AA has three types of upgrades: mileage (sometimes with co-pay), eVIPs (AKA SWUs), and 500-mile segment upgrades.

A member can buy a mileage upgrade award for anyone. The member doesn't have to be on the same (or any) flight.

An eVIP can be given to anyone. Again, no rules about where the member is.

500-mile segment upgrades can be used for the member and one travel companion.

Doesn't seem that different from the LH policy.