Even when a companion has been on the same PNR as me(I'm PLT), they have not been group 1, but whatever group their seat would be in. However, they have always just boarded and checked in with me with no problem. I've also been scheduled on one flight and a friend on another, and I would have them go to the FC counter with me to check their bags. Never had any problems. AA has always been accomodating to me in this regard.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ESpen36:
All pax traveling on the same PNR as an elite will have the same perks as the elite--priority check-in, priority boarding, etc. So your companion will be in Group 1 as well. No lounge access as GLD, though.</font>