Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.995MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,850
Welcome to FT!, gofrequentflyer
You can not combined two different purchases as a single PNR. But as an elite you can provide certain preqs to a companion travelling with you. The companion, even if on a separate PNR, can use elite checkin, security and boarding -- additionally they can join you in E+.
You companion will not get status mileage bonus -- those are individual preqs.
As for upgrades -- are you using miles or e500s or ???
The biggest upgrade issue is if they do not clear before DM (4 hours before departure) even thing is on individual status even if on the same PNR or not. For miles, there is not difference in priority for 1P or GM until DM -- it is first on the list. As for e500s the clearance window is normally on individual status but others have reported if you call you may be able to pass on your status to your companion.