Originally Posted by
mlh1
This situation is a lot like one I was just checking into this morning.
I booked tickets for Thanksgiving for my Mother and sister using my CO miles. I've done this in the past for my Mother, and she always gets my elite benefits for baggage, security and boarding. However, this time, the first segment of the trip is on UA metal, and they do not have this policy, so they can't check bags for free like they usually can. I have my status matched and everything, but the PPlat desk explained that this isn't something UA ever did in the past.
This is absolutely true. In that instance, there is no benefit, since UA doesn't offer this perk.
I would recommend (if you're Plat?) to cancel the reservation, and perhaps pay for the award ticket using the Explorer Card that is in your mom or sister's name. That will give the free bags.
Otherwise, it's not worth the change fee to get a free $25 bag each.