Originally Posted by
gpicur
Me = 1K; purchaser of ticket
Mrs. Gpicur = 1K; traveler
Originally Posted by
UAinAUS
This is absolutely correct. If OP and spouse are both traveling, then E+ is free for both. If spouse is flying alone, the 1K benefits do not transfer and E+ must be paid. No premier benefits are transferable unless the elite member is travelling (as of 2015).
OP said wife is 1K. If you look at OP's status, he is a Million Miler 1K. My guess is that the OP's wife is 1K by way of his status match. (That's how it works in my household). Wife is a FULL 1K regardless of whether or not she's traveling with the OP. (The only difference between the two 1Ks is that the sponsored 1K doesn't get GPUs and RPUs).
So, we're back to square one. This is another (in)famous UA glitch which may or may not be rectified as long as UA is illegitimately collecting revenue.