Originally Posted by
Microwave
I think you're conflating a couple of sticker upgrade avenues:
The old days:
Elites can upgrade one non-status companion travelling with them on any economy fare
Non-elites travelling alone can upgrade on full fare economy fares when travelling without an elite
The new days:
Elites can upgrade one non-status companion travelling with them on any economy fare
Non-elites travelling alone can enjoy their free MCE seat when flying full fare economy and travelling without an elite
It looks like today (or at least starting March 1) a non-elite can not use their 500-mile upgrades unless travelling with an elite (see link in Wiki). I do believe the default is to pull the upgrade(s) from the elite, but you can request them to use the traveler's account.