Originally Posted by
akonradi
The Economy Comfort benefit only applies when the elite-status flyer is on the same PNR as his/her travel companions.
Since you're flying on a different fare, you aren't on their PNR, and the benefits don't extend to them. The agent was correct, and upheld the published policy.
The rules changed on 27 NOV 2012 regarding this.
Since the OP booked paid F, none of the family is entitled to free/reduced $ EC because the OP is not in EC.
The new rules are:
If on the same PNR - Up to 8 companions receive the same discounted (or free) rate as the Medallion.
If not on the same PNR - This is ONLY APPLICABLE for DM and PM on Int'l segments and GM/PM/DM (and FO w/in 24 hour check-in window) on Domestic segments - *ONE* companion can receive the same discounted (or free) rate that the DM/PM (Int'l) or FO (w/in 24 hour OLCI)/GM/PM/DM (Domestic) receives IF (1) the Medallion is in EC; (2) the companion is on the same segment (flight) as the Medallion; (3) the companion is booked in the same cabin of service.
If you get push back on this, just politely ask the agent to check the EC policy in their system (KM - Knowledge Management) under the 'Companion Seating' section. I pleasantly found this change a few weeks ago when booking a non status colleague on a different PNR into Domestic EC for no charge.