I've used a couple companion certs on ATL-MCO in March the last couple years. IIRC I was booking sometime in December or January. Didn't have any problem finding flights - Friday to Sunday trips.
All of my companion certs are used without problem, booking anywhere from 1-5 months in advance. Yes, I have the advantage of booking these ex-ATL and having a wider selection of flights, but I think I've used 6 or 7 certs so far with zero problems. I've also never experienced the mystically higher fare when priced with the cert - my paid fare is always exactly what's available on ITA and DL.com without the cert. YMMV, I guess.
Originally Posted by
SunAlsoSetsLAX
The companion certificate is really disappointing -- I've forfeit it two out of three years I've had the platinum card.
Next time you're going to give up a cert, send me a PM and I'll happily take it off your hands.