A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Not sure if this is what you are asking but I think I am close
I book a revenue ticket for myself and award tickets out of my account for my two kids; I then call to Link the PNR's.
As for benefits, they always are able to sit with me in "preferred" seats but only after I Link the PNR. Also, IIRC, I had to get these preferred seats on the phone. I don't think that I am able to do it online
Other benefits such as security, its usually they are with me and PNR doesn't come into play. Free baggage has been allowed when I link as well. YMMV
I've had IRROPs as well and my kids were always put with me on whatever flight we were rebooked on. This was done automatically. Now that said and done, during IRROPS, I make this clear that they are on a linked PNR.
again YMMV