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Successfully Used US Airways $99 Companion Certificate

May 30, 2013
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4 min read
Successfully Used US Airways $99 Companion Certificate
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I posted a few weeks ago that I was going to be in a travel situation where the US Airways MasterCard $99 companion certificates would likely be helpful, but I couldn't find them. I blame the dog, or the kid, or a gust of wind, or the monster in the house that eats every other sock and helmets off of all the Star Wars toys. Thankfully, it seems that it is pretty easy to get a replacement certificate, so I posted that process here, and my new certificate has since shown up in the mail.

Today my travel plans finalized and we pulled the trigger on some non-stop flights on US Airways metal for later this summer. I successfully used my $99 Companion Pass, so I want to share how that process went in case you are able to use yours in the future.

You get a certificate within a few weeks of opening your US Airways MasterCard and then you receive one annually when your account renews (or close to that time). It is good for two companions to fly for $99 when you purchase a ticket for yourself. Here are some of the key requirements for using the certificates:

  • Valid for round trip coach class travel within contiguous 48 states or the 48 states to Canada
  • Must be on US Airways operated flights (no partners like United)
  • 14 day advance purchase required
  • Minimum two night stay and maximum 30 day stay
  • Ticket purchased must be at least $250
  • Blackout dates apply - 2013 dates include: Jan 5, 6; Feb 15, 24; Mar 8, 10, 15, 17, 28, 29; April 1, 6; May 24; June 28, 29; July 6, 7, 28; Aug 4; Dec 1, 2, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30

Here was how the booking process went for me:

  • You cannot make the reservation online. You have to call in to do so (the 1-800 number is helpfully printed on the certificate).
  • I was not charged a phone booking fee, nor was one even brought up.
  • Once you call in you can stick with the automated system for a while, but eventually you will need to talk to a real person (just hit 0). It was still helpful that I gave the automated system some of my desired flight information as it cut down on the length of time I had to talk to the booking agent (who was very nice).
  • She immediately knew what to do when I told her I needed to book using the $99 companion certificate.
  • You absolutely need the physical certificate. The first thing she asked for was the SHARES reference code printed on the certificate.
  • She entered our US Airways frequent flyer numbers and the certificate states that you can only use the certificate to accrue miles in that program, but we'll see what happens...
  • When she asked for my credit card information to pay she did not specify it had to be a US Airways card, though the certificate does stipulate that. I used mine, but it is possible another would have worked.
  • The $99 companion certificates came to about $117 each including taxes and fees.
  • My fare priced out exactly as it appeared online for the cheapest economy ticket.
  • I was told that the certificate has to be postmarked by the next day, and physically mailed to an address printed on the certificate. Though it says ATTN: US Airways - TBM and it is supposed to say US Airways - TBC. I was told my reservation would be cancelled if that was not done.
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The process was painless and efficient. There were no extra fees to book over the phone and the pricing they saw matched what I saw online. The agent knew what she was doing, and all I have to do now is go drop the certificate in the mail. My ticket for relatively peak summer travel cost a little bit more than I like at about $450, but it is very much off-set by getting the second two for just $99 each. It turned what could have been $1,350 in airfare to about $700. Still not cheap, but much more affordable for a family of three.

This is a real benefit that isn't going to make sense for everyone every year, but it can be extremely useful in certain situations. Have you ever been able to use your certificate? Was the process the same as mine or different?

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  • Annual Fee is $325.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
3XEarn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
2XEarn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
1XEarn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.