Out of curiosity....
How soon after upgrading or applying for the platnium or reserve will the companion ticket be available ?
How soon after upgrading or applying for the platnium or reserve will the companion ticket be available ?
One year.
So basically you have to pay the annual fee twice before you recieve the companion ticket , correct ?
Technically speaking, I believe it's offered at the end of each completed membership year. I've read anecdotal evidence that it appears in your SkyMiles account, and doesn't disappear if the credit card account is closed. But yes, your next annual fee would be charged around the same time. If you fly with a companion at least once a year, even discounting the other great perks like free bags it should still pay for itself unless your companion flight was something like JFK-BWI or a sale fare.
@Anonymouswrote:
We had to change the rules while I was there so that you get it after the first year because some people were being naughty upgrading, using the certificate, and downgrading again! *tsk tsk tsk*
Yeah thanks for ruining it for everyone, guys! 
Certainly appreciate you chiming in! Guess it's harder to take back a certificate issued to a frequent flyer account than it is to seize Membership Rewards.
@Anonymouswrote:Can’t wait to use mine this year.....I’m planning a good one! Going to get lei’d. 🤗
@Anonymous I'm 99% sure that the companion certificate doesn't work for travel to Hawaii (except for a return trip if you originate and live in HI), though. Am I missing something? Also curious, since it's not mentioned explicitly, does the Reserve companion certificate only work on regular Domestic First and not Delta One on transcon flights? Would love to be able to take a redeye to CA and sleep for a change.
Delta wrote:
Companion Certificate is valid for one round-trip First-Class, Delta Comfort+® or Main Cabin companion ticket with the payment of applicable taxes and fees detailed below and the purchase of certain adult round-trip fares on published routings within the 48 contiguous United States. Residents of Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) must originate from there to the 48 contiguous United States and have an address on their SkyMiles account in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico or the USVI.