How To Get and Use the American Airlines Companion Certificate

Saving money on airline tickets is a goal for most of us, so knowing how to utilize companion certificates is a smart piece of knowledge to acquire. While many airlines offer companion certificates, they all work a little differently.

In this post, we’ll review exactly what the American Airlines Companion Certificate is, what you need to do to get one, and how to redeem it for a companion flight.

What Is the American Airlines Companion Certificate?

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is a benefit offered on several American Airlines credit cards. It allows the cardholder to purchase a companion ticket for $99 plus taxes.

The Companion Certificate does have some restrictions that you’ll want to keep in mind. For starters, it’s only good on qualifying domestic economy tickets (within the 48 contiguous states) on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or on flights marketed by American Airlines but operated by any of the following airlines:

* Valid on certificates from Barclays credit cards only.
** Valid on certificates from Citi credit cards only.

The companion certificate is not valid on Oneworld flights or any American Airlines codeshare flights.

For Residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands

For residents of these states and territories, the companion certificate is valid on round-trip economy tickets originating in the state or territory of residence with a destination in the 48 contiguous states.

Only certificates earned from Citi cards offer eligibility for Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands residents.

Cost of the American Airlines Companion Certificate

When you earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate, you won’t be getting a completely free ticket, or even one that you just have to pay taxes on (like the Southwest Companion Pass).

The companion ticket will cost $99 plus taxes which range from $21.60 to $43.20.

Bottom Line: The American Airlines Companion Certificate isn’t free. It costs $99 plus taxes, so you’ll end up paying between $120.60 to $142.20 for the companion fare.

How To Get an American Airlines Companion Certificate

The American Airlines Companion Certificate can be earned by spending either $20,000 or $30,000 on select American Airlines credit cards.

Here’s a quick look at which credit cards come with a companion certificate:

* No longer open to new applicants

Hot Tip: The AAdvantage Aviator Silver card comes with a companion certificate that’s good for 2 companion flights for $99 each once the minimum spending requirement is met. This card is no longer open to new applicants, but you can upgrade to it if you have the AAdvantage Aviator Red card.

In addition to the minimum spending requirements, there are some additional things to keep in mind when earning an American Airlines Companion Certificate.

• The minimum spend requirement is based on net purchases within the cardmember year (the 12-month period through your cardmember anniversary month).
• Your account must remain open for a minimum of 45 days after the anniversary date (or for a full billing cycle for the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card).
• The certificate is valid for 1 year from the date of issue.
• The certificate is only valid for qualifying round-trip domestic economy fares purchased through American Airlines Meeting Services.
• After meeting the requirements, the certificate will be available for use within 1 to 2 weeks for AAdvantage Aviator cardholders or 8 to 10 weeks for CitiBusiness Platinum Select cardholders.

Bottom Line: The American Airlines Companion Certificate is only good for round-trip domestic economy tickets. Certificates earned through the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card specify that the economy ticket must be a Main Cabin fare.

How To Use the American Airlines Companion Certificate

American Airlines Companion Certificates are good for qualifying round-trip domestic economy flights. That means you can’t use these certificates for business class or first class tickets. In addition, the certificate earned from the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card specifies that it can’t be used for Basic Economy fares.

If you live in the contiguous 48 United States, the companion certificate can only be used on travel within the 48 contiguous states.

If you reside in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a domestic ticket is one that originates in your state/territory of residence and travels to the contiguous 48 states.

American Airlines Companion Certificates can be redeemed by calling American Airlines Meeting Services at 800-433-1790.

Final Thoughts

The American Airlines Companion Certificate is almost like getting a 2-for-1 deal. With this certificate, cardholders who meet the minimum spending requirement will be eligible for a $99 companion ticket (plus taxes) when they purchase a domestic economy ticket. It’s a nice perk on select American Airlines credit cards.

If the American Airlines Companion Certificate doesn’t work well for you, other airlines offer companion certificates, including Delta, Southwest, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines.