American Airlines companion certificates — typically earned through the Citi AAdvantage credit card — come with specific rules about refunds, cancellations, and reissuance. Here's exactly what happens in every scenario.
What Is an American Airlines Companion Certificate?
A companion certificate lets a second passenger fly with you at a reduced rate (usually paying only taxes and fees, around $20–$100) on a domestic round-trip flight. They're issued annually to eligible AAdvantage credit cardholders upon renewal.
Can You Get a Refund on an American Airlines Companion Certificate?
It depends on why you're cancelling.
If You Cancel Voluntarily
- The companion certificate is not refunded in cash
- The certificate is reissued to your account if canceled before the ticketed flight departs
- The reissued certificate retains the original expiration date — it does not reset
- Taxes and fees are refunded to the original card
If American Airlines Cancels the Flight
- You're entitled to a full refund of taxes and fees to your original payment method
- The companion certificate is reissued to your AAdvantage account
- Under DOT rules, the reissued certificate should reflect the full remaining validity
If the Certificate Expires Unused
- Expired certificates are not extended or refunded
- Contact Citi AAdvantage card customer service at 1-800-950-5114 — in rare cases, extensions are granted for documented medical or military circumstances
How to Cancel a Companion Certificate Booking
For a full overview of your rights, see our American Airlines refund policy guide.
- Log in to aa.com → Manage Trips
- Select the companion booking
- Choose "Cancel" — the certificate returns to your AAdvantage account within 24–48 hours
- Taxes and fees refund to your card within 7 business days
Alternatively, call 1-800-433-7300 and ask an agent to cancel and reissue the certificate.
Companion Certificate Refund: Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Companion Certificate | Taxes & Fees |
|---|---|---|
| You cancel before departure | Reissued (same expiry) | Refunded to card |
| AA cancels the flight | Reissued | Refunded to card |
| You miss the flight (no-show) | Forfeited | Not refunded |
| Certificate expires unused | Forfeited | N/A |
| Flight significantly delayed | Reissued | Refunded to card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer my companion certificate to someone else? No. Companion certificates are non-transferable and must be used by the cardholder plus one companion traveling together on the same itinerary.
Does the companion certificate refund if my AAdvantage credit card is cancelled? If you cancel the card before using the certificate, the certificate is typically forfeited. Contact Citi at 1-800-950-5114 immediately if this applies to you.
What if the companion was charged more than taxes and fees? If you were charged a fare above the advertised companion rate due to a system error, call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300 and request a fare review.
For full refund rights when American Airlines cancels your flight, see our
