Did he use a traditional FA or an OTA? Both traditional FA's and OTA's can offer "packaged" airfare/hotel which wont earn you points/night credit (at full service hotels you'll still earn incidental point credit though) BUT you will still be given all elite benefits...OTA's are most likely to offer a wholesaler package but traditional FA's can as well

If he booked "retail" rates then you'll also earn points on the room rate/night credit