Delta Is Issuing Companion Certificates to Some Passengers Affected by IT Outage

In July, a global IT blackout causing 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 were canceled. during power outages

Related: Delta’s downturn worsens with 800 flight cancellations on Monday; now 4,000 since Friday

At that time, many passenger reported that Delta did not do enough to meet their needs for meals, hotel stays, ground transportation and alternative flights according to the expectations outlined in the U.S. Department of Transportation Airline Customer Service control panel and in it Flight refund instructions.

These reports have led to an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection to ensure affected passengers receive the appropriate assistance to which they are entitled.

Despite the frustratingly long wait for passengers to be rebooked or refunded, Delta has complied with DOT policies and offered affected passengers the option of using flight credits for future trips or receiving a refund for the unused portion of their tickets. The airline has also issued meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and ground transportation for stranded passengers.

As a result of the disruption, Delta passengers changed their tickets. Certificate of Companionship during the downtime can expect to receive a welcome email in their inbox soon.

On Friday, Delta began sending email alerts to passengers who redeemed companion certificates during the shutdown. The email stated that Delta would issue new companion certificates within seven to 14 business days. The new certificates would be valid for one year from the date of issuance, extending the expiration date of the original certificate.

When I spoke with a Delta customer service representative to verify the validity of the email and companion certificate, a representative said the email was valid and that the airline was currently in the process of reissuing companion certificates used during the outage.

Some readers have reported in TPG Lounge They also received new companion certificates, even if their flights weren’t severely affected — their expiration dates were also extended.

Some Delta American Express Card offers annual companion certificate benefits, including 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.

Read more related: As Delta’s troubles drag on, here are the airline passenger rights you need to know

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 about your reissued companion certificate. Once received, you can find your companion certificate in your SkyMiles wallet on the Delta website or Fly Delta App.

Delta did not immediately respond to TPG’s request for comment.

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