way)
• Priority boarding for easier family travel
• SkyClub access (Reserve cards only)
• Potential upgrades for both primary and companion tickets

For families serious about maximizing their travel rewards, the companion ticket often serves as the cornerstone benefit that makes the entire card worthwhile.

Planning Tools and Resources

Travel Planning Apps

Consider using travel management tools to track your certificates and plan trips effectively. Apps like ExpertFlyer can help you monitor award availability and identify the best redemption opportunities.

Travel Gear for Family Trips

When planning companion ticket trips, don't forget about practical travel gear. Quality luggage from brands like Away or Nomatic can make family travel more manageable, especially when you're getting such great deals on flights.

Travel Insurance Considerations

For valuable companion ticket trips, consider protecting your investment with travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations or changes that could impact your certificate's usability.

Bottom Line: Your Path to Family Travel Savings

The Delta companion ticket represents one of the most immediate and tangible benefits available to traveling families. Unlike complex miles programs or status requirements, the companion ticket delivers straightforward value: fly two people for the price of one.

For families committed to regular travel, the math often works decisively in favor of holding at least one Delta companion card. The key lies in understanding the restrictions, planning ahead, and treating the companion certificate as a valuable annual benefit that can make family adventures more affordable.

Delta has been expanding companion certificate destinations in recent years, adding Caribbean and Central American routes, which suggests continued commitment to this family-friendly benefit.

Ready to start saving on your family's Delta flights? The companion ticket might be exactly what your travel budget needs. Just remember to plan ahead, stay flexible with dates, and book your accommodations strategically to maximize your overall trip savings.

For more family travel strategies, explore our guides on budget travel techniques and credit card strategies for families. Also check out our tips for avoiding common travel expenses to stretch your travel budget even further.