Originally Posted by
chet
Does AA purposefully make it a hassle to upgrade 2 people in a 4 person reservation? I've done it a couple of times but always with problems. AA splits the reservation into two separate reservations. The two people who aren't part of the upgrade request reservation (neither with status) lose any benefit of my status (pay for checked bags, no priority seating etc). However, if I hadn't requested the upgrade, they'd have all of the benefits but no one would potentially be in first.
Am I doing it wrong, does AA not care or is this well known to AA and a way to create more revenue?
Splitting the reservation is the only way for their computer system to handle it.
If all four check in at the same time, the two upgraded can check the bags of the others (up to three bags for each upgraded passenger, or six bags total).
Priority seating is not done as a favor to the companions of elites, it is done for the elites - so they can sit with their companions. If you are not sitting with them, they have no right to take those seats and keep other elites from them.
If it is that important to you to preserve the baggage and priority seating privileges for your companions, don't upgrade.