The bottom line is you can hope your wife gets access if you add her to the ressie, but don't complain if she doesn't. It's really a case of YMMV on it happening. Dif properties/FDC automatically key access for both; others wait until the elite member arrives.

I'm not as uptight as others on it being elite only & not given to mum/dad/wife/hubby on the infrequent times they might be traveling w/o the elite, but the elite wants to do good by them.

I am a big believer in if they do extend you the courtesy you be grateful for it knowing they didn't have to do so, and if they don't you don't get bent out of shape for them for following the T&Cs.

Cheers.