Hi-

I have had the American Express Delta SkyMiles card for five years and have been very happy with the SkyMiles program (not so much, though, with American Express, but that's for another forum!)

I have received the Companion Certificate every year but this is the first year that I've wanted to use it. Unfortunately, the issuance of the certificate is based on the date that I opened my account, which was in December. It takes the certificate 2 months for me to receive it after issuance, and then I can book a trip up to 30 days before the trip, so it seems that there is a total of 3 months that I cannot use this certificate. Not counting the 30-day rule (which I might be misinterpreting anyway), I can use this only if my trip begins and ends between February (when I receive the certificate) and December 18th (my anniversary date).

This means that I can never use it for Christmas travel and that others who have opened their accounts in the summer can never use it for travel during summer. Even if I were to receive an e-certificate, how likely is it that I can book a fair for Christmas travel on the 18th of December?

Unfortunately, Delta says that it the certificate is completely American Express's deal and that they only provide the aircraft. American Express says that Delta sets the rules. I've spoken to supervisors at both companies and they all say it's the other's problem.

I think it's misleading that we are told about these great companion certificates but aren't told that there is a 2-month period, based on when you open your account, during which you cannot use the certificate or even fly. Maybe extending the "travel must be completed by" date by another couple of months would make it truly useful for all cardmembers.

Has anyone else had a problem with the issuance date conflicting with the dates they would like to travel?

Thanks-

Dave in Maine