Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.601 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Even if there is an interline baggage agreement in place between UA and US, will UA interline the bag if the 45-minute UA-US connection is illegal?
Unless the OP's wife needs access to the bag immediately upon arrival in ROC, I would consider just shipping the bag via FedEx or UPS ground service. Should only take a few days, and may be cheaper than the checked-baggage fee anyway.