Travel is at its peak, and with the winter holiday season upon us, everyone is looking for a way to save on expensive flights.
If you have certain American Airlines cobranded credit cards, you have something known as a companion certificate that you can use after you meet a spending limit. The certificate allows cardholders to bring a friend (or two) on a flight at a discount or at the expense of taxes and fees.
Here’s what you need to know about using your American Airlines companion certificate.
Which credit cards offer an AA-compliant certificate?
You can earn an American Airlines companion certificate with one of four cobranded credit cards, each of which requires different spending limits. Depending on the card you choose, you’ll need to spend $20,000-$30,000 per year to earn an American Airlines companion certificate. Here are the cards that offer a companion certificate if you meet the spending requirements:
- Advantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard: You will earn a friend certificate after spending $20,000 in a calendar year. This certificate allows you to book companion airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees. This card has an annual fee of $99.
- Advantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard: You will earn a friend certificate for two guests after spending $20,000 in a calendar year. Each guest ticket is $99 plus taxes and fees. This card carries an annual fee of $199 but is not currently open to new applicants.
- Advantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard: You will earn a friend certificate after spending $30,000 in a calendar year. This certificate allows you to book companion airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees. This card carries an annual fee of $95 but is not currently open to new applicants.
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®: You will earn a friend certificate after spending $30,000 in a calendar year. This certificate allows you to book companion airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees. This card carries an annual fee of $99, waived in the first year (see rates and fees).
Information for the Advantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard, AAdvantage Aviator Silver World Elite Mastercard, and Advantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.
How to use an American Airlines affiliate certificate
American says it can take 8-10 weeks to deliver the companion certificate. After it arrives, you must redeem it through American Airlines Meeting Services. You can do that by calling 800-433-1790 and providing your flight information.
Having this information in advance is always helpful to ensure a smooth booking process.
Related: Your ultimate guide to American Airlines AAdvantage
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FAQ
What is AA certification?
An AA certificate allows you to book companion airfare for just $99 plus taxes and fees.
When does my AA affiliate certificate expire?
An AA companion certificate is valid for one year from the date of issue.
How much are taxes and fees?
Taxes and fees range from $21.60 to $43.20.
Can I use an AA companion certificate for business- and first-class tickets?
The American Airlines companion certificate is valid only for round-trip class tickets on flights in the 48 contiguous states.
Can I use an AA companion certificate on partner airlines?
An American Airlines companion certificate is valid for travel within the 48 states of the US on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines or on flights marketed by American and operated by Envoy Air, Republic Airways, SkyWest Airlines, PSA Airlines or Piedmont Airlines.
A companion certificate is not valid for codeshare flights booked with an American Airlines flight number but operated by another airline. For residents of Alaska, Hawaii, the US Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, travel covered by the certificate is defined as a round trip from one of those two states or your territory and on to the 48 contiguous United States.
Related: The best American Airlines cards
Bottom line
An AA-compatible certificate gets you a second (and sometimes third) flight for just $99 plus taxes and fees. This can be a great way to save money on American Airlines, especially on more expensive flights or during busy travel times.
However, keep in mind that earning a companion certificate requires spending a lot of money, which might be better spent on a new card with a big welcome bonus. You’ll want to calculate which one offers the best value for your money before committing to one of these certifications.
Related: How to earn miles in the American Airlines AAdvantage program
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