Originally Posted by
LedgeT
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.
I don't think the rules have changed. One companion not on your PNR can be seated in preferred seating, which is not the same as EC. It would be great if it were true, but I was in a EC seat and when I asked to have my sister (no status) seated with me, we were both moved to preferred exit row seats.
I did not find what you are saying in the website but did find the preferred seating allotment. If I missed it, please post the link. Thanks.