baxterboy12

New to United and the MP Explorer card.

Here is my situation:

4 passengers.
Domestic flights BNA-JAC-BNA
Award tickets on same itinerary. 37,500/pax. Miles are in Chase UR now so I can xfer to 2 separate MP accts if needed.
I have Explorer card.
No one has status.
None of the other 3 pax have Explorer card.
Everyone needs 2 checked bags because of fishing rods.
My wife also has Explorer card but is not traveling.

Terms of Explorer card say that if ticket is paid for with Explorer card, then 1st traveler and up to one companion get 1st bag free. This would save $50/roundtrip/person, or $200 if we could stretch it to all 4 pax.

Question is, should I transfer 75K UR to my wife, and 75K to me, book 2 pax under each account, and pay the $10/pax/award fees separately with her card ($20) and my card ($20). Would this get all 4 passengers the $50 RT savings?

Or would it be best to book the tickets now, 2 and 2, and then order an AU card for one pax who is on the other record locator so that he can show the United Explorer card at check in and ask for the free bags?

Does the United Explorer card used at purchase have to match name and MP acct of one of the pax?

Thanks.