A couple of weeks ago my wife (non-preferred) and I (SP) traveled RDU-PHL. On the outbound leg, my upgrade cleared at the airport, but the agent collected $50 for my wife's e-upgrade. On the return leg, upgrades again both cleared at the airport, but no $50 collected this time.

In the past, I thought that companion upgrades in this situation were gratis. What gives? Recent change?

A couple of weeks ago my wife (non-preferred) and I (SP) traveled RDU-PHL. On the outbound leg, my upgrade cleared at the airport, but the agent collected $50 for my wife's e-upgrade. On the return leg, upgrades again both cleared at the airport, but no $50 collected this time.

In the past, I thought that companion upgrades in this situation were gratis. What gives? Recent change?

If you put in for a companion upgrade, it's free. I do it all the time.
The agent who collected $50 from your wife was flat out wrong and needlessly took your money.

The companions need to be listed as a companion of the SP member. I believe you need to checkin at the same time or this can throw the process off as well sometimes.

-JC

Thanks all. Glad there hasn't been a change.

Just got off the phone with the SP desk and a refund is being issued.

good deal...i'm glad you got your cash back.

definitely ^ in your favor for getting the money back.

-JC

Happy for this outcome and thanks again for the responses.

I also have to extend props to the SP agent I talked to. She handled the situation very quickly and professionally. I think I was on the phone a grand total of 3 minutes.

The following is a statement from the US Air website. Since since US Air states: "The upgrade may be completed at the same time as the Preferred member upgrades," I assume a companion will upgrade at the three (3) day window for Gold Preferreds if seats are available??? If the companion is on the same reservation, do you need to inform US Air?

US Air states:

Upgrading a traveling companion using Preferred member's unlimited upgrades

Question
Can I upgrade a traveling companion using my unlimited upgrades?


Answer
Preferred members may upgrade one companion who is traveling on the same flight as the member providing the upgrade. The upgrade may be completed at the same time as the Preferred member upgrades.

Upgrades are not allowed if the companion is traveling on an award reservation.

Best bet is to confirm/request the upgrade for your companion via phone, JUST IN CASE.

-JC