Check your email: Delta is reissuing companion certificates to some passengers affected by IT meltdown
In July, a global IT outage caused massive flight delays and cancellations, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded. Unfortunately, Delta Air Lines passengers were among the hardest hit, with more than 5,000 flights canceled during the outage.
Related: Delta's meltdown worsens with 800 cancellations Monday; now 4,000 since Friday
At the time, many passengers reported that Delta wasn't doing enough to accommodate their need for meals, hotel stays, ground transportation and alternative flights per expectations outlined on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Airline Customer Service dashboard and in its flight refund guidances.
These reports led to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Aviation Consumer Protections investigation to ensure affected passengers received the proper accommodations they were entitled to.
Though passengers waited frustratingly long to get rebooked or refunded, Delta did abide by DOT policies and provided affected passengers with the option to use flight credits on future trips or receive a cash refund for the unused portion of their ticket. The airline also issued meal vouchers, hotel accommodations and ground transportation to stranded passengers.
As a result of the disruptions, Delta passengers who redeemed a companion certificate during the outage period may soon receive a welcome email in their inbox.
On Friday, Delta began sending email alerts to passengers who redeemed a companion certificate during the outage period. The email stated that Delta would issue a new companion certificate within seven to 14 business days. The new certificate will be valid for one year from the date of issuance, thereby extending the expiration date of the original certificate.
When I spoke with a Delta customer service agent to verify the validity of the email and companion certificate, a representative stated that the email was legitimate and that the airline is currently in the process of reissuing companion certificates used during the outage.
Some readers have reported in the TPG Lounge they, too, have received new companion certificates, even if their flights were not severely affected — their expiration dates have also been extended.
Several Delta American Express cards offer an annual companion certificate perk, including the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
Related reading: As Delta meltdown drags on, here are airline passenger rights you need to know
If you are among those affected, be on the lookout in the coming days for an email from Delta's customer service team with more information on your reissued companion certificate. Once it is received, you can find the companion certificate in your SkyMiles wallet on the Delta website or the Fly Delta App.
Delta did not immediately respond to TPG's request for comment
Related reading:
- The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare in 2024
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees