Check your email: Delta is reissuing companion certificates to some passengers affected by IT meltdown

3 weeks ago 39

delta a350 1000 rendering

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our

advertising policy and

product review methodology for more information.

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.

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.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

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.

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:

Featured image by

AIRBUS/MMS/FIXION

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Read Entire Article